Eucalyptus oil is a pale yellow or clear essential oil with a fresh, camphor-like aroma derived from the leaves of the blue gum eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus). We use this ingredient to add fragrance to many of our products.

Eucalyptus globulus is an evergreen native to Australia, but cultivated in many countries. Of over 300 Eucalyptus species, this is the most widely planted for use in essential oil production. Mature trees grow up to 55 meters tall, with long, fragrant yellowy-green pointed leaves. The outer bark sheds in long strips and regenerates quickly, while the inner bark plays a role in protecting the centre of the tree from fire damage.

Eucalyptus leaves can be harvested and steam distilled to produce eucalyptus oil, which is used in many applications including flavourings, fragrances, antiseptics and pharmaceuticals. Eucalptus oil is mostly composed of eucalyptol, an aromatic compound that gives the oil its distinctive spicy aroma and taste.

Botanical name: Eucalyptus globulus

Other names: Eucalyptus essential oil, Yuukari Yu (JPN)

Chemical class: Essential Oils and Waters

Main constituents: Eucalyptol, alpha-Pinene, p-Cymene, Myrcene, Terpinen-4-ol, gamma-terpinene.

REFERENCES

Ismail Almas, Ester Innocent, Francis Machumi, William Kisinza. Chemical composition of essential oils from Eucalyptus globulus and Eucalyptus maculata grown in Tanzania. Scientific African, Volume 12, 2021, e00758, ISSN 2468-2276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2021.e00758.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 2758, Eucalyptol. Retrieved September 3, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Eucalyptol.

Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2021-09-02. tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Eucalyptus+globulus