What is "Eugenia Caryophyllus Bud Oil" and what is its use?

Cloves grow on the clove tree, an evergreen tree native to the Moluccas archipelago in Indonesia. This tree can reach up to ten metres in height. Being part of the myrtle family, its leaves are evergreen. It is primarily known for its aromatic flowers which, once dried, are referred to as cloves.

Cloves have been renowned for millennia for their refreshing effects on oral hygiene. Furthermore, thanks to their anaesthetic, healing and disinfectant properties, they are used to treat toothaches.

Clove is categorised as a spice due to its distinctive aroma and spicy taste. It is used in Indian cuisine and even in the creation of certain pastries. The extraction of essential oil from cloves is achieved through steam distillation of the cloves. In cosmetics, clove essential oil is primarily used for its fragrance.

The essential oil of clove is valued for its content of natural active ingredients such as eugenol, eugenyl acetate, and β-caryophyllene. These active ingredients enable it to provide numerous benefits for the skin.

• Combatting Bacteria

  This essential oil is composed of active ingredients, notably eugenol, which fights against the growth of bacteria and fungi. Therefore, it can extend the lifespan of a skincare product by protecting it from certain strains of bacteria. It is a crucial ingredient for treating targeted issues, such as fungal infections and skin infections.

• Slowing down the ageing of the skin

  The essential oil has the unique ability to absorb oxygenated radicals. Therefore, it actively participates in the fight against free radicals, which are responsible for the premature ageing of the skin.

• Promoting Healing

  Clove essential oil has healing properties. Whether it's a minor injury or acne spots, this oil will aid skin regeneration. As evidence of its effectiveness, a 2007 study compared the topical use of a cream based on clove oil in the treatment of anal fissures with faecal emollients and a lignocaine cream. After three months, the researchers observed healing in 60% of the individuals in the group treated with clove oil, compared to just 12% in the group treated with faecal emollients and lignocaine.

Important to note : clove essential oil also helps to combat germs. Its use in dental hygiene aids in slowing down the formation of dental plaque and cavities, while providing fresh breath.

There are several methods to apply theclove essential oil on your skin if you wish to use it for pain relief, healing wounds and acne spots, or alleviating itchiness.

Clove oil should always be diluted in a carrier oil, such as jojoba oil, coconut oil or olive oil. It is recommended to perform a dilution of 1 to 2.5% for normal skin and a dilution of 0.5 to 1% for sensitive skin.

It does not have any specific contraindications, but it is advisable to dilute it to a maximum of 5% to avoid irritating the skin. Like any ingredient, clove essential oil can be an allergen, so it is better to stop using a product that contains it as soon as the first symptoms of an allergy appear.

Potentially allergenic, when applied topically, it should not be used in children under 6 years of age and in pregnant and/or breastfeeding women.

• GOHAR A. A. & al. Clove oil cream: A new effective treatment for chronic anal fissure. Colorectal Disease (2007).

• TISSERAND R et YOUNG R. Clove leaf essential oil safety: a guide for health care professionals. Churchill Livingstone (2013).

• SZUMNY A. & al. Essential oils as antimicrobial agents — myth or real alternative? Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute (MDPI) (2019).