Geranyl acetate is insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents.

[2] Geranyl acetate is a constituent of many essential oils, including Ceylon citronella, palmarosa, lemon grass, petit grain, neroli, geranium, coriander, carrot, Camden woollybutt, and sassafras.

Geranyl acetate is used primarily as a component of perfumes for creams and soaps and as a flavoring ingredient.

It is used particularly in rose, lavender and geranium formulations where a sweet fruity or citrus aroma is desired.

It is designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as generally recognized as safe (GRAS).