Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
Also known as Eucalyptus oil, Blue gum eucalyptus leaf oil, Eucalyptus essential oil
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil is the volatile essential oil steam-distilled from fresh leaves of Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum eucalyptus, Myrtaceae), composed predominantly of 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol, 70-91%), with minor amounts of alpha-pinene, limonene, and other monoterpenes. The CIR Expert Panel published a standalone safety assessment in 2023 (IJT 42(1 suppl):57S-92S, PMID 37010839) covering six Eucalyptus globulus-derived ingredients; the Panel concluded these are safe in cosmetics at the concentrations described when formulated to be non-sensitizing, with the highest leave-on use concentration for the oil at 0.4%. A 2022 study (PMID 35335937) confirmed absence of skin irritation and sensitization from eucalyptus globulus essential oil in cell-based assays, and documented anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties including tyrosinase inhibition. A 2022 clinical trial (PMID 34986500) found a eucalyptus-containing essential oil blend to be non-toxic and non-phototoxic at study concentrations, improving skin barrier function and hydration in 40 participants over 90 days.
Anti-inflammatory activity: reduces pro-inflammatory markers in in vitro and ex vivo skin models
Anti-aging properties: decreases age-related senescence markers and inhibits tyrosinase (depigmenting effect) in vitro
Skin barrier support: clinical study showed improved barrier function, increased hydration, and decreased sebum in 90-day human trial
Antimicrobial and antiseptic properties attributable to high 1,8-cineole content
CIR-assessed safe in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-sensitizing
- · Major constituent 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) is a known fragrance allergen category compound; may trigger reactions in fragrance-sensitized individuals
- · Formulators advised to monitor cumulative constituent levels when multiple botanical ingredients each contribute eucalyptol or related monoterpenes to a formulation
Essential oil with documented sensitization potential: the CIR SQ qualification specifically requires non-sensitizing formulation; Human Repeat Insult Patch Test (HRIPT) was submitted at 0.5% concentration during CIR review
Oral/ingestion toxicity of eucalyptus oil is well-established (eucalyptol is toxic by ingestion even in small quantities in children); this is NOT a topical cosmetic safety concern at typical use levels (max 0.4% leave-on) but is relevant for product safety framing
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL row: Finding=SQ, Citation=Final Report 09/2018 available from CIR
“Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil | SQ | The CIR Expert Panel concluded that the following ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment when formulated to be non-sensitizing:...Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil... | Final Report 09/2018 available from CIR”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 191