Bay Leaf Oil Worst Fragrance Synthetic and Natural No known benefits Bay Leaf Oil at a glance Plant extract AKA Laurus nobilis leaf oil Can have antioxidant and soothing effects Contains fragrant compounds that can damage skin Might cause redness, flaking and dryness Bay Leaf Oil description Bay leaf oil is the volatile oil extracted from the leaves of Laurus nobilis trees and shrubs. Although this oil contains antioxidants, it also has potent fragrant compounds that can sensitize skin. Some of the many fragrant compounds present in Laurus nobilis include methyl eugenol and 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). Eucalyptol might convey some soothing benefits on breakouts; however, its volatile nature can cause sensitization that ultimately makes acne and the marks it leaves behind worse. The eugenol present in bay leaf oil is especially troublesome since it can cause redness, irritation and dryness. In research that included patch tests, eugenol caused sensitization in skin even in low concentrations (below 1%). For more information, please see the entry for Laurus Nobilis. Related ingredients: Laurus Nobilis