Thanks to its uplifting scent, Rose Geranium essential oil sits firmly amongst our all-time favourite ingredients here at Blanka Soap. The scent is dreamy yet powerful, sweet and floral yet sophisticated and it is believed to be amazing for our mental wellbeing. In addition, the chemical compounds present in geranium essential oil are also beneficial to the skin, if used topically. Read on to find out more.
What are the main benefits of Rose Geranium essential oil?
Steam distilled from the plant’s leaves and flowers, Rose Geranium essential oil is a great balancer. It is often used to even out the sebum production by oily or combination complexions. It is also believed to hydrate and nourish dry or mature skin.
In terms of adding balance to our emotional well-being, Rose Geranium can be used to calm irritability, relax the mind and ease cases of insomnia. For this reason it is extremely popular in aromatherapy - the oil is used in scent diffusers or diluted with carrier oils to be used in therapeutic massage.
The strong smell of this oil can even be used to ward off insects such as mosquitoes, or as food or tobacco flavouring.
What is the difference between geranium and rose geranium?
You may have come across either of these names listed on skincare labels. While both essential oils come from the same plant genus and chemically are almost identical, the scent of rose geranium is more reminiscent of roses. The skin benefits of both oils are the same, and the skincare formulator might have chosen one or the other depending on their scent preferences.
Where does geranium essential oil come from?
Pelargonium graveolens is a species native to the counties of Southern Africa, however it is grown across the globe. Commercial geranium oil can originate from Egypt, India, Australia, South Africa and many other counties.
At Blanka Soap we use organic Rose Geranium oil from Kayonza District of Rwanda, from a project where widows of the 1990s war and genocide, are given tools and training to cultivate and distil essential oils. This provides a vital lifeline to the families, helping to rebuild their lives and to support education of the next generation.
In which products can I find Geranium oil?
Geranium oil is widely used in perfumery, skincare and haircare. We use it in our Moonlight and roses purifying soap bar with French pink clay.