Ingredient dictionary

Eugenol

Eugenol is a naturally occurring scent molecule found in clove oil, used mainly to add a warm, spicy fragrance to formulas. It is on the label of 37 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: eugenol is one of the 26 fragrance allergens the EU requires brands to name on labels, so people who know they react to it should check ingredient lists, including products scented only with essential oils.

Labelled fragrance allergens. The 26 scent chemicals the EU makes brands name on the label, such as linalool and limonene.

What Eugenol does

Gives a warm, clove-like scent
Adds spicy notes to fragrance blends
Helps balance other scent notes

Eugenol is a naturally occurring compound, most famously found in clove oil. Other plants, including cinnamon leaf and bay, also contain it. Producers often isolate it from these oils, though it can also be made synthetically.

Formulators use eugenol for its warm, clove-like scent, which pairs well with vanilla, citrus and woody notes. It dissolves well in oils, so it blends easily into creams and lotions. A little goes a long way, since its scent is strong.

Good for

Suits people who enjoy warm, spicy scents, and those avoiding added fragrance may prefer to skip it.

Frequently asked questions

Is eugenol safe for skin?

Eugenol is used in many products as a fragrance and is well tolerated by most people. It is one of the labeled fragrance allergens, though, so anyone with a known sensitivity should check labels and patch test new products first.

Is eugenol the same as clove oil?

Not quite. Eugenol is the best-known compound in clove oil, but the oil also contains other plant compounds. Eugenol on its own is the single molecule that gives the spicy scent.