# Myrtle essential oil > Myrtle is a fresh, slightly medicinal single oil in the same family as eucalyptus and tea tree, valued for skin and respiratory-season blends. Canonical page: https://essential-oils.club/oils/single/myrtle Type: Single oil ## At a glance - **Botanical name:** Myrtus communis - **Plant part:** Leaves and twigs - **Extraction:** Steam-distilled - **Aroma:** Fresh, herbaceous, camphoraceous - **Origin:** Mediterranean - **Blends with:** Citrus, herbaceous oils ## Composition (GC-MS research aggregate) Based on 55 GC-MS samples from 25 peer-reviewed papers (2020–2026); Strong evidence base. 95 compounds reported in total. Typical share of the oil (median, with interquartile range): | Compound | Class | Median % | IQR % | Max % | Papers | |---|---|---|---|---|---| | α-pinene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 30.19 | 18.08–45.98 | 59.75 | 23 | | 1,8-cineole | Oxygenated monoterpene | 21.96 | 16.73–30.78 | 55.09 | 24 | | myrtenyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 29.8 | 3.52–33.67 | 76.8 | 9 | | linalool | Oxygenated monoterpene | 6.7 | 2.44–11.27 | 19.77 | 22 | | limonene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 5.66 | 2.42–8.47 | 10.7 | 16 | | α-terpineol | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.55 | 1.62–4.28 | 7.36 | 21 | | geranyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 2.62 | 1.73–3.39 | 11.74 | 16 | | p-cymene | Monoterpene hydrocarbon | 2 | 1.5–2.21 | 2.3 | 11 | | β-caryophyllene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 1.2 | 0.55–1.67 | 5.17 | 17 | | linalyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 1.04 | 0.7–3.19 | 14.56 | 17 | | α-terpinyl acetate | Oxygenated monoterpene | 0.99 | 0.5–1.61 | 2.61 | 12 | | α-humulene | Sesquiterpene hydrocarbon | 0.51 | 0.19–0.99 | 12.39 | 16 | Chemotypes seen in the samples: α-pinene (49% of samples), 1,8-cineole (33% of samples), myrtenyl acetate (9% of samples), linalool (7% of samples). ## Key constituents - **1,8-Cineole** (20-30%) — A fresh, camphoraceous compound shared with eucalyptus and tea tree - **Alpha-Pinene** (15-30%) — Adds a crisp, woody-green top note - **Myrtenyl acetate** (5-15%) — A subtler ester that softens the sharper cineole and pinene notes ## How to use it - **In the diffuser:** 3–5 drops for a clean, refreshing morning scent that blends well with citrus. - **On skin:** Dilute to 2–4% in a carrier oil — a milder alternative when eucalyptus feels too sharp. ## Safety - Patch-test before regular use, and use caution around young children since cineole-family oils can be too stimulating for their airways. - Maximum dermal use: Dilute in a carrier oil for skin. - Contains 1,8-cineole, so avoid applying near the faces of infants and young children. - Generally considered gentler than eucalyptus for respiratory-style blends, but still dilute for skin. - Not phototoxic. Keep out of reach of children. ## What the research says - Myrtle oil has been characterised chemically and studied for anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity in the laboratory. These are in-vitro/preclinical findings, not clinical proof of benefit. — Phytothérapie study on common myrtle (2017) (https://doi.org/10.1007/s10298-017-1100-9) ## Evidence - Myrtle is a cineole- and pinene-rich leaf oil with a signature myrtenyl acetate fraction, giving it a fresh, slightly sweet, camphoraceous aroma. — JEOR study (2000) (https://doi.org/10.1080/10412905.2000.9699481) ## Frequently asked questions ### How is myrtle different from eucalyptus? Both are cineole-rich and fresh-smelling, but myrtle is softer and sweeter, with its own myrtenyl acetate note. Many people find myrtle a gentler alternative to eucalyptus for a clearing aroma. ### Is myrtle safe around children? Because it contains 1,8-cineole, avoid applying it near the faces or noses of infants and young children. Diffuse in a ventilated room and keep it out of reach. ### Is myrtle phototoxic? No — myrtle isn't phototoxic, so there's no sun-exposure restriction. Dilute it for topical use as usual. ## Sources (GC-MS studies) - Yarahmadi R, Mumivand H, Ehtesham Nia A, Raji MR, Argento S. Natural Diversity in Total Phenol, Flavonoids, Antioxidant Properties, and Essential Oil Composition of Iranian Populations of Myrtus communis L. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11677132 - Shahbazian D, Karami A, Raouf Fard F, Eshghi S, Maggi F. Essential Oil Variability of Superior Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Accessions Grown under the Same Conditions. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9697145 - Giuliani C, Bottoni M, Milani F, Todero S, Berera P, Maggi F, Santagostini L, Fico G. Botanic Garden as a Factory of Molecules: Myrtus communis L. subsp. communis as a Case Study. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8949965 - Dănilă E, Marinas IC, Gaboreanu MD, Neacșu VA, Titorencu I, Marin MM, Kaya DA, Çeliktaş N, Albu Kaya M, Țuțuianu R. Chemical Characterization, Evaluation of Antimicrobial Potential, and Cytotoxic Activity of <i>Thuja occidentalis</i> L. and <i>Myrtus communis</i> L. Essential Oils for Topical Applications. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13074968 - Mariem M, Slimen S, Zammali A, Hraoui M, Wahabi S, Stefano D, Hichem S. Protective Effects of <i>Myrtus communis</i> Essential Oil Against Bisphenol A-Induced Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Wistar Rats. _Food science & nutrition_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12883692 - Mariem M, Slimen S, Stefania S, Stefano DA, Hichem S. Protective and Detoxifying Effects of Myrtus communis Essential Oil Against Bisphenol A-Induced Metabolic Disturbances in Wistar Rats. _BioMed research international_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13296232 - Polito F, Malaspina P, La Neve A, Smeriglio A, Cornara L, De Feo V, Trombetta D. Circular Valorization of Laurel and Myrtle Pruning Residues: Chemical Profiling, Phytotoxicity, and Ecotoxicological Assessment of Essential Oils for Sustainable Weed Management. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2026. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC13515649 - Karimi A, Aminzare M, Hassanzadazar H, Hashemi M, Roohinejad S, Bekhit AEA, Tahergorabi R. Enhancing oxidative stability and sensory properties of ostrich meat using <i>Malva neglecta</i> mucilage nanocomposite coating loaded with <i>Myrtus communis</i> essential oil during refrigeration. _Food chemistry: X_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12019841 - Barboucha G, Rahim N, Bramki A, Boulebd H, Andolfi A, Boulacheb K, Boulacel A, Salvatore MM, Masi M. Comprehensive In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of Antimicrobial and Insecticidal Properties of Essential Oil of <i>Myrtus communis</i> L. from Algeria. _International journal of molecular sciences_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12111784 - Hardy E, Poli JP, Bighelli A, Paoli M, Maroselli T, Berti L, Guinoiseau E. <i>Quorum-Quenching</i> Activity of <i>Myrtus communis</i> Corsican Essential Oil Against the Marine Bacterium <i>Aliivibrio fischeri</i>. _Microorganisms_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12195544 - Bayoudh A, Tarhouni N, Ben Mansour R, Mekrazi S, Sadraoui R, Kriaa K, Ahmed Z, Soussi A, Kallel I, Hadrich B. Integrated Network Pharmacology and Molecular Dynamics Reveal Multi-Target Anticancer Mechanisms of <i>Myrtus communis</i> Essential Oils. _Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12566675 - Khosravani J, Hosseinifarahi M, Radi M, Najafian S. Optimizing postharvest quality of myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) essential oil extracts: effects of temperature and storage duration. _BMC plant biology_, 2025. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC12613424 - Cvitković D, Škarica I, Dragović-Uzelac V, Balbino S. Supercritical CO2 Extraction of Fatty Acids, Phytosterols, and Volatiles from Myrtle (Myrtus communis L.) Fruit. _Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11052497 - Li DY, Donadu MG, Shue T, Dangas G, Athanasiadis A, Lan S, Wen X, Battah B, Zanetti S, Mazzarello V, Sarafianos SG, Ferrari M, Michailidis E. Myrtus communis L. Essential Oil Exhibits Antiviral Activity against Coronaviruses. _Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2024. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC11435418 - Giuliani C, Moretti RM, Bottoni M, Santagostini L, Fico G, Montagnani Marelli M. The Leaf Essential Oil of Myrtus communis subsp. tarentina (L.) Nyman: From Phytochemical Characterization to Cytotoxic and Antimigratory Activity in Human Prostate Cancer Cells. _Plants (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10056649 - Barhouchi B, Menacer R, Bouchkioua S, Mansour A, Belattar N. Compounds from myrtle flowers as antibacterial agents and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitors: In-vitro and molecular docking studies. _Arabian journal of chemistry_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10140470 - Belahcene S, Kebsa W, Omoboyowa DA, Alshihri AA, Alelyani M, Bakkour Y, Leghouchi E. Unveiling the Chemical Profiling Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Algerian Myrtus communis L. Essential Oils, and Exploring Molecular Docking to Predict the Inhibitory Compounds against Cyclooxygenase-2. _Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC10609887 - Dhouibi I, Flamini G, Bouaziz M. Comparative Study on the Essential Oils Extracted from Tunisian Rosemary and Myrtle: Chemical Profiles, Quality, and Antimicrobial Activities. _ACS omega_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9947950 - Bowbe KH, Salah KBH, Moumni S, Ashkan MF, Merghni A. Anti-Staphylococcal Activities of Rosmarinus officinalis and Myrtus communis Essential Oils through ROS-Mediated Oxidative Stress. _Antibiotics (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2023. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC9952310 - Ouedrhiri W, Mechchate H, Moja S, Baudino S, Saleh A, Al Kamaly OM, Grafov A, Greche H. Optimized Antibacterial Effects in a Designed Mixture of Essential Oils of Myrtus communis, Artemisia herba-alba and Thymus serpyllum for Wide Range of Applications. _Foods (Basel, Switzerland)_, 2022. https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/PMC8750683 - …and 5 more on the canonical page. _Educational reference only — not medical advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease._