Skip to content
  1. Now offering FREE SHIPPING on orders over $50!

Eucalyptus Essential Oil – Natural Benefits for Skin, Hair & Foot Care

Quick Facts

  • Botanical Name: Eucalyptus globulus (and other Eucalyptus species)
  • INCI Name: Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Oil
  • Extract Type: Steam-distilled essential oil
  • Benefits: Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, respiratory support, decongestant, insect repellent, cooling, circulation enhancer
  • Best Uses: Body washes, foot creams, respiratory balms, cooling gels, muscle rubs, antiseptic creams, insect repellents, aromatherapy blends

Eucalyptus essential oil is a highly aromatic oil extracted from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus and related species through steam distillation. Native to Australia and treasured by Aboriginal communities for centuries, eucalyptus oil is now prized worldwide for its fresh, camphor-like aroma and exceptional therapeutic properties. Known for its ability to clear the airways, combat microbes, and deliver a cooling, invigorating sensation, this potent oil must be used with respect and proper dilution due to its high concentration of active compounds.

What the Science Says

  • Clinical research confirms broad-spectrum antimicrobial action, including effectiveness against MRSA and other resistant bacteria[1].
  • High 1,8-cineole content provides strong anti-inflammatory activity, helping calm skin irritation and respiratory inflammation[2].
  • Laboratory studies show antioxidant capacity, helping protect skin cells from oxidative stress[3].
  • Proven insect repellent activity with comparable efficacy to some synthetic agents[2].

Key Nutrients / Compounds

  • 1,8-Cineole (Eucalyptol): Main bioactive compound with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and decongestant effects
  • α-Pinene: Circulation booster with fresh, pine-like scent
  • Limonene: Antimicrobial terpene with citrus aroma
  • γ-Terpinene: Supports antimicrobial activity and provides antioxidant benefits
  • p-Cymene: Enhances medicinal scent profile and antimicrobial properties
  • Aromadendrene: Anti-inflammatory sesquiterpene unique to eucalyptus
  • Globulol: Eucalyptus-specific alcohol contributing to therapeutic effects
  • β-Pinene: Woody-scented monoterpene with antimicrobial effects

Skin Benefits

  • Reduces skin inflammation and irritation
  • Fights acne-causing bacteria and supports clearer skin
  • Provides cooling, refreshing sensation in topical products
  • Helps protect against environmental stressors through antioxidant activity
  • Supports wound cleansing with natural antiseptic properties

Hair & Scalp Benefits

  • Helps control dandruff and scalp infections
  • Provides cooling relief for itchy, irritated scalp
  • Supports scalp circulation for healthier hair growth environment

Foot Care Benefits

  • Combats athlete’s foot and fungal infections
  • Neutralizes foot odor with antimicrobial activity
  • Soothes hot, tired, or swollen feet
  • Stimulates circulation for refreshed feet

Why Natural Escapes Body Uses It

We choose eucalyptus essential oil for its unmatched ability to purify, cool, and invigorate. In our body washes, it offers a refreshing cleanse with natural antimicrobial benefits and a clarifying scent. In our foot creams, it refreshes, deodorizes, and supports healthy skin with antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties — perfect for active lifestyles and self-care rituals.

Products Featuring This Ingredient

Safety Notes

  • Comedogenic Rating: 1 (low risk)
  • Do not use if you have epilepsy or seizure disorders – high 1,8-cineole content is a known convulsant
  • Highly toxic if ingested – even small amounts can cause severe reactions
  • Not suitable for children under 6 years
  • Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Contraindicated in asthma – may worsen symptoms
  • Always dilute to ≤2% for topical use
  • Patch test before use; can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals
  • Avoid eyes and mucous membranes

FAQs

Can eucalyptus oil help clear congestion?

Yes. Its high 1,8-cineole content helps open nasal passages and ease breathing when used in properly diluted topical or aromatic applications.

Is eucalyptus oil good for skin?

When diluted, it can reduce inflammation, fight bacteria, and provide a cooling sensation, making it beneficial in certain skin care products.

Can eucalyptus oil help with foot odor and fungus?

Yes. Its antimicrobial and antifungal activity make it ideal for combating foot odor and supporting treatment of fungal issues like athlete’s foot.

How should I dilute eucalyptus oil for safe use?

Use no more than 0.1–2% in a carrier oil, cream, or formulation, depending on the application.

Is eucalyptus oil safe for children?

No. It should not be used on or around children under 6 years old due to toxicity risks.

Is eucalyptus oil safe in daily body wash?

Yes, when used at proper dilution levels in rinse-off products, eucalyptus oil can be used daily by most people. It provides a refreshing, invigorating scent and natural antimicrobial benefits, but those with very sensitive skin should patch test first.

Does eucalyptus oil in body wash help fight germs?

Yes. Eucalyptus oil has natural antimicrobial properties that can help cleanse the skin and reduce bacteria on its surface, making it a great addition to purifying body washes.

Will eucalyptus body wash help with congestion?

The invigorating aroma of eucalyptus oil can help open nasal passages during a warm shower, offering temporary relief from mild congestion through inhalation of its vapors.

Does eucalyptus oil in foot cream help with odor?

Yes. Eucalyptus oil’s antimicrobial and deodorizing effects make it ideal for neutralizing foot odor and refreshing tired feet.

Can eucalyptus oil in foot cream help athlete’s foot?

It may help. While not a cure on its own, eucalyptus oil’s antifungal properties can support athlete’s foot treatment and prevention when used alongside proper hygiene and medical care.

Is it safe to use eucalyptus foot cream every day?

For most adults, daily use of a properly diluted eucalyptus foot cream is safe and beneficial. Avoid use on broken skin, and discontinue if irritation occurs.

Scientific References

  1. Antibacterial Properties of Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil against MRSA: A Systematic Review. Antibiotics, 2023.
  2. Commercial Essential Oils as Potential Antimicrobials to Treat Skin Diseases. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2017.
  3. Antibacterial activity of the essential oils from the leaves of Eucalyptus globulus against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine, 2013.
  4. Bahr, T.A., et al. (2019). The Effects of Various Essential Oils on Epilepsy and Acute Seizure: A Systematic Review. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
  5. A systematic and comprehensive review on current understanding of the pharmacological actions of Eucalyptus. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021
  6. Poison Control - Eucalyptus Oil Safety Information
  7. Essential oil–related status epilepticus: A small case series study. Journal of Emergency Medicine, 2020