GET TO KNOW YOUR OILS
Laurel Leaf
Laurus nobilis L.
Chemotype: 1,8-cineole / alpha-terpinyl-acetate type
- PLANT PART
- leaves
- EXTRACTION
- steam distillation
- AROMA NOTE
- top-mid
LEARN AS YOU COMPARE
What’s inside this oil?
Constituents are the natural chemicals that give an oil its character. See the main ones, learn what they do, and explore differences between batches.
Meet the main constituents, then select one to see what makes it interesting.
FOLLOW YOUR SENSES
Aroma & character
A closer look at this oil's scent, strength, and staying power.
- Aroma intensity
- 70 / 100
- Note layer
- top-mid
If you like this scent, explore
A LITTLE CARE GOES A LONG WAY
Using it thoughtfully
Read the full safety context before bringing this oil into your routine.
- Cited dermal maximum · leave-on
- 0.5%
- Phototoxicity
- Not flagged in this profile
- Oxidation risk
- Unknown
A cited maximum is a limit, not a suggested dilution. Missing restrictions do not establish safety.
No phototoxic restriction was identified for steam-distilled Laurus nobilis leaf oil in the consulted sources.
Contraindications & cautions
- majorDue to high 1,8-cineole content, avoid use with young children and on children less than 2 years of age.
- moderatePotential mucous membrane irritant and low-risk skin sensitizer; avoid hypersensitive or damaged skin.
Explore measured chemistry from supplier batches
A supplier report describes a particular sample. Open this workspace to investigate measured constituents and their original documents.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND THE SCENT
Inside the oil
An oil's character comes from its natural chemical composition. Explore each constituent to understand the connections.
About this composition
This record is anchored to the open-access Greece versus Georgia laurel study for composition and to current aromatherapy supplier references for dermal guidance and aromatic character. The literature-supported profile is an oxide- and ester-rich Laurus nobilis leaf oil led by 1,8-cineole and alpha-terpinyl acetate.
| Constituent | Typical amount | Reported range | Chemical family | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol) | 30.8% | 29.2–30.8% | oxide | View sourceComparative study on the chemical composition of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves from Greece and Georgia and the antibacterial activity of their essential oil https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020323343 (abstract lines 47-49: 1,8-cineole 30.8% Greece and 29.2% Georgia) |
| alpha-Terpinyl acetate | 14.9% | 14.9–22.6% | ester | View sourceComparative study on the chemical composition of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves from Greece and Georgia and the antibacterial activity of their essential oil https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020323343 (abstract line 49: alpha-terpinyl acetate 14.9% Greece and 22.6% Georgia) |
| Sabinene | 7.9% | 7.9–12.2% | monoterpene hydrocarbon | View sourceComparative study on the chemical composition of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves from Greece and Georgia and the antibacterial activity of their essential oil https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020323343 (abstract line 49: sabinene 7.9% Greece and 12.2% Georgia) |
| alpha-Terpineol | 8% | 8–8% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceComparative study on the chemical composition of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves from Greece and Georgia and the antibacterial activity of their essential oil https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020323343 (abstract line 49: alpha-terpineol 8.0% in Greek laurel oil) |
| Terpinen-4-ol | 6% | 6–6% | monoterpene alcohol | View sourceComparative study on the chemical composition of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves from Greece and Georgia and the antibacterial activity of their essential oil https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020323343 (abstract line 49: terpinen-4-ol 6.0% in Greek laurel oil) |
| Methyl eugenol | 8.1% | 8.1–8.1% | phenylpropanoid | View sourceComparative study on the chemical composition of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves from Greece and Georgia and the antibacterial activity of their essential oil https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020323343 (abstract line 49: methyleugenol 8.1% in Georgian laurel oil) |
Profile source: Comparative study on the chemical composition of laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) leaves from Greece and Georgia and the antibacterial activity of their essential oil; Laurel Leaf - Organic EO; Bay Laurel Essential Oil (Laurel Leaf): Benefits, Uses & Insights · https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2405844020323343 ; https://www.edenbotanicals.com/laurel-leaf-organic.html ; https://www.aromaweb.com/essential-oils/bay-laurel-leaf-essential-oil.php
A TRADITION OF BOTANICAL CURIOSITY
Traditional & reported uses
These uses reflect the profile's reported traditions and literature. They are not established treatment recommendations.
- traditionally used in aromatherapy for supporting clear breathing and respiratory comfort
- reported to support mental clarity, confidence, and focus in diffuser blends
- used in massage blends for muscle and joint comfort
- traditionally associated with historical laurel-wreath symbolism of honor and achievement
- used in perfumery for its warm, spicy, medicinal-fresh facet
- reported to be used in scalp and hair-care blends in some folk traditions
For aromatherapy and wellness use only — not medical advice. Effect statements are traditional/reported associations, not treatment claims. The Synergy Rating scores blend craft, harmony and safety, not medical efficacy. Read the safety framework.
What we're still learning · 2 data gaps
Good decisions start with knowing what is — and isn't — in the evidence.
- No directly read public source in this pass provided measured volatility rate, tenacity hours, or oxidation-risk classification.
- The archive's 0-100 odor_intensity value is a normalization of supplier and AromaWeb language describing the oil as fresh, strong, and medium-strong rather than a published numeric scale.