Blue tansy oil (CAS 91722-52-0) — Herbaceous Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient

Herbaceous

Blue tansy oil

CAS 91722-52-0

Origin
Natural
Note
Heart
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Mar 2026

What Is Blue tansy oil?

Blue tansy oil is a rare essential oil distilled from Moroccan chamomile flowers. It’s found in premium skincare and niche perfumes for its striking blue color and complex aroma. This oil matters because it provides a unique bridge between herbaceous and sweet notes, valued in aromatherapy for its calming properties.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Generally recognized as safe in cosmetics
Contains chamazulene – may cause sensitivity
CAS
91722-52-0
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Herbaceous
Key Constituents
Sabinene
Sabinene
β-Caryophyllene
β-Caryophyllene
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Blue tansy oil Smell Like?

Blue tansy unfolds with an initial medicinal sharpness that quickly mellows into a honeyed herbaceous heart. Imagine crushed wildflowers mixed with damp earth after rain, evolving into a dry-down reminiscent of antique leather-bound books. The oil maintains a persistent camphoraceous edge that keeps it from becoming cloying, with subtle fruity undertones emerging over time.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Gypsy Water(Byredo, 2008)

Blue tansy provides the aromatic bridge between citrus top notes and vanilla base in this cult fragrance, contributing an intriguing herbal complexity.

Eau de Magnolia(Frédéric Malle, 2014)

Used sparingly to add depth to the magnolia accord, creating a sophisticated contrast between floral sweetness and herbal freshness.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Blue tansy oil’s characteristic blue color comes from chamazulene, formed during distillation from matricin. The oil contains up to 50% sesquiterpenes including β-caryophyllene, with significant amounts of sabinene and camphor. Its composition varies dramatically based on growing conditions and distillation parameters.

Chemical Composition

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceDeep blue viscous liquid
Specific Gravity0.912-0.959
Refractive Index1.498-1.528

Key Constituent Properties

ConstituentCASMWBP °CXLogPVapor P.
Sabinene3387-41-5136.24163-165°C3.1
β-Caryophyllene87-44-5204.36262-264°C4.8

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Heart
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with citrus and woods
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Adds herbal sophistication
Skincare0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Valued for anti-inflammatory properties

Classic Accords

+ Bergamot + Patchouli = Modern aromatic + Lavender + Vanilla = Herbal gourmand

Tip: Use blue tansy to add an enigmatic herbal quality that prevents floral compositions from becoming too sweet.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
German Chamomile CAS 8002-66-2

Offers similar anti-inflammatory properties but with a sweeter, fruitier profile lacking blue tansy’s distinctive herbaceous edge.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA standards, though recommended usage levels should be followed due to chamazulene content.

EU Allergen Declaration

None required for current constituents.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has evaluated key constituents with no significant safety concerns at typical usage levels.

Sustainability

Blue tansy is hand-harvested in Morocco, with wild populations under pressure due to popularity. Ethical sourcing initiatives are helping preserve traditional collection methods while ensuring fair wages for harvesters.

Explore Blue tansy oil

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Edris AE (2007). Pharmaceutical and therapeutic potentials of essential oils. Bioresource Technology. Link

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.

Report a data error

Similar Posts