Palmarosa oil (CAS 8014-19-5) — Floral Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Palmarosa oil
CAS 8014-19-5
What Is Palmarosa oil?
Palmarosa oil is a sweet, floral essential oil distilled from Cymbopogon martinii grass. You’ll find it in soaps, perfumes, and aromatherapy blends for its rosy scent. This oil matters because it’s a sustainable alternative to rose oil, offering similar floral notes at a fraction of the cost while supporting farming communities in India and Nepal.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Palmarosa oil Smell Like?
Palmarosa oil unfolds with an initial green, slightly herbaceous freshness that quickly blossoms into a lush floral heart reminiscent of rose petals and geraniums. The dry-down reveals soft, sweet hay-like nuances with a whisper of citrusy brightness. Unlike true rose oil, it lacks the honeyed depth but compensates with remarkable tenacity – a single drop can scent a room for hours. The overall impression is of dew-kissed roses at dawn, with a clean, almost soapy character that makes it perfect for fresh floral compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as the floral core, blending with violet and citrus to create a transparent, airy rose effect without the heaviness of traditional rose absolutes.
Provides the green-floral bridge between galbanum and iris, adding rosy warmth to this famously cool composition.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Palmarosa oil is primarily composed of geraniol (70-85%), along with geranyl acetate, linalool, and myrcene. The high geraniol content gives it the characteristic rosy scent. Steam distillation of partially dried grass yields the oil, with Indian varieties typically having higher geraniol content than African sources. The oil’s quality depends heavily on harvest timing – early harvest produces greener notes while later harvest maximizes floral character.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to olive liquid |
|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | 0.880-0.895 |
| Refractive Index | 1.470-1.478 |
| Optical Rotation | -2° to +3° |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geraniol | 106-24-1 | 154.25 | 229-230°C | 2.7 | 0.01 mmHg |
| Geranyl acetate | 105-87-3 | 196.29 | 242°C | 3.7 | 0.01 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Floral modifier in chypres and fougères |
| Soap | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Provides stable floral notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Add late in blending to preserve top notes – the high geraniol content can dominate delicate compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When more minty-rosy complexity is needed, though lacks palmarosa’s clean sweetness.
For cost-sensitive applications, but misses the natural complexity and green nuances.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA standards. Listed in IFRA Transparency List with no usage limits.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains geraniol (>0.001%) – must be declared under EU Cosmetics Regulation Annex III.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels in fragrance applications.
Sustainability
Palmarosa is considered a sustainable crop, requiring minimal water and pesticides. Most production comes from smallholder farms in India, providing important rural income. The grass regrows after cutting, allowing multiple harvests per year. However, climate change is affecting yields in traditional growing regions, prompting research into more resilient varieties.
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References
- Langeveld et al. (2010). Composition of palmarosa oil. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI 10.1002/ffj.1965
- ISO 4724:2004 Oil of palmarosa ISO Standard
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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