Almond oil, bitter (CAS 8013-76-1) — Sweet Top to heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Almond oil, bitter
CAS 8013-76-1
What Is Almond oil, bitter?
Bitter almond oil is a natural essential oil derived from the kernels of bitter almonds. It’s encountered in gourmet foods, traditional medicines, and some niche perfumes. This ingredient matters because it contains benzaldehyde, which gives it a distinctive marzipan-like aroma, but also amygdalin, which can release toxic hydrogen cyanide if improperly processed.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Almond oil, bitter Smell Like?
The aroma of bitter almond oil is intensely nutty and marzipan-like, with a sharp, almost cherry-pit bitterness underlying its sweet facade. When first applied, it bursts with a bright, almost metallic top note that quickly mellows into a rich, gourmand heart. The dry-down reveals subtle woody undertones and a faint medicinal edge that lingers surprisingly tenaciously on skin.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its gourmand almond facet that blends with vanilla and sandalwood to create a sophisticated, edible-woody accord.
Provides a subtle bitter nuance that contrasts with the floral bouquet, adding depth to this classic melancholic fragrance.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Bitter almond oil’s key constituent is benzaldehyde (95-98%), with small amounts of amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside. The oil requires special hydrocyanic acid removal processing for safe use. Modern synthetic benzaldehyde has largely replaced natural bitter almond oil in perfumery due to safety and consistency concerns.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Main Constituent | Benzaldehyde (95-98%) |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 62 °C |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly for gourmand effects |
| Flavoring | 0.01% | 0.001-0.1% | Highly regulated due to toxicity concerns |
Classic Accords
Tip: Always use properly detoxified bitter almond oil or consider synthetic benzaldehyde for safety.
Alternatives & Comparisons
The pure synthetic version of bitter almond’s main component, without amygdalin risks.
Provides similar marzipan notes with different nuance and safety profile.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Restricted by IFRA due to amygdalin content. Only properly detoxified versions permitted (Standard 102).
EU Allergen Declaration
Benzaldehyde must be declared when concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment indicates safe use only in properly processed forms at very low concentrations.
Sustainability
Natural production is limited by the need for extensive processing. Most modern usage employs synthetic benzaldehyde, which has lower environmental impact and consistent quality. Organic bitter almond cultivation exists but represents a tiny fraction of supply.
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References
- Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press.
- IFRA Standards Library – Amendment 49 IFRA Standard 102
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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