Interest in Tetrahydrogeraniol began to pick up once the fragrance sector started hunting for ingredients that could deliver powerful yet pleasant scents. Years ago, perfumers and chemists found that naturally occurring geraniol had a special charm, but its stability didn’t quite fit every formula. Over time, through both curiosity and necessity, researchers explored ways to transform geraniol into more stable forms. This drive spurred the creation of Tetrahydrogeraniol using hydrogenation techniques. As the 20th century rolled along, improvements in catalytic hydrogenation pushed this compound into the mainstream, giving companies a tool to create signature scents and flavors that could withstand storage, handling, and different manufacturing environments. The journey from niche research to wider adoption owes a lot to trial, error, and constant tweaking—all for the sake of finding molecules that offered both performance and safety in consumer products.
Tetrahydrogeraniol pops up often in fine fragrances, soaps, and cosmetic products, where its fresh, lightly floral note adds brightness without overpowering the blend. It steps in as a flavoring agent for food and beverages, particularly where fruit or citrus notes are desired in a more stable format than other terpenoids permit. Many companies choose Tetrahydrogeraniol because it can keep its qualities intact under tough conditions such as changes in temperature, exposure to air, or contact with other reactive ingredients. While it is known best as a fragrance booster, its role as a precursor in the manufacture of more complex compounds stays just beneath the surface, quietly influencing everything from flavor profiles to the textures and aromas of modern household products.
Tetrahydrogeraniol stands out as a colorless to pale yellow liquid, carrying a sweet, slightly floral smell with a dash of green character. Its boiling point sits comfortably above 200°C, and it shows moderate solubility in water but blends easily with oils and alcohols. Technically, it is a monocyclic monoterpene alcohol, meaning its core structure traces back to two linked isoprene units but has been modified through selective hydrogenation. Its molecular formula, C10H20O, reflects a fully saturated carbon chain with a single alcohol group attached. These physical traits help determine its ease of use in product development, from how it disperses in a solution to how it behaves under heat or mixing.
Manufacturers and suppliers describe Tetrahydrogeraniol with technical specs that cater to both quality and compliance. Purity often exceeds 97%, with analytical reports detailing limits on impurities such as geraniol or citronellol. Labels communicate its chemical identification, relevant CAS numbers, and storage recommendations—usually a cool, dark place to slow oxidation. Packaging uses containers that shield contents from light and air, which helps prevent any odor changes before the compound reaches the production floor. Documentation aligns with GHS safety protocols and stipulates guidelines for workplace exposure, spill procedures, and disposal, reflecting growing awareness of chemical stewardship and workplace safety.
Industrially, the main preparation of Tetrahydrogeraniol involves hydrogenating geraniol or nerol—both naturally occurring in essential oils—over metal catalysts like palladium or platinum. The process runs under carefully controlled conditions of temperature and pressure to ensure selectivity and yield. Companies monitor each stage to catch byproducts or incomplete reactions early, making tweaks until the final mixture hits benchmarks for purity, odor, and stability. Lab teams often investigate greener hydrogenation routes and recycled catalysts, motivated by the dual aim of efficiency and responsibility. Technical staff track every step since even a small change in temperature or catalyst age can shift the final quality.
Tetrahydrogeraniol serves as a base structure for a range of chemical reactions. Its alcohol group opens the door to esterification, oxidation, and even halogenation—producing derivatives used in everything from specialty flavors to advanced polymers. Researchers have experimented with transforming it into acetates or other esters to unlock fresh aromatic notes. While some teams design modifications to ramp up performance in specific industrial applications, others focus on subtle tweaks to address regulatory or allergenic issues in consumer goods. Each pathway uncovers new physical or olfactory traits, feeding into product pipelines for both established and niche markets.
Across chemical catalogs and supplier lists, Tetrahydrogeraniol often goes by alternate names such as 2,6-Dimethyloct-7-en-2-ol or Dihydrogeraniol. Some brands use trade names to cement differentiated identities for what is fundamentally the same molecule, especially in markets that emphasize either natural sourcing or synthetic purity. Synonyms can keep purchasing straightforward by linking similar compounds under single supplier codes or regulatory entries, saving technical teams time and confusion in sourcing replacements and reviewing safety data.
Handling Tetrahydrogeraniol in a production setting calls for basic safety gear like gloves, splash goggles, and good ventilation, which protect staff from both skin and inhalation exposure. Although considered low-to-moderate risk at typical concentrations, suppliers advise keeping the substance away from flame and strong oxidizers to cut down fire risk or unwanted reactions. Storage protocols suggest sealed containers and clear labeling so chemical mix-ups, which have caused problems in other operations, drop to a minimum. Companies invest in site training to ensure workers understand both physical hazards and safe response steps in case of accidental spills or leaks. These protections support both day-to-day efficiency and long-term workplace health.
Tetrahydrogeraniol finds a major home in personal care—perfumes, colognes, creams, and detergents—where chemists trust its gentle yet reliable scent to carry through a variety of media. Its relative inertness and stable scent profile make it a popular choice in splashy, heavily branded fragrances as well as in private-label or eco-focused alternatives. Food processing plants and beverage makers see the compound as a subtle flavor enhancer, often looking for natural-identical or allergen-friendly status to reach label-conscious consumers. It also slips into specialty chemical formulations, supporting lubricants, solvents, and other engineered fluids that require not just performance but a clean, pleasant working aroma in their end use.
Teams in universities and chemical companies keep searching for the next leap in both synthesis and application. On the synthesis side, researchers want to swap out petrochemical feedstocks for renewable starting materials, eyeing both environmental benefit and consumer appeal. Some efforts focus on optimizing enzymes or bio-catalysts, using living systems to convert plant terpenes into Tetrahydrogeraniol more efficiently than classic hydrogenation. Application research digs into blending options that stretch beyond fragrance and food, exploring uses in biodegradable packaging, smart coatings, or even medical products where low toxicity and predictable breakdown could matter. These R&D projects thrive on collaboration—bringing together fragrance experts, process engineers, and end users to swap hard-won lessons and spark unlikely breakthroughs.
Toxicologists have put Tetrahydrogeraniol under the microscope, running tests on acute oral, dermal, and inhalation exposure to pin down its safety window. Current studies suggest mild to moderate irritation risk for some users, mostly at higher concentrations or with repeated contact, but no serious long-term or carcinogenic effects at levels found in commercial products. Veterinary studies and in vitro analysis show low risks to aquatic life and mammals, though regulators continue to urge ongoing surveillance to catch emergent hazards. I’ve seen companies lean on openly published data and third-party reviews, both to build confidence with regulatory bodies and to guide best practices in product formulation, labeling, and customer support.
Looking ahead, the demand for Tetrahydrogeraniol seems likely to keep rising, tied closely to global interest in sustainability and clean-label goods. Countries are tightening controls on fragrance allergens and chemical waste, nudging every stakeholder to find greener ways to make and use these compounds. Creative teams in the flavor and fragrance sector want new derivatives, betting that unique molecules can unlock the next consumer craze. Meanwhile, startups in specialty chemicals and green technology push combos of Tetrahydrogeraniol with biopolymers or advanced surfactants, aiming to jump ahead of regulatory shifts. The future for this niche but essential ingredient rides on both scientific creativity and practical application—where every improvement adds up to safer, cleaner, and more enjoyable products.
Open a bottle of shampoo, spritz some perfume, or lather on a scented lotion—chances are you’re coming across Tetrahydrogeraniol without ever seeing its name on the label. This molecule adds a soft floral note, something close to roses but lighter, to all kinds of personal care products. It’s also common in air fresheners and household cleaners, proving fragrance isn’t only about smelling pleasant—comfort and familiarity ride along with each sniff.
Perfumers love Tetrahydrogeraniol. It brings a gentle sweetness to floral scents, rounding out sharp edges that other ingredients might bring. Think of a garden early in the morning: not too heavy, not overpowering, just right for daily wear. Tetrahydrogeraniol bridges the gap between natural and synthetic scents. It exists in some roses and citronella, but modern perfume calls for both consistency and safety. The ingredient keeps things stable, and it stands up to skin and sunlight better than some natural oils.
Cosmetic chemists also reach for Tetrahydrogeraniol when they want fragrance that lingers. It mixes smoothly with both simple lotions and more sophisticated creams. In lipsticks and moisturizers, it fades in the right way—never too fast, never sticking around awkwardly after everything else has washed off. The molecule’s stability helps brands promise safety and predictability for everyday users.
Food technologists sometimes use Tetrahydrogeraniol to enhance fruity flavors, especially in candies or soft drinks. It shows up only in trace amounts because flavor rules run stricter than those for personal care. Research and toxicology studies support its use in tiny doses, making it a reliable background player rather than a star attraction.
Cleaning products need more than tough surfactants. A pleasant after-scent masks harsher chemical odors left behind. Tetrahydrogeraniol helps leave bathrooms, kitchens, and floors with a soft clean smell. Some air fresheners use it to imitate the lightness of wildflowers or cut grass. Experience says smells can trigger feelings of freshness, relaxation, or energy—companies know this, and Tetrahydrogeraniol gets picked for those subtle jobs that big commercials don’t mention.
Many chemicals raise questions about long-term safety and environmental impact. Patch tests and safety assessments by scientific panels, such as the IFRA (International Fragrance Association) and the Food and Drug Administration in the U.S., back up decisions to put Tetrahydrogeraniol in mass-market products. That said, nothing stays the same in the world of consumer health. Responsible brands keep an eye on new research about skin allergies or bioaccumulation in water supplies. Moving forward, demand grows for greener chemistry and better disposal practices from both manufacturers and consumers.
Tetrahydrogeraniol plays a behind-the-scenes role in making daily rituals more pleasant, whether that means a shower gel that feels luxurious or a detergent that leaves towels with a trace of freshness. I’ve learned to care about what’s mixed into personal and household staples, and the science tells me one molecule can change the whole experience. The challenge comes in matching today’s taste for gentle, long-lasting fragrances with the push for safety and sustainability. Innovation and honest label information give both consumers and makers a better shot at balance, using these molecules with care and respect for health and the environment.
Tetrahydrogeraniol shows up on cosmetic ingredient lists from skin creams to deodorants. The name sounds intimidating, but we're basically looking at a compound related to the scent of fresh flowers. Companies use it mostly for its mild, pleasant fragrance. I see it pop up where products aim for a “natural,” soft appeal and a “clean” label.
We care about what goes onto our skin because it does much more than cover us. Sensitive folks know even tiny quantities of the wrong thing can leave a rash or worse. Tetrahydrogeraniol gets attention because it comes from the same family as geraniol—a fragrant ingredient tied to some rare allergic reactions, though mostly at much higher concentration than what’s found in daily products.
Scientists have put tetrahydrogeraniol through the usual screenings for toxicity and allergic risk. Labs in Europe and the U.S. checked how people’s skin reacts when exposed to this chemical, either pure or mixed in common lotions. Mostly, they saw little to no irritation at the levels you’d expect in typical formulas. Safety often depends on how much appears in a product. Common ratios are well under one percent. These kinds of amounts line up with what industry groups, like the International Fragrance Association, recommend for safety.
I like to see what regulators and researchers agree on. Both the European Union and United States Food and Drug Administration track fragrances closely since allergic reactions, though rare, can sneak up after repeated use. The EU flags ingredients when real concerns show up, but tetrahydrogeraniol keeps cruising under the radar, with no major red flags. I hunted down a handful of peer-reviewed studies focused on contact allergy. In most, less than 1 or 2 percent of users get any skin reaction, and even that number drops at lower concentrations.
What stood out is that products today get patch tested more carefully than ever before. Brands avoid high doses, and the handful of folks who do react often have a background of pre-existing sensitivity to fragrances. The context always matters: isolated reactions happen, but broad population studies say very few people run into real trouble with this ingredient.
Consumer trust means everything in the beauty world. Even a whisper of allergy risk gets consumers asking questions. For people who’ve reacted to scented products in the past, it pays to check labels or opt for fragrance-free choices. I learned the hard way with a face cream—what feels gentle for one person can sting another. The main fix here comes from transparency and honest labelling. Most responsible brands list their full ingredient decks, including scent materials.
There’s also testing. Patch tests at the dermatologist’s office clear things up for anyone unsure. Labs today use better and more sensitive tech for detecting tiny reactions. Open communication between companies and users helps both sides. Science may say a chemical’s safe, but real-world feedback keeps brands responsible.
In the rush for cleaner, more natural formulas, the spotlight on fragrance safety only grows. Tetrahydrogeraniol earns its place with a steady track record and low risk at the amounts seen in stores. Years of research plus careful safety standards from law and industry watchdogs help keep cosmetic shelves safe for most shoppers. Staying curious and reading up on ingredients—I’ve found—turns worry into informed confidence.
Tetrahydrogeraniol is one of those hidden ingredients that shows up in more places than most notice. I first came across it working with a perfumer who understood that smell can shape memory. This compound shows up in fragrances for soaps, creams, and even household cleaners. The reason? It delivers a soft, floral scent that feels familiar—something close to the smell of fresh-cut flowers, only less sharp. Many scented products get their appeal from this one-molecule trick. Brand owners know people gravitate toward scents that suggest “clean” without triggering allergies or overpowering rooms. Tetrahydrogeraniol fills that need in a dependable way.
Talking with friends who struggle with sensitive skin, I notice a pattern: most avoid products with harsh synthetic scents. Research backs this up, showing that tetrahydrogeraniol rarely irritates skin or scalp. An IFRA safety panel review highlights it as safe for rinse-off and leave-on items at typical concentrations. It doesn’t sneak up later with hidden effects either. Formulators rely on it to build fragrances that keep products feeling mild, especially for people who want to avoid parabens and aggressive preservatives. From my experience with people testing natural-based products, those that use tetrahydrogeraniol tend to get more positive feedback over typical synthetic scents.
A lot of folks have no clue tetrahydrogeraniol also plays a part in flavors. In food labs, the molecule acts as a subtle flavor enhancer—think tiny amounts in baked goods, chewing gum, and sometimes even drinks. If you’ve chewed mint gum that tastes just a bit sweeter and lighter, there’s a chance this compound helped round off the sharpness. The flavor industry has tracked it for years because it sits in the “generally recognized as safe” pile for this purpose, at least in the small amounts used.
Sustainability is a big topic these days. Many manufacturers now want traceable, eco-friendly ingredients. Tetrahydrogeraniol can come from natural sources like citronella oil, but companies have also learned how to make it efficiently through hydrogenation of geraniol. As a result, supply can keep up with high demand, and companies using green chemistry methods lower the impact on land and resources. I’ve seen more brands calling attention to these cleaner sourcing choices in their product marketing, and they report more trust from consumers who read labels closely.
Companies are experimenting with new uses for tetrahydrogeraniol. Some are looking at antimicrobial properties, hoping to craft milder, more effective personal care products. Lab studies suggest it helps control bacteria in some conditions, without resorting to tough chemical preservatives. As consumer demand rises for clean-label and hypoallergenic goods, this molecule could play a bigger role. The more people learn about what goes into their products, the more important it gets to lean on simple, reliable ingredients. From what I’ve watched over years working with both consumers and formulators, tetrahydrogeraniol stands out for reasons that matter: familiar scent, low irritation, and a track record of safe use across several industries.
Anyone who spends time scanning ingredient lists on personal care products will see names like tetrahydrogeraniol. Some people wrinkle their noses, suspecting anything too long or scientific must be a “chemical,” something concocted far from nature. Others search for reassurance—does it come from a plant, or did it start in a lab? Questions about the origins of additives such as tetrahydrogeraniol matter to folks trying to make choices about what they put on their skin or into their air.
Tetrahydrogeraniol shows up in countless scented goods, from perfumes to air fresheners, and even in foods as a flavoring. Chemically, it’s related to geraniol, a compound that occurs naturally in essential oils, such as rose and citronella. So is tetrahydrogeraniol natural? Here’s where things get real. The molecule itself can be found in nature—trace amounts turn up in some essential oils. The stuff most people encounter comes from labs, not pressed flowers or freshly peeled fruit. That’s because taking it straight from plants would be expensive, unpredictable, and unsustainable if scaled up for big industries.
Research backs this up. A study published in Flavour and Fragrance Journal shows that commercial tetrahydrogeraniol almost always comes from chemical hydrogenation of geraniol. This means scientists take plant-derived or synthetic geraniol and run it through a reaction to add hydrogen atoms, creating a “saturated” version. The process lets manufacturers crank out large amounts safely and consistently, which matters for businesses trying to guarantee quality batch after batch.
Many people equate “natural” with safe or good. That isn’t always true. Poison ivy is natural, but nobody’s rubbing it on their skin. Synthetic doesn’t always spell trouble either. What counts is how a substance behaves once it’s applied, inhaled, or eaten. Rigorous safety studies on tetrahydrogeraniol show it tends to be well-tolerated in the doses found in finished products, whether made in a lab or harvested from a plant. The International Fragrance Association sets strict limits and reviews new research to keep people protected.
That said, there’s a real benefit to ingredient transparency. Customers want labels to tell the story honestly: Is a compound made in a lab, or does it come from a field of roses? This helps people make choices that match their ethics, allergies, and personal tastes. It also builds trust. In my own shopping, I notice that brands that spell out their sources—like listing “nature-identical” or specifying “from essential oil”—win more loyalty. Nobody likes surprises on a label.
It’s smart for companies to provide supporting information—certificates of analysis, supply chain details, allergen disclosures—for ingredients like tetrahydrogeraniol. Testing and traceability satisfy regulators and ease consumer worries. If makers see demand for more natural extraction, they can partner with growers or support new green chemistry. Scientists are constantly developing cleaner ways to synthesize old favorites, marrying affordability with sustainability.
People crave honest answers about what’s going into their products. For now, most tetrahydrogeraniol out there comes from industrial processes, not flower fields. Understanding these facts gives us the power to ask better questions and make choices that fit our needs, not just marketing claims.
Tetrahydrogeraniol often pops up on ingredient lists for perfumes, body washes, lotions, and even some cleaning products. As a fragrance ingredient, it brings a mild, pleasant scent a lot of people enjoy. Chemists classify it as a terpene derivative, similar to natural smells you’d recognize from flowers or fruits. It doesn’t sound dangerous on its own, but our daily lives offer more than one story of how something harmless turns bothersome, especially for folks with sensitive skin.
Many skin reactions I’ve seen, and even experienced myself, crept up from routine use of things meant to make life easier or smell better. Research tells us that fragrance allergies count for a big portion of skin complaints. Tetrahydrogeraniol can act as a sensitizer, meaning that with enough exposure, skin might start fighting back. Symptoms usually show up as redness, itching, hives, or eczema-like rashes right where the product touched.
The European Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety recognizes a whole class of fragrance ingredients, including Tetrahydrogeraniol, as contributors to skin allergy in some people. Actual cases stay rare compared to the number of products out there, but allergy reports reach medical journals every year. My dermatologist once pointed out that it’s often tough to trace back a breakout to a fragrance because most bottles don’t clarify how much of each ingredient sits inside.
Peer-reviewed studies in journals such as Contact Dermatitis describe reactions in patients who patch-tested positive for Tetrahydrogeraniol. Some tested pure forms, and others got it from cosmetic products. One important detail: a person doesn’t just wake up sensitive after one use—it takes repeated contact to start the cycle. Once it happens, anything with the compound can trigger a problem. Not every exposure leads to an outbreak, and most people handle products just fine. Still, for a slice of the population, the risk turns real enough to change shopping habits.
Anyone with pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or a history of perfume allergies might want to check ingredient labels closely. Parents of babies, too. Little ones’ skin can react fast, and doctors see rashes from scented wipes or soaps regularly. Older adults with thinning skin face a similar risk. My niece developed a rash on her arms after using a new scented lotion last summer. The culprit ended up being not the “natural” scent on the label, but a cluster of synthetic components inside, including Tetrahydrogeraniol. It took weeks to clear with prescription creams.
Personal care has shifted toward transparency, at least a little. Some brands list potential allergens and offer fragrance-free versions. Reading labels becomes key, and smaller companies usually respond fastest to customer requests for details. Medical groups recommend patch-testing any new scented product somewhere hidden on your body before regular use. Dermatologists, including my own, regularly publish advice on fragrance ingredients and call for bigger font sizes and plainer language on labels.
It helps to report new skin reactions to both doctors and consumer safety sites. Those complaint databases often trigger recalls or reformulations. For now, the best defense stays in our own hands: skip unnecessary scented products if your skin feels easy to anger. If a reaction pops up, bring the actual bottle to your care provider—sometimes it takes digging for ingredient details to find the trigger. For anyone set on scented soaps, hunting down brands that spell out all ingredients—not just “fragrance”—offers another layer of protection. In the end, knowing what touches your skin gives you a fighting chance at avoiding a rash nobody needs.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2,6-Dimethyloctan-2-ol |
| Other names |
2,6-Dimethyloct-7-en-2-ol
3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol Hydrogeraniol |
| Pronunciation | /ˌtɛtrəˌhaɪdroʊdʒəˈræniˌɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 106-21-8 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `/display=JSMOL('{ "mol":"C1OCC(C(CO1)O)O" }')` |
| Beilstein Reference | 3581814 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:76238 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL16275 |
| ChemSpider | 167367 |
| DrugBank | DB08241 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.164.416 |
| EC Number | 230-567-6 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8782 |
| KEGG | C02473 |
| MeSH | D017059 |
| PubChem CID | 12404204 |
| RTECS number | RN2275000 |
| UNII | 2Z7Z3476SW |
| UN number | UN3082 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID1051639 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C10H22O |
| Molar mass | 156.27 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
| Odor | mild rose odor |
| Density | 0.857 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble |
| log P | 1.66 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.0297 mmHg at 25°C |
| Acidity (pKa) | 15.6 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 6.39 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -71.0·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.454 |
| Viscosity | Viscous liquid |
| Dipole moment | 2.51 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 236.5 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -314 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -3230.7 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Hazards | |
| Main hazards | Causes skin irritation. Causes serious eye irritation. |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H317: May cause an allergic skin reaction. |
| Precautionary statements | P264, P273, P280, P302+P352, P305+P351+P338, P337+P313 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | > 92 °C |
| Autoignition temperature | > 220 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 0.7–5.3% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 3600 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): >5,000 mg/kg (rat, oral) |
| NIOSH | GY5950000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL for Tetrahydrogeraniol is not established. |
| REL (Recommended) | 5 mg |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Geraniol
Neryl acetate Citronellol Neryl formate Geranyl acetate Citral |
