Cade oil rectified (CAS 92202-02-03) — Smoky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cade oil rectified
CAS 92202-02-03
What Is Cade oil rectified?
Cade oil rectified is a smoky, woody essential oil derived from juniper wood. You’ll encounter it in masculine fragrances, leather accords, and some niche perfumes. This oil carries the intense aroma of charred wood and campfire smoke. Its distinctive smoky character makes it invaluable for creating rugged, outdoorsy scents. Perfumers use it sparingly to add depth and a primal, earthy quality to fragrances.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Cade oil rectified Smell Like?
Cade oil rectified erupts with an intense, phenolic smokiness reminiscent of charred oak barrels and smoldering birch logs. The initial burst carries medicinal, tar-like facets that gradually soften into a dry, leathery heart. As it settles, the oil reveals hidden depths of sweet birch and woody undertones, like the embers of a dying campfire. The dry-down lingers for hours as a sophisticated, slightly animalic base note that pairs beautifully with patchouli and labdanum.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Cade oil provides the signature gasoline-like smokiness that defines this iconic masculine. It blends with violet leaf to create Fahrenheit’s unmistakable metallic-leather accord.
Andy Tauer uses cade to evoke campfire smoke and saddle leather in this Western-themed fragrance, where it interacts with clary sage and myrrh.
This leather chypre masterpiece employs cade oil to reinforce its tough, rebellious character, mingling with galbanum and oakmoss.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Rectified cade oil is produced by steam distillation of Juniperus oxycedrus wood, followed by purification to remove harmful phenols. The main constituents include cadinene, p-cymene, and various sesquiterpenes. The rectification process reduces the concentration of potentially irritating compounds like cresols while preserving the desirable smoky character. Unlike crude cade oil which contains up to 20% phenols, rectified versions typically contain less than 5%, making them safer for perfumery use while maintaining the distinctive smoky-leathery profile.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | >100 °C |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cadinene | 29350-73-0 | 204.35 | 275 °C | 6.2 | 0.001 mmHg |
| p-Cymene | 99-87-6 | 134.22 | 177 °C | 3.7 | 1.3 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used sparingly for smoky accents |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | Leather and tobacco accords |
Classic Accords
Tip: Balance cade’s intensity with sweet notes like vanilla or tonka to prevent overwhelming smokiness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar smoky-leathery characteristics but with more medicinal, creosote-like facets. Use when a sharper smoke note is desired.
Provides smoky-woody notes without the phenolic character. Suitable for cleaner smoky effects.
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 IFRA restrictions. Rectification reduces phenolic content below concern levels.
EU Allergen Declaration
Not listed in EU allergen regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM considers rectified cade oil safe at current usage levels in fragrance.
Sustainability
Cade oil is sustainably harvested from Juniperus oxycedrus, a Mediterranean shrub that regenerates well. Rectification reduces waste by making the oil more usable. Some perfumers are developing synthetic alternatives to reduce environmental impact, though these lack the full complexity of natural cade.
Explore Cade oil rectified
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References
- Lawrence (2003). Progress in Essential Oils. Perfumer & Flavorist.
- Guenther (1948). The Essential Oils. D. Van Nostrand.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
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