Eucalyptus (80/82) Essential Oil

At ORY^®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about eucalyptus essential oil (80–82% cineole). Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.

Please note: ORY^® uses eucalyptus essential oil (80–82% cineole) mainly as a fragrance ingredient. Some studies on this page tested it in animals, in the lab, by inhalation (aromatherapy), or for medical conditions. FDA treats claims that a product relieves anxiety or stress-related conditions, helps you sleep, eases pain, or treats any condition as drug claims, so ORY^® does not make them.

Adults only: ORY^® eucalyptus products are for adult body use. Do not use on or near the face of children, and never on infants. Chest-rub, cough, congestion, and pain-relief claims are drug claims, so ORY^® does not make them.

1. General Description and Role

Verification: Supported. Essential oils in cosmetics are regulated as fragrance ingredients. Industry safety limits are set by IFRA Standards, based on safety assessments by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM). The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that Eucalyptus globulus-derived ingredients are safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing.

Citations:

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
    • What it shows: RIFM safety evaluation criteria.
  • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA Standards.
  • Becker, L. C., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(1 Suppl), 57S–92S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231164354
    • What it shows: CIR safety assessment.

2. Composition and Production

Verification: Supported. Composition is well documented.

Citations:

• • Sadlon, A. E., & Lamson, D. W. (2010). Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative Medicine Review, 15(1), 33–47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20359267/
    • What it shows: Review of eucalyptus oil.

3. Skin Type Suitability

Verification: Supported, with caveats. It can irritate facial and sensitive skin. Case reports describe serious poisoning in young children who swallowed it.

Citations:

• • Tibballs, J. (1995). Clinical effects and management of eucalyptus oil ingestion in infants and young children. Medical Journal of Australia, 163(4), 177–180. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1995.tb124516.x
    • What it shows: Ingestion cases in children.
  • National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control). Eucalyptus oil (small amounts swallowed can be dangerous to children). https://www.poison.org/articles/eucalyptus-oil
    • What it shows: Poison Control.

4. Hair and Scalp Suitability

Verification: Limited evidence. Lab studies found antibacterial activity; these do not support dandruff claims, which are drug claims.

Citations:

• • Bachir, R. G., & Benali, M. (2012). Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2(9), 739–742. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antibacterial%20activity%20of%20the%20essential%20oils%20from%20the%20leaves%20of%20Eucalyptus%20globulus%20against%20Escherichia%20coli%20and%20Staphylococcus%20aureus
    • What it shows: Lab study.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H
    • What it shows: FDA dandruff rule.

5. Benefits

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe antimicrobial effects and use in inhalation; cough and congestion relief and muscle-pain relief are drug uses regulated by FDA. Claims about mood, stress, or sleep are drug claims under FDA rules, so ORY^® describes only the scent.

Citations:

• • Sadlon, A. E., & Lamson, D. W. (2010). Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative Medicine Review, 15(1), 33–47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20359267/
    • What it shows: Review.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 341 (OTC Monograph M012) — Cold, cough, and nasal decongestant products, including 21 CFR 341.40(u) (camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil ointment); cough and decongestant claims are drug claims. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-341/subpart-B/section-341.40
    • What it shows: FDA cough/decongestant rules.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OTC Monograph M017 — External analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use (menthol as a topical analgesic/antipruritic at 0.1–1% and counterirritant at 1.25–16%). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M017-External%20Analgesic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2005.02.2023.pdf
    • What it shows: FDA pain-relief rules.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
    • What it shows: FDA on aromatherapy claims.

6. Use Across ORY^® Product Lines

Verification: Supported. ORY^® does not use it in facial leave-on products, lip products, or children’s products.

Citations:

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
    • What it shows: IFRA category limits.
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal limits reference.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
    • What it shows: FDA definition of soap; other bars are cosmetics.

7. Pros

Verification: Supported, with caveats. Scent and tradition are well documented; health benefits are not established for cosmetic use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Reference.

8. Cons

Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:

• • Children. Dangerous if swallowed; not for use near children’s faces.
  • Irritation. Not for the face.
  • Pets. Harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Fragrance allergens. Limonene must be declared on EU labels above set levels; FDA’s U.S. allergen-labeling rule is not yet final.
  • Oxidation. Old oils are more likely to cause allergy.

Citations:

• • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
    • What it shows: EU allergen labeling.
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
    • What it shows: U.S. MoCRA status.
  • Tibballs, J. (1995). Clinical effects and management of eucalyptus oil ingestion in infants and young children. Medical Journal of Australia, 163(4), 177–180. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1995.tb124516.x
    • What it shows: Child safety.

9. Safety Notes

Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:

• • Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
  • Never apply essential oils undiluted; ORY^® always dilutes them in a carrier or product base.
  • Keep away from the eyes, children, and pets; many essential oils are harmful to cats and dogs.
  • Store tightly closed away from heat and light. Oxidized (old) oils are more likely to cause allergy.
  • If you have a known fragrance allergy, check the ingredient list before use.
  • For adult use only. Keep out of reach of children; if swallowed, call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) right away.
  • Do not use on or near the face of children or on infants.
  • Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
  • For external use only. Avoid the eyes unless the product is made for the eye area.
  • If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.

Citations:

• • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414
    • What it shows: Dermal safety reference.
  • Tibballs, J. (1995). Clinical effects and management of eucalyptus oil ingestion in infants and young children. Medical Journal of Australia, 163(4), 177–180. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1995.tb124516.x
    • What it shows: Child ingestion.
  • National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control). Eucalyptus oil (small amounts swallowed can be dangerous to children). https://www.poison.org/articles/eucalyptus-oil
    • What it shows: Poison Control.

10. Product-line notes

• • ORY^® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
  • ORY^® Haircare: Designed for the look and feel of hair and scalp comfort. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss.
  • ORY^® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Scented soap may bother sensitive skin. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
  • ORY^® Cosmetics: Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.

11. References

Peer-reviewed research

• • Api, A. M., Belsito, D., Bruze, M., et al. (2015). Criteria for the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials, Inc. (RIFM) safety evaluation process for fragrance ingredients. Food and Chemical Toxicology, 82(Suppl), S1–S19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2014.11.014
  • Bachir, R. G., & Benali, M. (2012). Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 2(9), 739–742. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Antibacterial%20activity%20of%20the%20essential%20oils%20from%20the%20leaves%20of%20Eucalyptus%20globulus%20against%20Escherichia%20coli%20and%20Staphylococcus%20aureus
  • Becker, L. C., et al. (2023). Safety assessment of Eucalyptus globulus (eucalyptus)-derived ingredients as used in cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 42(1 Suppl), 57S–92S (safe when formulated to be non-sensitizing). https://doi.org/10.1177/10915818231164354
  • Sadlon, A. E., & Lamson, D. W. (2010). Immune-modifying and antimicrobial effects of Eucalyptus oil and simple inhalation devices. Alternative Medicine Review, 15(1), 33–47. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20359267/
  • Tibballs, J. (1995). Clinical effects and management of eucalyptus oil ingestion in infants and young children. Medical Journal of Australia, 163(4), 177–180. https://doi.org/10.5694/j.1326-5377.1995.tb124516.x
  • Tisserand, R., & Young, R. (2014). Essential oil safety: A guide for health care professionals (2nd ed.). Churchill Livingstone/Elsevier (reference book; ISBN 978-0-443-06241-4). https://search.worldcat.org/search?q=bn%3A9780443062414

Government and regulatory sources

• • International Fragrance Association (IFRA). IFRA Standards, 51st Amendment (notified June 30, 2023; in force as of September 2026) — maximum use levels by product category for restricted fragrance materials. https://ifrafragrance.org/safe-use/library
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Aromatherapy (claims that a product will relieve colic, ease pain, relax muscles, treat depression or anxiety, or help you sleep are drug claims). https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/aromatherapy
  • European Commission. Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens (expanded list; new products from July 31, 2026; existing products until July 31, 2028). https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545/oj
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Fragrance allergen labeling for cosmetics (MoCRA rulemaking, RIN 0910-AI90). As of September 2026, no proposed or final rule had been published. https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202404&RIN=0910-AI90
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 341 (OTC Monograph M012) — Cold, cough, and nasal decongestant products, including 21 CFR 341.40(u) (camphor, menthol, and eucalyptus oil ointment); cough and decongestant claims are drug claims. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-341/subpart-B/section-341.40
  • National Capital Poison Center (Poison Control). Eucalyptus oil (small amounts swallowed can be dangerous to children). https://www.poison.org/articles/eucalyptus-oil
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. OTC Monograph M017 — External analgesic drug products for over-the-counter human use (menthol as a topical analgesic/antipruritic at 0.1–1% and counterirritant at 1.25–16%). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/omuf/monographs/OTC%20Monograph_M017-External%20Analgesic%20Drug%20Products%20for%20OTC%20Human%20Use%2005.02.2023.pdf
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR 701.20 — Definition of “soap” (only true soap, made mainly of alkali salts of fatty acids and sold only as soap, is exempt from cosmetic rules). https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-G/part-701/subpart-B/section-701.20
  • U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 21 CFR Part 358, Subpart H — Drug products for the control of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis. https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-21/chapter-I/subchapter-D/part-358/subpart-H