At Scrubmission, we put care into choosing the ingredients that go into our soap. Tea tree oil, peppermint oil, eucalyptus oil and charcoal each have a place in the formula, but they should not all be described in the same way.
Research into the antifungal activity of essential oils is part of the ingredient story that interests us. Being transparent matters just as much: laboratory findings about an ingredient are not proof that a finished, rinse-off soap prevents or treats fungal infections. Here’s a closer look at the four ingredients, one by one.
1. Tea tree oil: studied for antifungal activity
Tea tree oil has been investigated for its effects on fungi, including Candida yeasts. In a 2025 laboratory study using denture materials, tea tree oil showed antifungal activity under some test conditions.
That makes tea tree oil an interesting research ingredient, not a reason to promise protection from ringworm or athlete’s foot. A systematic review of human studies also found that the overall quality of tea tree oil research was poor to modest, with better trials needed to substantiate potential therapeutic uses.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1360273/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1360273/#sec21
2. Peppermint oil: an ingredient with mixed research findings
Peppermint oil has also been investigated for antifungal effects. However, being studied does not mean it works reliably in every setting. In the same 2025 laboratory study, peppermint oil showed activity against Candida albicans under the conditions tested.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6749244/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/372338308_Determination_of_Antifungal_Activity_of_Essential_Oil_of_Mentha_piperita_Mint
3. Eucalyptus oil: activity depends on the oil and the test
Eucalyptus oils have shown antifungal activity in laboratory research, but the details matter. One study of Eucalyptus globulus leaf oil reported activity against Fusarium roseum, a fungus tested in the laboratory.
Another study comparing oils from the flower buds of eleven eucalyptus species found that activity depended on the species and the oil’s composition. Different oils, concentrations, organisms and contact times can produce different results.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15189289/
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/375730157_Eucalyptus_globulus_essential_oil_A_promising_antifungal_agent_for_Candida_albicans
4. Charcoal: The amazing benefits for your skin
Charcoal, particularly activated charcoal and traditional binchotan charcoal, is a valuable ingredient in skincare due to its oil-absorbing and deep-cleansing properties. When incorporated into Scrubmission Soap, charcoal helps cleanse the skin, remove impurities, and leave it feeling fresh, smooth, and revitalised.
One of the key benefits of charcoal is its ability to absorb excess oil, making it especially beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. It helps remove dirt, excess sebum, and everyday impurities that can contribute to clogged pores and blemishes. By keeping the skin clean and reducing surface oil, charcoal can help improve the appearance of blackheads, whiteheads, and enlarged pores.
Charcoal also supports gentle skin exfoliation by helping remove surface buildup and dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling softer and looking brighter. With regular use, Scrubmission Soap can become a valuable part of a skincare routine designed to promote a cleaner, smoother, and more balanced complexion.
Scrubmission Soap combines the cleansing benefits of charcoal with everyday skincare, helping you achieve skin that feels refreshed, purified, and renewed.
Careful ingredient selection, honest expectations
We choose our ingredients thoughtfully, and we believe the explanation should be just as thoughtful. Some essential oils have interesting laboratory research behind them.
Enjoy Scrubmission soap as part of your washing routine after training, not as a substitute for an antifungal treatment. If you suspect ringworm, athlete’s foot or another skin infection, ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional for advice rather than relying on soap alone.