You’ve heard of cotton, linen and even bamboo leaves. But eucalyptus?

Believe it or not, this silky, soft fabric is more breathable than cotton, softer than linen, and much more durable than bamboo. Eucalyptus leaves help regulate body temperature, keeping you comfortable and cool during the night. In addition, they are hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial growth, making them ideal for sensitive skin.

Here’s what you should know about eucalyptus sheets, including our recommendations for the six best options.

What are eucalyptus sheets?

“Most eucalyptus sheets are made from eucalyptus lyocell,” explained El Liu, founder of Eucalypso. “Lyocell is a general term for the cellulose fibers that are made from wood pulp into textiles. ” Thus, eucalyptus lyocell is made from eucalyptus cellulose, from which clothes are made.

You will also see Tencel Eucalyptus, which is a proprietary type of lyocell known for its sustainable manufacturing processes. In fact, “Tencel lyocell is one of the most sustainable and environmentally responsible fabrics in the world,” said Liu.

Eucalyptus sheets have several amazing properties. The texture creates a soft, silky smooth texture. Eucalyptus leaves are hypoallergenic and antibacterial.

Are eucalyptus leaves environmentally friendly?

Eucalyptus leaves are truly environmentally friendly, both in terms of raw materials and in the manufacturing process. The main point is to find a company that receives from a responsible partner. Eucalyptus needs less water than many other plants and the production process is very sustainable. Many brands, though not all, use a closed loop process. This means that water and solvents are reused and recycled in the manufacturing process.

Eucalyptus vs. Cotton

In a side-by-side comparison of durability, eucalyptus leaves outperform cotton. “Cotton is one of the dirtiest and driest crops in the world,” says Liu. “Growing and harvesting require a lot of water and pesticides, which can cause environmental damage through runoff and pollution.”

Eucalyptus vs bamboo

Although bamboo sheets are often marketed as an environmentally friendly option, this is not always the case. There are two types of fabric from which bamboo leaves are made: rayon or lyocell.

Viscose, sometimes called viscose, is a chemically intensive process that can be very harmful to the environment and to the people who make the wood.

Bamboo sheets can also be made from lyocell which is the best choice for the planet and factory workers.

Do eucalyptus sheets keep you cool?

Although some people assume that eucalyptus sheets are cooling because they are soaked in eucalyptus oil, this is not true. “Eucalyptus oil and leaves are not used in the manufacturing process,” says Alice Sabak, marketing manager for Sijo.

On the other hand, the cooling properties of eucalyptus leaves come from their ability to breathe and that they remove moisture. “Even when you run your hand over the material, you feel cool,” says Sabak. Many report how they slept soundly on their eucalyptus sheets all night.