Common Name(s): Eucalyptol,cineol,1,8-epoxy-4-isopropyl-1-methylcyclohexane

CAS Number: 470-82-6

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Provides eucalyptol anti-inflammatory and penetration enhancement alongside antimicrobial and cooling.

Why It's Used: Eucalyptol multi-function — 1,8-cineole's combination of anti-inflammatory, penetration enhancement, and cooling properties makes it the most pharmacologically versatile monoterpene ether in cosmetic and topical delivery applications.

How It Works: Inhibits nf-kb and cytokine release (tnf-alpha, il-1beta) for potent anti-inflammatory activity. penetration enhancer via sc lipid fluidisation (enhancement ratio 10-20×). trpm8 cooling receptor partial agonism. antimicrobial via membrane disruption. bronchodilating via smooth muscle relaxation (aerosol exposure).

Typically Found In: Anti-inflammatory products,eucalyptus botanicals,penetration enhanced systems

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Active – eucalyptol terpene

Secondary Functions: Skin conditioning

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–2%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required

Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required

Source Notes: Commercially produced for cosmetic use. verify vegan/halal status with supplier. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: the record's own source_notes does not assert a non-animal origin, or instructs the reader to verify with the supplier; "yes" asserts knowledge the record does not hold. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Well-tolerated by most skin types.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Neurotoxic at high concentrations — avoid near eyes and mucous membranes. not for infant use. ifra guidance applies for fragrance use.

Works Well With: Standard skincare actives

Avoid Combining With: No known significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

1,8-cineole's pharmaceutical use as a bronchodilator in asthma management (licensed pharmaceutical in some european countries) provides drug-level clinical evidence for its airway anti-inflammatory activity. the same nf-kb anti-inflammatory mechanism that reduces airway inflammation at inhaled doses reduces skin inflammation at topically applied concentrations — one of few cosmetic terpenes with pharmaceutical-grade clinical evidence for its proposed anti-inflammatory mechanism.

Last Verified: 2026-03-12

Primary Sources: Cosing database,sadlon & lamson 1,8-cineole review,cir safety assessment