Cinnamon leaf essential oil comes from the leaves of the Cinnamomum zeylanicum tree, a species native to Sri Lanka and southern India. This remarkable tree, cherished for centuries, offers both aromatic and medicinal benefits. While many know cinnamon bark for its culinary uses, the leaves provide an essential oil that boasts a warm, spicy scent and therapeutic properties. Sri Lanka, in particular, plays a leading role in the global production of this versatile oil, which continues to grow in popularity worldwide.

Farmers carefully harvest mature leaves from the cinnamon tree, selecting only those in optimal condition. They then process the leaves using steam distillation, a method that extracts essential oils through the application of steam. The steam carries the oil’s compounds, which then cool and condense into liquid form. This process creates a yellowish-brown oil rich in eugenol, a compound that delivers powerful antibacterial and antifungal properties. Unlike cinnamon bark oil, cinnamon leaf oil feels gentler, making it ideal for skincare and wellness applications.