Cedar leaf oil, China (CAS 91770-83-1) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cedar leaf oil, China
CAS 91770-83-1
What Is Cedar leaf oil, China?
Cedar leaf oil from China is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of cedar trees. It’s commonly found in household cleaners, masculine fragrances, and aromatherapy products. This oil matters because it provides a crisp, woody aroma that evokes forest freshness while having natural antimicrobial properties.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Cedar leaf oil, China Smell Like?
China cedar leaf oil bursts with an intensely green, camphoraceous top note reminiscent of crushed pine needles and fresh lumber. The heart reveals a drier, pencil-shaving woodiness with subtle citrus undertones. As it dries down, it becomes more resinous and earthy, leaving a clean masculine trail. The overall effect is like walking through a sun-warmed cedar forest after rain – sharp, invigorating, and slightly medicinal.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its crisp, dry wood character that complements the flinty mineral accord. Provides natural roughness to balance the polished citrus top notes.
Adds green sharpness to cut through the creamy sandalwood base. Creates a ‘unfinished lumber’ effect in the heart notes.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
China cedar leaf oil is primarily composed of thujopsene and other sesquiterpenes. The oil is steam-distilled from the leaves of Cupressus funebris trees native to China. Unlike Western cedar oils, it contains higher levels of cedrol and widdrol, giving it a distinctive dry-woody character. The production process involves careful temperature control to preserve the delicate top notes.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 210-230 °C |
| Density | 0.940-0.960 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used for woody-green accents |
| Household Cleaners | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Adds fresh scent with antimicrobial benefits |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in top notes to create a ‘cut wood’ effect that evolves into dry heart notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Softer and sweeter, lacking the sharp greenness of Chinese cedar leaf. Better for rounded woody bases.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Approved for all categories at typical use levels.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
Sustainably harvested from managed forests in China. Steam distillation process has low environmental impact. Increasingly replaced by molecularly reconstructed alternatives to reduce harvesting pressure.
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References
- Guenther, E. (1952). The Essential Oils. D. Van Nostrand Company.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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