Is geranium oil good for seborrheic dermatitis?

Geranium oil has antifungal and anti-inflammatory activity and its scent promotes relaxation. These benefits may help to reduce the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis. However, there is limited research on the use of geranium oil for seborrheic dermatitis. I prefer to use geranium oil as a natural perfume and in aromatherapy for stress-reduction.

Let’s take a deep dive:

What is geranium oil?

Geranium oil is an essential oil that is extracted from the stems, leaves and flowers of the geranium plant. The oil may calm down the skin and reduce inflammation.

This beautifully-scented oil is non-toxic and gentle to use, even for those with sensitive skin. Therefore, it is widely used as an ingredient in perfumes and aromatherapy.

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Is geranium oil antifungal?

In lab studies, geranium oil was shown to have antifungal activity against Candida species and common skin bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus.

Rose geranium oil was found to be active against Malassezia pachydermatis in another lab study.

Benefits of geranium oil

Due to its antibacterial properties, geranium oil may help reduce acne breakouts.

Geranium oil can also reduce inflammation and may be good for inflammatory skin conditions like eczema and seborrheic dermatitis.

Geranium oil’s biggest benefit is its floral scent. Inhaling geranium has a calming effect and reduces stress. I don’t know about you, but my SD triggers are directly triggered by stress.

Does geranium oil improve seborrheic dermatitis?

There is still much research to be conducted on the benefits of geranium oil for seborrheic dermatitis. However, what we do know is that this oil can improve acne, reduce inflammation and promote relaxation.

Geranium oil was shown to be active against Malassezia pachydermatis, a type of Malassezia. However, I haven’t found any evidence that it has antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur.

Since there are many other essential oils that are more effective for seborrheic dermatitis like tea tree oil and black seed oil, I don’t use geranium oil topically. However, I dab it on my inner wrists as a perfume and use it in my diffuser for its calming effect.

Side effects of geranium oil

As far as essential oils go, geranium oil is a gentle, safe oil to use even for sensitive skin. However, as with any other compound, test it on a small area of skin first before you apply it on larger areas.

There is still a risk that geranium oil may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation and rash.

How do I use geranium oil for seborrheic dermatitis?

As I said before, geranium oil is not my first choice of essential oil for seborrheic dermatitis. However, it can still be used in combination with other oils and skincare products for its calming effect.

You can add it to your bath for a relaxing spa experience. Add about 10 drops of oil to the water and stir well. Soak in the tub for at least 20 minutes.

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You can add geranium oil to your favorite anti-dandruff shampoo or conditioner. To mix geranium oil with shampoo, add about 5 drops of oil to your normal amount of shampoo. Lather and rinse as usual.

Another way to use geranium oil is by adding it to a carrier oil like jojoba and dabbing a few drops onto your inner wrists. The scent is heavenly.

Geranium vs rose geranium oil

The main difference between ‘regular’ geranium and rose geranium is the scent. Rose geranium has a stronger floral scent and smells more like roses. Otherwise, they contain almost identical compounds and have similar benefits.

You may also be interested to read Rose water for seborrheic dermatitis: Good or bad?

To wrap up

Geranium oil likely won’t treat seborrheic dermatitis but won’t aggravate it either. My favorite way to use it is in aromatherapy and as a natural perfume for its calming effect. If you’re looking to treat your seborrheic dermatitis with essential oils, these are the most effective ones.