Eugenia Caryophyllus Oil

Eugenia Caryophyllus (clove) oil is an essential oil rich in eugenol, a well-documented skin irritant and sensitizer in patch testing, with higher risk in patients with eczema or barrier impairment. Even at the low concentrations typically used for fragrance/flavor (often well under 1%), it can trigger burning, dermatitis, and delayed allergic reactions, and cumulative exposure in a routine increases risk. Given its strong irritancy/sensitization profile and the severe consequences in reactive individuals, it warrants a very high score. Safety Notes: In mass-market leave-on skincare (creams/serums/spot treatments), clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) oil is typically used at very low fragrance/“botanical” levels around 0.001–0.05% due to strong odor and sensitization potential. Higher consumer-available levels are mainly seen in rinse-off cleansers/soaps and some “natural” balms/oil blends marketed for blemishes or massage, where clove oil can reach ~0.5–2.0% while still remaining OTC; above this is uncommon in skincare because irritation risk rises quickly, especially in leave-on products.