Eucalyptus oil

Botanical0.1–1%

A cooling, fresh native essential oil used in body washes, foot care and invigorating scalp products.

What it is

Eucalyptus oil is steam-distilled from eucalyptus leaves and is rich in 1,8-cineole, which gives its familiar cool, clean smell. In skin and body care it is used mainly for fragrance and a fresh, tingling feel, with some cleansing and deodorising support.

Good for

Body odourFoot odourScalp refreshment

How it works

1,8-cineole (eucalyptol), the oil's main component, creates a cooling sensation on skin and shows antimicrobial activity in lab studies. In a finished product this gives a fresh, invigorating feel and helps keep skin and feet smelling fresh.

Ratings

Evidence

2/5

Good lab antimicrobial data, but little clinical skin evidence.

Gentleness

2/5

Concentrated oil irritates and can sensitise, so keep levels low.

Formulation difficulty

2/5

Easy to solubilise at low levels but volatile, so add at cool-down.

Cost

1/5

Inexpensive, though Australian-grown oil costs more than imported.

Popularity

3/5

Common in body washes, foot care and scalp products.

Pairs and cautions

Pairs well with

In a routine. Pairing in one formula depends on matching pH windows.

Take care with

Products for babies and young childrenCan irritate; 1,8-cineole can trigger airway spasm in under-twos
Leave-on use near the eyesCan irritate
High levels in leave-on productsIrritates and can sensitise

Formulations it suits

Body wash Cream ShampooScalp scrubBar soapBath soakBalm

Packaging

Regional considerations

Australia	Neat oil is Schedule 6 and needs a child-resistant cap on packs up to 2 L; small packs with a restricted flow insert and warnings, and products at 25% or less, are exempt. Congestion or muscle-pain claims make it a TGA medicine.
European Union	Eucalyptus globulus oil must be named as an allergen above 0.001% leave-on or 0.01% rinse-off. Blue mallee oil and eucalyptol are not listed, though the oil's limonene and pinene may need naming.
China	Eucalyptus Polybractea oil is not in China's IECIC, though Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil and eucalyptol are; use a listed oil or notify NMPA of a new ingredient.
United States	Cough or congestion claims make it an OTC drug, and FDA's monograph allows eucalyptus oil only at 1.2–1.3% with camphor and menthol in an ointment.

In the lab

Specifications

Typical use level

0.1–1%0525%

Solubility

Oil-soluble

Sensitive to

OxygenHeat

Washes, soaps and bath soaks use 0.5–1% for a strong, fresh scent; leave-on balms and foot creams use about 0.1–0.5%.

INCI	Eucalyptus Polybractea Branch/Leaf Oil
Also known as	Blue mallee oil, Eucalyptus Oil (generic INCI), Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil (blue gum, mostly imported)
Origin	plant-derived

Lab notes

Solubility and phase

Oil phase, or solubilise into water-based products.

Stability

Add below 40 °C and store sealed and cool, as the oil, often 70–90% 1,8-cineole, is volatile and prone to oxidation.

Regulatory, Australia

Poisons Standard Schedule 6 applies except to preparations with 25% or less and to packs of up to 15 mL (or 25 mL with a child-resistant cap) fitted with a restricted flow insert and warnings, so finished cosmetics are normally unscheduled. It is a cosmetic ingredient (AICIS), and the INCI name varies by species, so match it to the supplier's oil.

Claims to take care with

Cosmetic claims include 'refreshing', 'invigorating' and 'cooling', while 'relieves muscle pain', 'clears congestion' or 'antiseptic' are therapeutic and need ARTG entry (TGA).