Ho Wood Oil

Worst

Fragrance Synthetic and Natural

No known benefits

Ho Wood Oil at a glance

  • Essential oil derived from the camphor tree
  • Also known as Cinnamomum camphora bark oil
  • Serves as a fragrant and masking ingredient in skin care
  • Features camphor, a skin-sensitizing aromatic compound

Ho Wood Oil description

Ho wood oil, also referred to as _Cinnamomum camphora_ bark oil, is a volatile oil derived from the bark of the camphor tree, native to Southeast Asia. This oil has long been used in traditional medicinal practices within the area. Volatile oils, also known as essential oils, can cause irritation and sensitization when applied to skin due to their aromatic compounds. Ho wood oil has many of these compounds, including linalool (a pro-oxidant), borneol and camphor. Camphor is ho wood oil’s most divisive compound due to the sensitization it can cause skin and eyes on contact. Camphor’s a terpenoid that provides cosmetics with a distinct scent and, when applied to skin, provides a cooling effect. This fragrant compound has also demonstrated that it can cause irritation in nasal mucous membranes when inhaled at concentrations of 2 parts per million or above. Ho wood oil differs from other _Cinnamomum camphora_ extracts and oils in that it’s derived from the bark, not the leaves, stems or fruit of the camphor tree. Due to this difference, it has a distinct chemical profile that features compounds, like isoterpinolene and eugenol, that don’t feature, or feature at lower percentages, in oils produced from other parts of the camphor tree.

Ho Wood Oil references

  • Molecules, April 2022, ePublication
  • Industrial Crops and Products, August 2013, pages 628-633
  • Molecules, May 2013, pages 5434-5454

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.