Eucalyptus Oil in Skin Care

Eucalyptus oil (Eucalyptus Globulus) is a popular essential oil in many fragrances and skin care products.

It is toxic when ingested orally, but is considered non-toxic (clean) in skin care.

Eucalyptus oil is known for its profound anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hydrating, and antimicrobial abilities.

Read below to get all the facts on eucalyptus oil, and find out why it is not considered the best for every skin type.

To find out if eucalyptus oil is a good fit for your custom skin care regimen, take our quiz and shop by your Baumann Skin Type!

What kind of oil is eucalyptus oil?

Eucalyptus oil is considered a plant based essential oil.

Eucalyptus oil does not contain any fatty acids or other lipids, so it is not a true oil.

The oil is thin, spreadable, and contains many antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and even moisturizing properties.

Because it is thin and does not contain fatty acids, it is not considered a dry oil or a carrier oil.

What are the active compounds?

The primary active compound in eucalyptus oil is the monoterpene a-pinene, a potent anti-inflammatory compound. (1)

The essential oil also has a notable presence of eucalyptol (8-cinelol), followed by various other terpenes, aldehydes, and ketones all with their own properties.

Aldehydes and ketones are generally antimicrobial compounds, just as they are in eucalyptus oil.

There are dozens of compounds present and active in eucalyptus oil; one study measured 63 distinct active chemical compounds. (3)

Eucalyptus oil is considered to have an extremely low content of fatty acids or other lipids, meaning it is not a true oil in a technical sense.

Benefits of eucalyptus oil

Benefits

Eucalyptus oil has long been used in skin care for its potent antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. (1,3,4)

It is often considered among the most potent natural antimicrobial ingredients in skin care.

Topical application assists in the production of ceramides on the skin which moisturize the skin and assist in reducing TEWL.

The antioxidants present in the oil make it a compelling candidate for anti-aging products and regimens.

It is most commonly found in hygienic products and contributes to shelf stability by preventing oxidation and microbial growth.

Here are some of my favorite skin care products with eucalyptus:

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Viviscal Professional Hair Conditioner 250 ml Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Conditioner – Skin Type Solutions

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693,000

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Viviscal Professional Shampoo 250 ml Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Shampoo – Skin Type Solutions

Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Shampoo

₫

693,000

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Viviscal Professional Scalp Treatment Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Elixir – Skin Type Solutions

Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Elixir

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970,000

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Side-effects

There are a few notable dangers and side-effects associated with eucalyptus oil that should be considered before applying to your skin.

If you have rosacea, eucalyptus oil is considered one of the paramount oils to avoid.

Many people find eucalyptus oil irritating to the skin, it commonly results in stinging on applied areas.

It is considered extremely toxic when consumed orally, so please do not taste test your eucalyptus products.

Fortunately, toxicity associated with eucalyptus consumption only appears to have temporary effects in humans. (2)

It is common to have an allergy to eucalyptus oil. (8)

Is it safe?

Eucalyptus oil is considered safe and non-toxic when used in topical applications, like in skin care products. (4)

EWG rating is “4-6 depending on usage” which means it is not considered a particularly safe ingredient in certain situations.

The main reason for this low score is because it is toxic when ingested orally and has a fairly high chance of causing allergies.

If you are not allergic to eucalyptus and do not plan on eating it, it can be safe for use as a part of your skin care routine.

Is eucalyptus oil safe?

Uses

Because eucalyptus contains so many antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, it is commonly found in hygiene related skin care products such as:

Acne cleansers

Conditioners

Fragrances

Hair growth products

Shampoos

For hair

The moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties of eucalyptus oil make it a popular and good choice for hair care.

Studies have found compelling evidence that eucalyptus oil is good at hydrating and repairing the scalp and hair follicles. (7)

You can find eucalyptus oil in products designed to stimulate hair growth and thickening such as Viviscal’s thin to thick elixir.

When used alongside ingredients with other benefits to hair like UV protection or barrier repair function, eucalyptus oil is considered very good for many types of hair and scalps.

slide 5 to 7 of 3

Viviscal Professional Hair Conditioner 250 ml Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Conditioner – Skin Type Solutions

Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Conditioner

₫

693,000

See Product

Viviscal Professional Scalp Treatment Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Elixir – Skin Type Solutions

Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Elixir

₫

970,000

See Product

Viviscal Professional Shampoo 250 ml Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Shampoo – Skin Type Solutions

Viviscal Professional Thin to Thick Shampoo

₫

693,000

See Product

For acne

Eucalyptus oil contains potent antimicrobial components which make it useful in treatments of acne. (6)

Acne is caused by specific bacteria building up in clogged pores on the skin, so eliminating that bacteria is key to preventing acne.

In addition, eucalyptus oil is non-comedogenic, which means it does not itself clog pores or add oil to the face.

For dry skin

Eucalyptus oil might be good for the treatment of specific dry skin concerns, but it is probably not the best for extremely dry skin types as there are other oils with a higher amount of fatty acids that are more hydrating to the skin than this oil.

That being said, other studies have stated that eucalyptus extract can increase ceramides in human skin and improve the water holding capacity of the outermost layer of skin (the stratum corneum). (5)

Whether or not eucalyptus oil is right to include in your dry skin care routine depends on the severity of your skin’s dryness and your particular skin concerns.

Take our skin type quiz to see if eucalyptus products are the best choice for you!

Take the Quiz

For sensitive skin

Unless you have rosacea, skin stinging, or an allergy to this ingredient, it can be used in sensitive skin types.

It is a good anti-inflammatory ingredient, rich in soothing compounds. (4)

For hyperpigmentation

Eucalyptus has tyrosinase inhibiting properties, meaning it can be used in the treatment of various kinds of hyperpigmentation. (4)

The active compounds in eucalyptus oil were found to directly interfere with melanin production in skin, which means it could be a good ingredient in products designed for melasma or PIH.

The best treatments for dark spots include multiple active ingredients, so eucalyptus oil is most effective as a skin lightener in combination with others like:

Cysteamine

Ferulic acid

Licorice extract

Resorcinol

Eucalyptus oil for wrinkles

For wrinkles

Eucalyptus oils have expressed anti-aging effects in multiple studies (4) and are effective at eliminating free radicals on the skin.

Anti-aging treatments work by binding and removing oxidized radical ions from the skin which can cause genetic damage and wrinkles.

There are many kinds of anti-aging ingredients, and eucalyptus oil can be used alongside many of them.

Anti-aging regimens take a long time and have limited effects, so don’t expect applying eucalyptus oil daily to remove 15 years in two weeks.

Anti-aging regimens can take a long time to work, so the best way to treat wrinkles is to get ahead of them with preventative treatments.

DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life. What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin? Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition. Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes. If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider. What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin? Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity. Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C. Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post. Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C? Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster. This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster. While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin. It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin. Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning? Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance. You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather. Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.

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