Cajeput Essential Oil, 10 ml

Cajeput essential oil performs two roles in a formulation at once: it provides a herbal, refreshing fragrance and also acts as an active ingredient for oily, problematic and acne-prone skin, as well as for scalps prone to oiliness and dandruff. It is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves of the Melaleuca leucadendron tree, which is native to Asia. It is most useful where the finished product is meant to have a cleansing and cooling effect, that is, in facial cleansing products, toners, hair care products, soaps and bath salts.

The manufacturer also lists it among ingredients suitable for after-sun products, face masks, serums, make-up removers and lip care. The ingredient is vegan and has not been tested on animals for cosmetic purposes.

Effects according to the manufacturer’s data

The following properties are based on the manufacturer’s documentation and are cosmetic, not therapeutic, in nature. How they show in the finished product depends on the usage rate, the rest of the formulation and the type of product.

• Antimicrobial effect – antibacterial and antifungal action, which the manufacturer uses mainly in products for problematic skin and scalp.
• Cleansing – helps remove impurities and excess sebum from the skin and hair. It is therefore suitable for cleansing oils, gels and shampoos for oilier skin and hair.
• Anti-inflammatory and cooling effect – soothing and a cooling sensation on irritated or overheated skin. This is the basis for its use in after-sun products and body mists.
• Anti-dandruff – in scalp care, the manufacturer recommends it for reducing flaking, typically in shampoos or scalp treatments. It also reports a stimulating effect on the scalp.
• Stimulating and refreshing – the herbal fragrance and the feeling of freshness on the skin are the reason cajeput is used in body sprays, bath salts and aromatherapy.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in oils and alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In emulsions it is added to the oil phase or only during the cooling phase, and in anhydrous products it is simply mixed in with the other oils. For water-based products such as toners or mists, it must first be solubilised or dissolved in alcohol. Otherwise it will separate and float on the surface.

The recommended processing temperature is up to 40 °C. When preparing a hot emulsion, it is therefore added only after the emulsion has cooled.

There is no single universal usage rate. The manufacturer does not state a recommended range, and the upper limit is governed by the IFRA limit for the particular product category. Lip products (category 1) have a different limit from body lotion (category 5A), shampoo (category 9) or a candle (category 12).

Compatibility with alcohol and other fragrance ingredients is unrestricted, so it can be combined with other essential oils and fragrance compositions.

Suitable for products such as

• Facial cleansing products and make-up removers – for oily and problematic skin. The manufacturer emphasises the cleansing function most for cajeput.
• Shampoos and scalp treatments – for hair prone to oiliness and flaking. In shampoo, the usage rate follows IFRA category 9.
• Facial toners and mists – after solubilisation.
• Body oils, lotions and after-sun products – for its cooling and refreshing sensation.
• Soaps, bath bombs and salts – both the fragrance and the function suit products for oily skin.
• Candles, diffusers and household cleaning products – in candles, the amount follows IFRA category 12.

Good to know

The product is classified under the CLP regulation and contains hazardous substances. Details on classification and safe handling are in the safety data sheet for the product. It also contains one or more fragrance allergens under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

Before making a larger batch, it is worth testing on a small sample how the fragrance behaves in your particular formulation. Essential oils are a mixture of volatile components, so part of the fragrance is lost in open containers and at higher temperatures.

Frequently asked questions