Eucalyptus oil (globulus)
IFRA's annex does not list this oil, so no maximum is worked out for it here. Ask your supplier for its IFRA certificate.
IFRA maximum for soap
not in IFRA's annex
Check a blend against its IFRA limits and list its allergens in the fragrance and allergen calculator.
How essential oils behave in soap, and how much to use: Scenting soap.
Identity and labelling
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
- Botanical name
- Eucalyptus globulus
- CAS
- 8000-48-4, 84625-32-1
- EC
- 283-406-2
The EU names this oil itself as a fragrance allergen (Regulation (EU) 2023/1545, Annex III entry 355): it goes on the label by name above 0.01 % in a rinse-off product.
What it is and how it behaves in soap
Eucalyptus oil (globulus) is steam-distilled from the leaves and twigs of the Tasmanian blue gum, Eucalyptus globulus, and three-quarters or more of it is 1,8-cineole (EFSA). In the early 1990s China made most of the world's medicinal eucalyptus oil, and Portugal, Spain, India, Brazil and Chile also produced globulus oil (FAO). It has the sharp, camphor-like smell of a chest rub and is one of the cheaper oils.
Faiola lists eucalyptus among the oils that behave well in cold process. It is a top note (Cable; Fisher) that fades over the cure, so pair it with lavender, rosemary or a base note. Cable uses 0.9 to 1.6 % of the oils, and Faiola uses it alone at 4.5 %. IFRA's annex gives no figure for it, so the ceiling is your supplier's certificate.
The SCCS counts eucalyptus oil among established contact allergens, and the Merck Veterinary Manual lists eucalyptus among oils that can cause seizures in pets.
Recipes that use it
Sources
- CosIng, the cosmetic ingredient database: EUCALYPTUS GLOBULUS LEAF OIL, European Commission
- Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labelling of fragrance allergens in cosmetic products, European Commission. Annex, entry 355
- EFSA FEEDAP Panel, Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of an essential oil derived from Eucalyptus globulus Labill. (eucalyptus oil) for all animal species, EFSA Journal (2023). Steam distillation of the leaves and twigs; 1,8-cineole about 72 to 87 % in the batches tested
- J. J. W. Coppen, Flavours and fragrances of plant origin (Non-Wood Forest Products 1), Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (1995). China the largest producer of medicinal eucalyptus oil; globulus oil also from Portugal, Spain, India, Brazil and Chile; one of the lower-priced oils
- Anne-Marie Faiola, Soap Crafting, Storey Publishing (2013). Eucalyptus among the essential oils that are typically wonderful in cold process soap
- Anne-Marie Faiola, Pure Soapmaking, Storey Publishing (2016). Eucalyptus alone at 4.5 % of the oils
- Kelly Cable, The Natural Soap Making Book for Beginners, Althea Press (2017). Eucalyptus as a top note, at 0.9 to 1.6 % of the oils
- David Fisher, The Complete Photo Guide to Soap Making, Creative Publishing International (2018). Eucalyptus among the top notes, intense but fleeting
- Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products (SCCS/1459/11), Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, European Commission (2012). Eucalyptus leaf oil among the established contact allergens
- Kia Benson, Toxicoses From Essential Oils in Animals, Merck Veterinary Manual, Merck & Co. (2025). Eucalyptus among the essential oils that can cause seizures in animals