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Moumoujus

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS LEAF OIL.

Avoid CAS 8015-97-2 / 8000-34-8 / 84961-50-2 / FRAGRANCE, PERFUMING, SKIN CONDITIONING, TONIC

Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, derived from clove leaves, is a potent botanical extract recognized for its complex profile, primarily due to its high eugenol content. While demonstrating some beneficial activities in vitro at precise, low concentrations, its significant potential for irritation and cytotoxicity raises considerable safety concerns for topical application.

Summary

Antimicrobial agent Antifungal agent Antioxidant Anti-inflammatory agent Skin conditioning agent Perfuming agent Masking agent Tonic

Science

Mechanism of Action

This oil functions as an antimicrobial and antifungal agent by inhibiting microbial growth, contributing to product preservation. Its antioxidant activity involves scavenging oxygenated radicals, thereby mitigating oxidative stress and potential premature aging. It exhibits anti-inflammatory properties by modulating proinflammatory biomarkers (e.g., VCAM-1, IP-10, I-TAC, MIG) and may also inhibit prostaglandin synthesis. Furthermore, the oil can support skin regeneration, promote collagen synthesis, and condition the skin.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Medium confidence
Effective range 0.011%–0.0156 µl/ml%
Optimal

Requires extreme caution due to narrow therapeutic window; beneficial effects observed below 0.162 µl/ml.%

Key findings

  1. 01 Demonstrated robust anti-inflammatory and tissue remodeling activity in human dermal fibroblasts, effectively inhibiting proinflammatory biomarkers (VCAM-1, IP-10, I-TAC, MIG) and key tissue remodeling proteins (collagen-I, collagen-III, M-CSF, TIMP-2).
  2. 02 Significantly enhanced collagen synthesis, indicating potential anti-aging benefits.
  3. 03 Exhibited cytotoxicity in dermal fibroblasts, highlighting a critical safety threshold.
  4. 04 A clove oil-based cream facilitated healing in 60% of individuals with anal fissures in a 2007 study, compared to 12% in the control group.

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Commonly dusted
Min. effective
Less than 0.05% (or 0.5 µl/ml)%
Red flag below
0.05%

Given the ingredient's high irritancy, medium comedogenicity, and cytotoxicity observed at concentrations as low as 0.162 µl/ml, its inclusion in formulations, especially above trace amounts, often signifies 'dusting'—the inclusion of a potentially irritating ingredient at concentrations unlikely to provide benefits but sufficient to cause adverse reactions or simply to appear on an ingredient list without genuine efficacy or safety in mind. The INCIDecoder 'worst' rating further supports this.

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Oil
Optimal pH N/A
0 7 14

Stability

The ingredient maintains stability under typical temperature conditions but is sensitive to light exposure.

Conflicts

  • Strong oxidizers
  • High concentrations and undiluted forms (due to severe irritation and cytotoxic potential)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk High

EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLUS LEAF OIL is associated with a high risk of irritation, burning, and sensitization, particularly at higher concentrations, primarily due to its eugenol content. Eugenol is identified as pro-oxidant, cytotoxic (damaging to living cells), and genotoxic (causing DNA damage), leading to general recommendations against its use in skincare. While 'Clove Bud, Oil (Eugenia spp.)' is GRAS for food flavoring by the FDA, a comprehensive safety assessment for topical cosmetic use by CIR or SCCS with specified safe concentrations is lacking. Its extreme potency necessitates use in exceptionally low, diluted concentrations, if at all.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

No Normal
No Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy High
Comedogenicity Medium

Our Assessment

Verdict

Avoid

Despite some in vitro efficacy at precise, very low concentrations, the significant cytotoxic, genotoxic, and sensitizing risks associated with Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, coupled with its 'worst' INCIDecoder rating, make it an unsuitable ingredient for precision skincare.

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References

Sources