Abstract Essential oils (EOs) are widely investigated as multifunctional agents for cosmetic applications due to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties; however, their efficacy and safety depend on chemical composition and microbiological selectivity. This study characterized ten commercially available EOs (basil, lavender, melissa, mint, oregano, rosemary, sage, thyme, clove, tea tree) and evaluated their antistaphylococcal and antioxidant activities. Chemical composition was analyzed using GC-MS and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy, while antistaphylococcal activity was assessed against Staphylococcus spp. isolated from skin microbiota using the microbroth dilution method. Antioxidant capacity was determined by the DPPH assay. Multivariate statistical analyses were applied to explore chemical composition–activity relationships. The EOs showed distinct chemical profiles dominated by phenolic compounds (eugenol, carvacrol, thymol), oxygenated monoterpenes (linalool, menthol, 1,8-cineole), and terpenoids. Clove, oregano, and thyme EOs exhibited the strongest antistaphylococcal activity (MIC 0.5–2 mg/mL) and highest antioxidant capacity (>80%), whereas lavender, mint, and sage EOs showed weak effects. All EOs demonstrated bactericidal activity with consistent susceptibility patterns among Staphylococcus spp. PCA and FTIR confirmed an association between phenolic content and bioactivity. In conclusion, antimicrobial efficacy is primarily driven by phenolic composition, supporting targeted cosmetic use while acknowledging possible effects on skin Staphylococcus spp. populations. Keywords: essential oils; GC-MS; ATR-FTIR; skin Staphylococcus spp.; antistaphylococcal activity; antioxidant activity; phenolic compounds