Geraniol constitutes the primary component of citronella oil, rose oil and palmarosa oil. It is a colorless liquid which is soluble in most organic solvents but not in water. It is a natural pest repellent and of relatively low toxicity. 

Geraniol is known to have anticancer properties. This terpene is a chemoprevention agent for cancer. Geraniol is a potent anti-carcinogen which has been tested for inhibitory effect on cancer cell development.