Carrot seed oil (CAS 8015-88-1) — Earthy Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Carrot seed oil
CAS 8015-88-1
What Is Carrot seed oil?
Carrot seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the Daucus carota plant, commonly known as wild carrot or Queen Anne’s lace. It’s found in premium skincare products and niche perfumery for its earthy, rooty aroma. This oil matters because it adds a unique natural depth to fragrances, connecting wearers to raw, organic elements of nature. Its subtle sweetness and woody undertones make it a favorite for grounding floral or citrus compositions.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Carrot seed oil Smell Like?
Carrot seed oil unfolds with an initial damp earthiness reminiscent of freshly dug garden soil after rain. The heart reveals a complex interplay of dry hay, warm cumin-like spiciness, and a whisper of celery salt. As a base note, it lingers with woody-ambery undertones that resemble sandalwood shavings blended with roasted walnuts. The dry-down leaves a comforting, slightly sweet vegetal warmth that anchors brighter notes without overpowering them. Unlike other root notes, it maintains an airy quality that prevents heaviness in compositions.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as an earthy counterpoint to the creamy sandalwood, adding dimension and preventing the sweetness from becoming cloying.
Provides a grounded, vegetal foundation to the bright orange blossom, creating a garden-to-table olfactory journey.
Contributes to the parched earth illusion, blending with spices to create the scent of sun-baked Moroccan soil.
Adds an autumnal melancholy to the chrysanthemum accord, like wet leaves clinging to damp earth.
Deepens the vetiver’s rooty character, enhancing the ink-like mineral quality with organic warmth.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Carrot seed oil contains about 60-70% sesquiterpenes including carotol and daucol, along with monoterpenes like pinene and limonene. The characteristic earthy odor comes primarily from β-bisabolene and β-caryophyllene. Extraction typically involves steam distillation of dried seeds, yielding 0.5-1.5% oil. The oil’s complexity arises from numerous trace components including aldehydes and ketones that contribute to its dry, slightly spicy character. Unlike carrot root extracts, the seed oil contains no carotene pigments but shares some aromatic compounds with celery and parsley seed oils.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | ~75 °C |
| Specific Gravity | 0.900-0.945 |
| Optical Rotation | +30° to +45° |
| Refractive Index | 1.480-1.493 |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carotol | 465-28-1 | 222.37 | 290 °C | 5.4 | 0.0003 mmHg |
| α-Pinene | 80-56-8 | 136.23 | 155 °C | 3.0 | 4.5 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Provides earthy foundation |
| Skincare | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Antioxidant properties |
| Aromatherapy | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Grounded, centering effect |
| Candles | 0.5-1.5% | Up to 3% | Adds dry warmth |
Classic Accords
Tip: Pair with citrus top notes to create intriguing contrast between freshness and earthiness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a more expensive, powdery root note with similar grounding properties but less earthiness.
When a sharper, more herbal root character is desired in place of carrot seed’s warmth.
For deeper, more pungent earthiness when carrot seed’s subtlety isn’t required.
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. Listed as safe for use in current IFRA 51st Amendment.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (≤5%) which requires allergen labeling above 0.001% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment concluded safe use at current industry levels with recommended dermal limits.
Sustainability
Carrot seed oil is sustainably wildcrafted or produced as a byproduct of vegetable farming. Most commercial production comes from France, Egypt, and India. The plants require minimal water and no pesticides when grown for seed. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the oil’s full complexity. Organic certification is available for growers meeting ecological standards.
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References
- Lis-Balchin M. (2006). Aromatherapy Science. Pharmaceutical Press.
- Tisserand R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier.
- Jirovetz L. (2003). Analysis of Carrot Seed Oil. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI:10.1002/ffj.1212
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
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