Ingredient decoder

Clove oil: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil

Acne verdict Watch

Worth watching on acne-prone skin

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Spicy essential oil that is quite irritating on skin.

  • Masking
  • Perfuming

Clove oil in plain English

Clove oil is an essential oil from clove buds with a warm, spicy scent, made mostly of eugenol. Like most essential oils it contains natural fragrance allergens, which can irritate or sensitize skin over time. It is one of the more irritating essential oils on skin, so acne-prone skin is better off without it in leave-on products.

Is clove oil bad for acne?

Not usually, but it is worth watching. Clove oil is not a proven pore-clogger, but scent ingredients like this can irritate sensitive skin, and irritated skin can make breakouts look and feel worse. Notice how your skin reacts when a product lists it near the top.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil
  • Clove bud oil
  • Clove essential oil
  • Syzygium aromaticum bud oil
  • Eugenia caryophyllus bud oil

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Frequently asked questions

Is clove oil comedogenic?

Clove oil has no published comedogenic rating in Fulton's 1989 table. It is not a proven pore-clogger, but it is worth watching on acne-prone skin.

What does clove oil do in skincare?

In short: spicy essential oil that is quite irritating on skin. In formulas it is used for masking and perfuming.

What else is clove oil called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, clove oil can also appear as Eugenia Caryophyllus (Clove) Bud Oil, Clove bud oil, Clove essential oil, Syzygium aromaticum bud oil or Eugenia caryophyllus bud oil.

Sources