Eucalyptus Oil For Skin: Benefits, How To Use, And Side Effects

The popularity of essential oils in skin care is increasing. These oils seem to offer important skin benefits with minimal side effects. One such essential oil is the eucalyptus oil. The oil comes from the eucalyptus tree that is native to Australia. It is rich in several phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloidsⁱ  XNitrogen compounds in plants that have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and astringent properties. , and tanninsⁱ  XWater-soluble compounds rich in anti-inflammatory properties that are needed to minimize redness and swelling for various skin conditions. . The oil has important anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, astringent, antiseptic, and antioxidant properties (1). Proponents of natural medicine all around the world recommend using eucalyptus oil for coughs and headaches as it has remarkable aromatherapeutic benefits. Anecdotal evidence also suggests using it in homemade solutions for dental hygiene. But does it have any notable benefits in skin care?

Here, we discuss the benefits of eucalyptus oil for your skin, how you can use it right, and its potential side effects. Keep reading.

Know Your Ingredient: Eucalyptus Oil

What Is It?
The essential oil extracted from the leaf of the eucalyptus plant.

What Are Its Benefits?
It may promote wound healing, reduce pain and inflammation in case of insect bites, protect the skin from sun damage, and treat dandruff.

Who Can Use It?
Suitable for all skin and hair types except for sensitive skin.

How Often
It can be used daily with 2-3 drops diluted in carrier oil.

Caution
It may cause dermatitis if used on sensitive skin.

Benefits Of Eucalyptus Oil For The Skin

1. May Help Heal Insect Bites

Eucalyptus oil leaves a cooling sensation to the skin when applied topically. The oil offers amazing natural remedies that may help reduce the pain and inflammation from an insect bite. It also may produce an antiseptic effect. Cineole, a particular compound in the oil, could be responsible for the anti-inflammatory action (2). Plus, the oil has an amazing smell, which when applied on the skin doubles up as great aromatherapy.

Did You Know?

The most commonly used type of eucalyptus oil, which is cineole-based, is a colorless liquid with a penetrating woody-sweet and camphoraceous scent.

2. May Help Treat Scalp Dandruff

The antifungal properties of the oil may work against the formation of dandruff on your scalp. Some research does highlight the oil’s antifungal activity (3). However, whether the oil can also help treat dandruff is yet to be studied and understood.

3. May Soothe Sunburns

Anecdotal evidence suggests that eucalyptus oil may help soothe sunburns. The oil may calm the affected region. Its anti-inflammatory properties may also help reduce skin redness and act as a great moisturizer as well. However, more research is warranted in this regard.

4. May Help Disinfect Wounds

You may use eucalyptus essential oil for its healing properties to heal wounds on the skin. It may help accelerate the healing process. One rat study suggests that eucalyptus oil may enhance the wound healing activity (4).

Trivia

Australia, South Africa, Brazil, Portugal, Eswatini, Spain, and Chile are the primary producers of genuine eucalyptus. China produces 75% of the eucalyptus oil’s world trade.

5. May Help Treat Infections

Eucalyptus oil has potent antibiotic and antimicrobial properties, which makes it an effective home remedy for the treatment of certain infectious conditions. Research also shows that you can use eucalyptus oil for ear infections (5).

Note: Do not topically apply eucalyptus oil on the skin to treat wounds and infections without diluting it as it may further irritate and worsen the condition. Dilute it with a carrier oil before application.

These are some of the important benefits of eucalyptus oil for skin. In the upcoming section, we will find out how eucalyptus oil can be used on the skin and its dosage and preparation.

How To Use Eucalyptus Oil For The Skin

It is best to use an essential oil not more than once during a day on your skin.

You can use eucalyptus essential oil for the skin care after diluting it. Direct application of eucalyptus oil on the skin can result in irritation since it is quite potent.

You may also add the oil to a diffuser or your shower.

Suzanne, a blogger, uses eucalyptus oil in her DIY face wash. She mixes the oil with unscented liquid castile soap, tea tree oil, and water. Suzzane states in one of her blog posts, “I shake it up right before I’m about to use it, foam it up in my hands, and apply it to my face. I love the smell of the eucalyptus… frustration, anger, stress, and tension… be gone (i)!”

Dosage And Preparation

Mix a few drops of eucalyptus oil with a gel or another carrier oil that suits your skin. You may then apply this mixture to your skin.

Though using eucalyptus oil is easy, it may cause certain side effects. Learn more in the next section.

Side Effects Of Eucalyptus Oil For The Skin

If you are wondering if you can apply eucalyptus oil to your skin without diluting it, the answer is no. Like most other essential oils, you may experience a harsh reaction.

Some believe eucalyptus oil may also cause dermatitisⁱ  XA collective term for common skin conditions that cause inflamed, red, scaly, raised, and itchy patches on the skin. on sensitive skin.

Ingesting eucalyptus oil may be toxic. Hence, check with a dermatologist before ingesting or using eucalyptus oil.

Infographic: Eucalyptus Oil Benefits And How To Use It For Skin

Eucalyptus oil has anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties, which makes it very useful for treating insect bites and wounds among other benefits. However, the wrong dosage may cause an allergic reaction. Worry not. Check out this infographic to know about the benefits of using eucalyptus oil for your skin and how to use it properly.

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Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team

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Conclusion

The oil extracted from the leaves of the eucalyptus plant is used for several purposes. The potential skin benefits of eucalyptus oil could be attributed to its antibacterial, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, more research is warranted to further understand the skin benefits of the oil. Make sure you consult a dermatologist before using the oil on your skin. Also ensure you perform a patch test prior to application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does eucalyptus oil help make skin clear?

There is no direct evidence to conclude whether eucalyptus oil can make skin clear. It may only combat the bacteria on the skin and offer acne treatment.

Does eucalyptus oil treat wrinkles?

Eucalyptus oil contains flavonoids that are antioxidants by nature. Using the oil may show some effect to reduce the appearance of wrinkles on the skin. However, information is lacking in this regard.

Should I use eucalyptus oil for skin brightening?

You can use eucalyptus oil for healing the skin and treating basic skin infections. The oil might help brighten skin, though there is no research to support this.

Is eucalyptus good for blackheads?

Yes, eucalyptus oil contains salicylic acid which may clear clogged pores and break down blackheads (a type of comedonal acne) (6).

Can eucalyptus oil remove scars?

Anecdotal evidence indicates that the antiseptic and anti-inflammatory characteristics of eucalyptus oil may help in removing scars. However, research is warranted in this regard.

Image: Stable Diffusion/StyleCraze Design Team

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Learn about the incredibly versatile powers of eucalyptus essential oil! Watch this video to glean the 8 remarkable benefits of this natural remedy element.

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Dr. Zeel GandhiBAMS

Dr. Zeel Gandhi is an Ayurvedic doctor with 7 years of experience and an expert at providing holistic solutions for health problems encompassing Internal medicine, Panchakarma, Yoga, Ayurvedic Nutrition, and formulations. She graduated as a top ranker from Dr. D.Y.Patil College of Ayurveda and Research Centre , Navi Mumbai, and is a specialist in Panchakarma therapies. She believes that Ayurveda...more

Arshiya SyedaSenior Editor

 

Arshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She holds a bachelor's degree in literature and psychology from Osmania University, Hyderabad, and a post-graduate diploma in psychological...more

Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal. She also did a certificate course in dermatology offered by the Novosibirsk State University...more

Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over two years of experience in writing on health and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach. She writes on skin care and aims to present well-researched...more