Eugenol

Other Name(s):

Clove Oil; Syzygium aromaticum Oil; Cinnamon Leaf Oil; Cinnamomum verum Leaf Oil; Cinnamomum zeylanicum; Holy Basil Oil; Ocimum tenuiflorum Oil

The most common sources of Eugenol are clove bud essential oil, cinnamon leaf oil, and holy basil oil.

Is Eugenol Faithful to Nature?

Depends.

Eugenol is a naturally occurring constituent of a number of natural essential oils. It has a variety of useful applications but (like all essential oils), Eugenol is also an extremely potent ingredient and should be used with caution if skin sensitivities are a concern.

Benefits: Why is Eugenol used?

Oral Care

Eugenol is an active ingredient in toothpastes formulated for sensitive teeth used for its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Distintive Scent

Eugenol lends fragrances a pleasant, spicy scent.

Healing Properties

Eugenol has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Gentle Sedative

Eugenol has gentle sedative properties and has there been used as a remedy against toothache.

Learn more about Eugenol:

On the Shelf: Which Products Use Eugenol?

Eugenol has found extensive use in perfumery and fragrance composition. As such, it appears in a very broad range of skincare, cosmetic and household products from moisturisers, lotions and creams, to shampoos, conditioners and body washes. It is also a primary active ingredient in sensitive teeth toothpastes.

Production: How is Eugenol Made?

Eugenol is extracted from clove buds, cinnamon leaves, and holy basil by the process of steam distillation.

Interesting Fact: Eugenol

EU regulations specify that certain fragrance oils commonly found in natural essential oils must be labelled separately on ingredient lists on cosmetic product labels. The EU governing bodies specify this because they are recognised as potential allergens which can irritate sensitive skin. Eugenol is one of these recognised allergens and may not be suitable for those with very sensitive skin.

Eugenol comprises approximately 75%-85% of clove essential oil, 70%-80% of cinnamon leaf oil, and 30%-50% of holy basil leaf oil.