Bourbon geranium oil, the secret to radiant skin
Bourbon Geranium essential oil, with a soft rosy floral fragrance, ideal for skin, emotional well-being, and natural hair care.
Bourbon geranium, the delicate flower of balance
Bourbon geranium essential oil (Pelargonium × graveolens var. Bourbon) is one of the most precious essential oils in the world of natural wellness. Distilled from the leaves and flowering tops of the Bourbon geranium plant, it carries a sweet, rosy, and green fragrance often compared to rose oil. Thanks to its unique chemical composition and balanced floral aroma, Bourbon geranium is celebrated as a multi-purpose essential oil for skincare, emotional balance, perfumery, and holistic wellness.
The Bourbon geranium plant thrives in the tropical climate and volcanic soils of Réunion and Madagascar, where conditions enrich the plant with an exceptional profile of aromatic molecules. Its oil is renowned for having the finest and most balanced fragrance among geranium varieties, with a floral bouquet close to rose. For this reason, it is often used as a natural and sustainable alternative to rose oil in perfumery.
In aromatherapy, Bourbon geranium is called the “oil of balance” because it helps restore harmony to both mind and body. Its fragrance is uplifting yet calming, making it effective for reducing stress, anxiety, and emotional fatigue. In skincare and beauty traditions, this oil has been used for centuries to purify, tone, and regenerate the skin, leaving it radiant and youthful.
Manufacturing of bourbon geranium oil
The production of Bourbon geranium essential oil relies on steam distillation, a process that preserves the delicate balance of aromatic compounds.
Steps of distillation include:
- Harvesting – Fresh leaves and flowering tops are collected at their aromatic peak to ensure maximum potency.
- Loading the still – The plant material is placed in a traditional distillation still.
- Steam extraction – Gentle steam passes through the leaves, releasing the volatile aromatic molecules.
- Cooling and condensation – The vapors are cooled, forming a mixture of floral water and essential oil.
- Separation – The essential oil, lighter than water, naturally separates and is carefully collected.
The result is a 100% pure, natural essential oil with a fresh, rosy, and green fragrance, instantly recognizable as authentic Bourbon geranium.
Properties of bourbon geranium oil
Bourbon geranium essential oil is rich in monoterpenols (geraniol, citronellol, linalool) and esters, giving it its fragrance complexity and therapeutic versatility.
Key benefits include:
- Balancing & harmonizing – Helps reduce stress, nervous tension, mood swings, and promotes emotional equilibrium.
- Skincare ally – Antiseptic, astringent, and healing; beneficial for acne, irritation, scars, cuts, and mature skin.
- Anti-aging & regenerative – Improves circulation and supports collagen production, keeping skin firm, radiant, and youthful.
- Hormonal support – Traditionally used to ease PMS, menstrual discomfort, and menopausal symptoms.
- Circulatory & lymphatic care – Stimulates circulation and promotes drainage, useful in massage oils for cellulite and heavy legs.
- Natural insect repellent – Offers protection against mosquitoes and insects without synthetic chemicals.
Because of this broad spectrum of benefits, Bourbon geranium essential oil is often described as a “complete beauty and wellness oil”, equally effective in perfumery, cosmetics, and holistic aromatherapy.
Name and function INCI of bourbon geranium oil
Pelargonium graveolens Flower Oil
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- Agent arômatisant - Donne un arôme au produit cosmétique
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- Hair conditioning - Leaves hair easy to comb, soft, soft and shiny and / or confers volume, lightness and shine
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- Perfuming - Used for perfume and aromatic raw materials
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- Soothing - Helps to reduce the skin or scalp discomfort
Bourbon geranium essential oil – INCI mame and cosmetic functions
INCI name: Pelargonium graveolens Flower Oil (or Pelargonium graveolens Oil)
Cosmetic functions include:
Fragrance – Provides a fresh, rosy, and green floral note in perfumes, skincare, and aromatherapy blends.
Masking agent – Neutralizes or balances base odors in cosmetic formulations.
Skin conditioning – Balances sebum production, tones, and supports natural skin regeneration.
Soothing agent – Enhances body care and massage oils with relaxing and calming effects.
SOWÉ Botanic Lab quality commitments
At SOWÉ Botanic Lab, we select only the finest Bourbon geranium essential oil sourced from Réunion and Madagascar. To guarantee purity and authenticity, our oil is:
- Certified COSMOS organic by Ecocert.
- 100% pure and natural, without additives or synthetic fragrances.
- Produced with respect for the environment and local communities.
This dedication to quality, sustainability, and traceability ensures that every drop of Bourbon geranium essential oil delivers its true therapeutic, cosmetic, and aromatic benefits, whether you use it in skincare, perfumery, or aromatherapy rituals.
Use in hair care: scalp balance and strengthening
Thanks to its toning and purifying properties, Bourbon geranium essential oil plays a key role in natural hair care. In our Nourishing Hair Serum, it supports scalp balance, helps regulate sebum production, and promotes healthy hair growth by stimulating microcirculation. Its calming floral fragrance also enhances the sensorial experience during application.
Botanical & chemical profile
- Botanical name: Pelargonium × graveolens var. Bourbon
- Extraction method: Steam distillation
- Main constituents: Geraniol, Citronellol, Linalool, Isomenthone
- Origin: Réunion and Madagascar
Used in our formulations
This premium ingredient is featured in our best-selling Hair Serum – Nourishing & Anti-Hair Loss, where it contributes to both scalp care and aromatic balance.
Frequently asked questions
Is Bourbon geranium essential oil good for the scalp?
Yes, it helps balance sebum levels, calms irritation, and promotes circulation — ideal for a healthy scalp environment.
Can I use this oil on sensitive skin?
Yes, when properly diluted. Its gentle composition makes it suitable for sensitive or mature skin types.
How is Bourbon geranium different from other geranium oils?
Bourbon geranium, grown in Réunion and Madagascar, has a more refined, rosy scent and a better-balanced chemical profile, making it more suitable for perfumery and skincare.
