In short: eucalyptus smells cool, sharp and green, with a minty, slightly medicinal freshness. It is the clean, open-airway smell of a spa steam room.
What eucalyptus smells like
Eucalyptus is one of the freshest notes there is. It is crisp and camphorous like menthol, with a green, leafy and faintly sweet side. In a candle it makes a room feel airy and clean, and it pairs especially well with sea and forest scents.
Where it comes from
Eucalyptus trees are native to Australia, where there are hundreds of species, and are now grown around the world. The oil is steam distilled from the leaves. Its main compound is eucalyptol (also called 1,8-cineole), which gives it that cool, clearing quality and is also found in rosemary and bay leaf. Koalas famously live on eucalyptus leaves.
Our Eucalyptus Aromatherapy Candle is scented with eucalyptus essential oil. Our other blends use fragrance oils with a eucalyptus note.
How it is used
Eucalyptus is a top note. It is bright and noticeable at first and fades sooner than woods and resins. It is common in spa, bath and "fresh" scents, and in cold-season products like chest rubs.
What it pairs with
- Mint and peppermint, for an extra-cool spa scent
- Lavender, for a calm, clean blend
- Sea salt and ozone, for the coast
- Moss and cedarwood, for a cool forest
Our candles with eucalyptus
- Eucalyptus Aromatherapy Candle: a single-note candle with eucalyptus essential oil.
- Deep Mountain: eucalyptus and green apple over moss and balsam.
- Hidden Cove: eucalyptus with sea salt, teakwood and orange peel.
- Poseidon: eucalyptus with sea salt, ozone and sandalwood.
Common questions
Is eucalyptus safe around pets? Eucalyptus oil is toxic to cats and dogs if they eat it or get it on their fur, and some pets are sensitive to strong scents. Burn any candle in a well-ventilated room, keep it out of reach, and give pets a way to leave the room. If you have questions about a particular pet, ask your vet.
Why does eucalyptus fade faster than other notes? Its main molecules are light and evaporate quickly, so blends usually pair it with longer-lasting woods.
Explore more notes in our Fragrance Notes A to Z, or browse our Fresh & Clean candles.