Thyme, Sweet / Geraniol

Thyme oil is not a single material. Thymus vulgaris grows as several chemotypes, plants identical in appearance that produce distinct oils. The phenolic thymol type is the most familiar. The geraniol type sits at the opposite end of the range, soft and rose-like, with none of the phenolic bite associated with thyme.

01 · Origin

A small woody shrub of the mint family, Lamiaceae, native to the western Mediterranean. Chemotype is fixed at the level of the individual plant and persists through cuttings. This oil is distilled in France from the flowering herb.

02 · Chemistry

Geranyl acetate leads, with geraniol alongside it. Beta-caryophyllene and linalool complete the main profile. An alcohol-and-ester composition of this kind places the oil among the gentler thymes.

03 · In Practice

Floral, citrus and herbaceous, with a faint medicinal edge. A middle note. Diffusion, massage blends, skincare formulation and comparative study of chemotypes. Blends with rose geranium, palmarosa, lavender, bergamot, lemon and rosemary.

General information: For external use only. Dilute before applying to skin. Keep away from heat and sunlight. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes.