What is it?
An essential oil obtained by passing steam through the fresh leaves or branch tips of Eucalyptus globulus. Its main constituent is 1,8-cineole, also called eucalyptol. In cosmetics and personal care products it works as a fragrance, and European regulators recognize it as a traditional herbal medicine for coughs with colds and for localized muscle pain.
Key information
- The CIR Expert Panel concluded in 2023 that eucalyptus-derived ingredients, including the leaf oil, are safe as used in cosmetics when formulated to be non-sensitizing.
- The EU's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety classifies eucalyptus oil as an established contact allergen, though positive patch tests are uncommon.
- EU labels must name Eucalyptus Globulus Oil above 0.001 percent in leave-on or 0.01 percent in rinse-off products placed on the market after July 31, 2026.
- The EU herbal monograph says eucalyptus oil medicines must not be used in children under 2 years.
More information
According to the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), crude eucalyptus oil has been found to contain as much as 58 percent 1,8-cineole, and rectified (redistilled) oil 70 to 80 percent, along with alpha-pinene, limonene and smaller amounts of other terpenes.
In 2023 the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that six Eucalyptus globulus-derived ingredients, including the leaf oil, are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration when formulated to be non-sensitizing. It advised formulators combining several botanicals to keep shared constituents of concern below harmful levels. In its 2012 review, the SCCS classified eucalyptus oil as an established contact allergen, although reactions were uncommon: 0.6 percent of 747 patients with suspected fragrance allergy in one study, and 0.2 percent of 6,680 patients in another. The EU has since added it to the fragrance allergens that must be named on labels.
The serious risk is swallowing. The European Medicines Agency’s herbal monograph says that taking more than the recommended dose by mouth can cause vomiting, breathing problems, depression of the central nervous system, loss of consciousness and convulsions. It says eucalyptus oil medicines must not be used in children under 24 months, because preparations containing 1,8-cineole can trigger spasm of the larynx, or in children with a history of seizures.
Keep bottles of undiluted oil out of children’s reach. On EU-style labels, look for Eucalyptus Globulus Oil or Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil.
Sources: Int J Toxicol (2023): CIR Safety Assessment of Eucalyptus globulus-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics; SCCS: Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (2012); EUR-Lex: Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 on labelling of fragrance allergens; European Medicines Agency: EU herbal monograph on eucalyptus oil (Revision 1, 2024)
