Citronellol Worst Fragrance Synthetic and Natural No known benefits Citronellol at a glance Volatile fragrance chemical Extracted from geranium, rose, and other plants Causes skin aggravation when exposed to air Citronellol description A volatile fragrance chemical extracted from geranium, rose, and other plants, citronellol has a characteristic grassy, citrus-like scent. Applied to skin, it can cause aggravation when exposed to air. This exposure causes the unstable citronellol molecule to oxidise, which is believed to trigger aggravation on skin.