Eucalyptus Blue (Eucalyptus bicostata)
A milder, cooler eucalyptus species sourced from Ecuador, offering a fresher, less intense alternative to E. globulus.
How to use it
3–5 drops alone, or with a citrus oil like lemon or grapefruit for a fresh, uplifting blend.
Dilute in a carrier oil for a cooling addition to light massage blends after activity.
Safety in detail
- Max dermal use
- Dilute well before topical use
- Phototoxic
- No
- Very high in 1,8-cineole: never apply near the face, nose, or chest of infants and young children.
- Never ingest; keep out of reach of children.
- Not phototoxic.
Sources: Balacs (1997), International Journal of Aromatherapy
Composition & chemistry
- 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol) 78%
- α-Pinene 8%
- Limonene 4%
- p-Cymene 3%
- Aromadendrene 2%
- Other minor constituents 5%
- 1,8-Cineole (eucalyptol) — the dominant constituent; studied for airway/respiratory effects in isolation Fischer & Dethlefsen (2013), Cough
Steam-distilled Eucalyptus bicostata ('Eucalyptus Blue') leaf oil — a very high-cineole eucalyptus type; percentages are representative and vary by source.
Source: Jerbi et al. (2017), Journal of Essential Oil Bearing PlantsIts lower cineole concentration is exactly what gives the oil its gentler character.
What the research says
An honest read of the published research — what has actually been studied, at what stage. Not medical advice or a promise of results.
-
As a cineole-rich eucalyptus, its main constituent 1,8-cineole has been studied for respiratory support in isolation. Findings are preliminary and specific to the compound, not proof the oil treats illness.
Fischer & Dethlefsen (2013), Cough
Evidence & sources
Peer-reviewed research on Eucalyptus Blue's chemistry and safety. These describe composition and documented effects — not health or treatment claims.
-
'Eucalyptus Blue' (E. bicostata) is a high-cineole eucalyptus, dominated by 1,8-cineole like the other clearing eucalyptus types.
Jerbi et al. (2017), Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants -
Cineole-rich eucalyptus carries a documented safety caution around the faces of infants and young children.
Balacs (1997), International Journal of Aromatherapy
Frequently asked questions
What is 'Eucalyptus Blue'?
It refers to Eucalyptus bicostata, a high-cineole eucalyptus with a fresh, clearing aroma. Like other eucalyptus oils it's dominated by 1,8-cineole and used mainly for a bright, invigorating scent. Jerbi et al. (2017), Journal of Essential Oil Bearing Plants
Is Eucalyptus Blue safe around children?
Because it's cineole-rich, avoid applying it near the faces or noses of infants and young children, and never let a child ingest it. Diffuse in a ventilated room and keep it out of reach. Balacs (1997), International Journal of Aromatherapy
Is Eucalyptus Blue phototoxic?
No — it isn't phototoxic. The main precaution is its cineole content around young children, not sun exposure.
Gallery
Eucalyptus Blue (Eucalyptus bicostata, sometimes labeled Eucalyptus polybractea depending on source) is steam-distilled from trees grown at Young Living’s Ecuador partner farm — one of several eucalyptus species the company sources from that region, alongside its Eucalyptus Globulus and Eucalyptus Radiata offerings.
Extraction & Character
Compared to Eucalyptus Globulus, Eucalyptus Blue tends to read as softer and cooler, with a lower concentration of the sharp, camphoraceous compound 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol) than its more intense relative. That lower concentration is exactly what gives the oil its gentler character, making it an approachable entry point for people who find stronger eucalyptus oils overwhelming or who want a milder daily option.
Traditional & Everyday Uses
In the diffuser: 3–5 drops alone gives a clean, cool aroma without the sharpness of stronger eucalyptus species. Paired with a citrus oil like lemon or grapefruit, it creates a fresh, uplifting combination well-suited to a morning or midday diffusing session.
On skin: diluted in a carrier oil, Eucalyptus Blue is commonly worked into light massage blends for a cooling, invigorating sensation on tired muscles after activity, or simply as a refreshing addition to a body oil.
Pairs Well With
Citrus oils brighten it further; peppermint intensifies the cooling sensation for anyone who wants a stronger effect while still avoiding the sharper eucalyptus species.
Safety Note
Even at its gentler concentration, eucalyptus oils are potent — dilute before topical use and avoid application near the face of infants and young children, where strong aromatics can irritate developing airways.
Sourcing Note
Eucalyptus species differ meaningfully in aroma and underlying chemistry. Eucalyptus Blue and Eucalyptus Globulus are related botanically but are distinct oils with different intensities, and shouldn’t be treated as interchangeable substitutes in a recipe or routine that specifies one or the other.