Pine Oil Dårligst Fragrance Synthetic and Natural No known benefits Pine Oil at a glance Essential oil derived from many species of pine trees and shrubs Used as a perfuming/masking agent in cosmetics Contains aromatic compounds that can irritate skin Has an earthy, pine scent Does not have strong antimicrobial properties Pine Oil description Pine oil is a perfuming ingredient derived from the needles of many pine species, including _Pinus palustris_ and _Pinus sylvestris_. Overall, these essential oils smell earthy and of fresh pine. Although the chemical composition of pine species varies, most of the plant-based essential oils termed “pine oil” contain aromatic compounds that can irritate skin. Some signs of sensitization include redness, flaking, an increase in transepidermal water loss due to barrier damage and a feeling of tightness. Pine oils often also contain antioxidant components. This is common for plant-derived ingredients. Some claim that pine oils curb the growth of unwanted, “bad” microorganisms and can help heal abraded or chafed skin. However, current research on this claim shows that the antimicrobial activity of pine oils is moderate at best. It’s best to use proven, fragrance-free, wound-healing ingredients and doctor-approved medicated topical products and pass on pine oils. Concentration levels of pine oils used in cosmetics vary based on species. However, overall, as raw materials pine oils are yellow-to-brown liquids. Note: if you enjoy the scent of pine oil, many natural-based home-cleaning products contain this ingredient; just be sure to wear protective gloves during use to avoid skin contact. Related ingredients: Pinus Palustris Oil