Cedarwood oil, epoxidized (CAS 68648-34-0) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cedarwood oil, epoxidized
CAS 68648-34-0
What Is Cedarwood oil, epoxidized?
Epoxidized cedarwood oil is a modified version of traditional cedarwood oil, commonly used in masculine fragrances and woody home scents. It undergoes a chemical process to enhance its stability and scent profile. This ingredient matters because it provides perfumers with a more versatile woody note that blends well with modern fragrance compositions while retaining cedar’s natural character.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Cedarwood oil, epoxidized Smell Like?
Epoxidized cedarwood oil presents a refined woody aroma with enhanced smoothness compared to raw cedarwood. The epoxide modification rounds off the sharp edges of traditional cedar, introducing a subtle sweetness reminiscent of polished antique furniture. Top notes carry a crisp, almost camphoraceous quality that evolves into a heart of warm pencil shavings and dry tobacco leaves. The dry-down reveals a sophisticated base resembling aged whiskey barrels, with lingering traces of vanilla-like warmth and a clean, almost mineralic finish.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used as a modern woody anchor that complements the flinty mineral notes, providing depth without overpowering the citrus-floral heart.
The epoxidized version adds a smoother, more diffusive quality to the dark vetiver-cypress accord, preventing excessive dryness.
Provides a contemporary twist to the sandalwood core, enhancing longevity while maintaining the fragrance’s meditative quality.
Works synergistically with vetiver to create a polished, office-friendly woody accord with excellent projection.
Forms part of the complex woody chorus, contributing to the fragrance’s abstract lumberyard concept with enhanced diffusion.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Epoxidized cedarwood oil is produced by reacting cedarwood oil with peracids to introduce epoxide functional groups to its terpene constituents. This modification primarily targets cedrene and thujopsene molecules, increasing their polarity and stability. The epoxidation process reduces the oil’s tendency to oxidize over time while maintaining its woody character. Commercial production typically uses meta-chloroperoxybenzoic acid (mCPBA) as the oxidizing agent under controlled conditions to prevent over-oxidation. The resulting product contains a mixture of mono- and di-epoxidized terpenes with improved solubility in alcohol bases compared to unmodified cedarwood oil.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol and fixed oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Woody base note enhancer |
| Home Fragrance | 2-4% | Up to 7% | Long-lasting woody diffuser |
| Personal Care | 0.5-1.5% | Up to 2% | Stable woody note for soaps |
| Functional Products | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Masking agent for cleaners |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to bridge natural woody materials and synthetic musks for seamless base note transitions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Amber-woody synthetic with similar stability but sweeter profile, useful when more amber character is desired.
Provides comparable woody diffusion with additional violet leaf nuances, ideal for fresh woody compositions.
Ultra-diffusive woody alternative for maximum projection, though less natural-smelling than epoxidized cedarwood.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe for current fragrance use levels based on cedarwood oil safety data.
Sustainability
Epoxidized cedarwood oil offers sustainability advantages by increasing the utility of natural cedarwood resources through chemical modification. The process typically uses existing distillation infrastructure, reducing the need for additional harvesting. Compared to fully synthetic woody materials, it maintains a closer connection to natural sources while providing improved performance. Future developments may explore biocatalytic epoxidation methods to reduce chemical waste.
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Modern Modification of Natural Fragrance Materials. Perfumer & Flavorist.
- IFRA Standards Library (2022). Cedarwood Oil Derivatives.
- Sell (2019). Chemistry of Fragrance Materials. Royal Society of Chemistry.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68648-34-0Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
