Perfume bottle with a molecular shield representing fragrance safety.

Is Your Fragrance Safe? The Truth About Geranic Acid

Lena Kashyap in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"Dive into the world of fragrance ingredients and uncover the safety profile of geranic acid, a common scent component."

Fragrances are a part of our daily lives, from the perfumes we wear to the scented cleaning products we use. But have you ever stopped to consider the safety of the ingredients that create those pleasant aromas? One such ingredient, geranic acid, is found in numerous fragrances. Understanding its safety profile is crucial for both consumers and manufacturers.

Geranic acid, a naturally occurring compound, is used in a variety of fragrance formulations. However, like any chemical, it's essential to evaluate its potential risks. Regulatory bodies and research institutions, such as the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), play a crucial role in assessing the safety of these ingredients.

This article will explore the safety assessment of geranic acid, based on a comprehensive review by the Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety. We will delve into its potential health and environmental impacts, providing you with a clear and concise overview of the current scientific understanding.

Decoding the Safety Assessment: Key Findings

Perfume bottle with a molecular shield representing fragrance safety.

The Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety conducted a thorough evaluation of geranic acid, considering various factors to determine its safety under current usage conditions. Their assessment included a review of genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, skin sensitization, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, local respiratory toxicity, and environmental safety.

Here's a breakdown of the key findings:

Genotoxicity: Geranic acid is not expected to be genotoxic, meaning it's unlikely to damage DNA.
Skin Sensitization: Based on the Dermal Sensitization Threshold (DST), geranic acid poses no safety concerns at current use levels. The exposure is below the DST.
Repeated Dose & Reproductive Toxicity: Exposure levels are below the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for Cramer Class I materials, suggesting a low risk.
Phototoxicity/Photoallergenicity: UV spectra analysis indicates that geranic acid is not expected to be phototoxic or photoallergenic.
Local Respiratory Toxicity: Exposure is below the TTC, indicating a low risk of local respiratory issues.
Environmental Safety: Geranic acid is not classified as Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) under IFRA environmental standards. Risk quotients are below 1 in Europe and North America.

The panel's conclusion is that the use of geranic acid under current conditions is supported by the available data. This assessment relies on established guidelines and considers both publicly available and proprietary research data.

What Does This Mean for You?

The safety assessment of geranic acid provides valuable insights for consumers and manufacturers alike. Consumers can be reassured that, based on current scientific understanding, geranic acid poses a low risk when used in fragrances at typical concentrations.

Manufacturers can use this information to ensure their products comply with safety standards and to make informed decisions about ingredient selection. Transparency and adherence to safety guidelines are crucial for building consumer trust.

It's important to note that safety assessments are ongoing processes. As new research emerges, the safety profiles of fragrance ingredients are continuously re-evaluated to ensure consumer and environmental protection. Stay informed and choose products from reputable brands that prioritize safety and transparency.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is Geranic acid?

Geranic acid is a naturally occurring compound often used in fragrance formulations. Its significance lies in its widespread use in various products, making understanding its safety profile essential for consumers. As a key fragrance ingredient, its safety assessment is vital for ensuring the products we use daily are safe for both human health and the environment. Regulatory bodies and research institutions, like the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM), play a crucial role in evaluating the safety of such ingredients.

What are the main findings of the safety assessment for Geranic acid?

The Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety assessed several aspects. First, Genotoxicity was evaluated, and Geranic acid is not expected to damage DNA. Regarding Skin Sensitization, Geranic acid poses no safety concerns at current use levels. Exposure levels are below the Dermal Sensitization Threshold (DST). For Repeated Dose & Reproductive Toxicity, exposure levels are below the Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC) for Cramer Class I materials, indicating a low risk. Additionally, UV spectra analysis indicates that Geranic acid is not expected to be phototoxic or photoallergenic. Moreover, the exposure is below the TTC, indicating a low risk of local respiratory issues. Finally, Geranic acid is not classified as Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT) under IFRA environmental standards.

How is the safety of Geranic acid assessed?

The Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety considers various factors to determine the safety of Geranic acid under current usage conditions. This thorough evaluation includes assessment of genotoxicity, repeated dose toxicity, reproductive toxicity, skin sensitization, phototoxicity/photoallergenicity, local respiratory toxicity, and environmental safety. The panel's conclusion is based on established guidelines and relies on both publicly available and proprietary research data. The comprehensive review is important because it ensures a holistic understanding of the ingredient's potential impacts.

What does the safety assessment of Geranic acid mean for consumers and manufacturers?

The implications of Geranic acid's safety assessment are significant for both consumers and manufacturers. Consumers can be reassured that Geranic acid poses a low risk when used in fragrances at typical concentrations, based on current scientific understanding. For manufacturers, the assessment supports the safe use of Geranic acid in their products, allowing them to meet regulatory standards and provide safe products. The information provided by the Expert Panel for Fragrance Safety offers valuable insights, promoting transparency and trust in the fragrance industry.

What are safety standards in the context of fragrance ingredients like Geranic acid?

The term "safety standards" refers to the benchmarks used to evaluate the safety of fragrance ingredients such as Geranic acid. These standards are set by regulatory bodies and research institutions, like the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). They consider factors like genotoxicity, skin sensitization, and environmental impact to determine if an ingredient is safe for use in fragrances. These standards ensure that fragrance ingredients do not pose health risks to consumers or the environment.