Eucalyptus Oil
An aromatic essential oil from Australian eucalyptus leaves, used in small amounts for its fresh scent and cooling feel.
Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, Eucalyptus citriodora oil, blue gum oil, eucalyptol, 1,8-cineole
What it does
Eucalyptus oil is an aromatic essential oil often found in clarifying cleansers, scrubs and masks for oily, congested skin. Sourced from the leaves of Australia’s own eucalyptus trees, eucalyptus oil gives these formulas a fresh, cooling feel. It is used in small amounts, as a supporting ingredient rather than an active.
How it works
Its main component, 1,8-cineole (also called eucalyptol), gives the oil its distinctive camphor-like scent and the cooling sensation you feel on the skin. In skincare it is used in small amounts for this refreshing effect; for congested, blemish-prone skin, look to well-studied actives such as salicylic acid, which exfoliates inside the pore to help keep pores clear.
MG says
The aromatic oil derived from the eucalyptus tree is also known for its distinctive, uplifting scent. Like other strong essential oils, though, it can irritate sensitive or reactive skin, so if that's you, choose fragrance-free formulas instead; if you're pregnant, check with your doctor before using products with essential oils.
Cautions
Never apply eucalyptus oil neat to the skin, and keep it away from the eyes. It is toxic if swallowed, so store it out of children's reach. It can irritate or sensitise some skin, so patch test products that contain it. If you're pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding, check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before using products with essential oils.
Regional notes
Australia: Neat eucalyptus oil is a Schedule 6 poison, with packaging and labelling rules; these apply to the bottled oil rather than to skincare containing a little of it.
