Cedarwood oil, oxidized (CAS 68916-71-2) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

Cedarwood oil, oxidized

CAS 68916-71-2

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Cedarwood oil, oxidized?

Oxidized cedarwood oil is a modified version of traditional cedarwood essential oil, commonly used in woody and masculine fragrances. You’ll encounter it in aftershaves, colognes, and home fragrance products. This ingredient matters because oxidation creates richer, more complex aromas that last longer on skin, transforming simple cedar scents into sophisticated fragrance foundations.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ IFRA approved for fragrance use
⚠ May cause skin sensitivity in high concentrations
CAS
68916-71-2
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Cedarwood oil, oxidized Smell Like?

Oxidized cedarwood oil opens with an intense, almost smoky woodiness – like charred cedar planks in a sauna. The heart reveals polished antique furniture nuances with subtle leathery undertones. Dry down brings unexpected sweetness reminiscent of maple sap, rounding out the initial harshness. Unlike raw cedarwood, this version maintains a velvety texture throughout evaporation, never becoming overly sharp or pencil-like.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Terre d'Hermès(Hermès, 2006)

The oxidized cedarwood here creates the fragrance’s signature flinty mineral character, blending with vetiver to form an earthy yet refined foundation that lasts 12+ hours.

Santal 33(Le Labo, 2011)

Used alongside synthetic sandalwood to amplify woody depth, contributing the slight smokiness that makes this fragrance instantly recognizable.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Oxidized cedarwood oil undergoes controlled air exposure to modify its terpene profile. Key components like cedrene convert to more fragrant cedrol and ketones through autoxidation. The process increases oxygenated compounds while reducing volatile monoterpenes, resulting in better fixation. Synthetic versions recreate this profile through fractionation and selective oxidation of cedarwood fractions under controlled conditions.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow to amber viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (8+ hours)
Blending
Excellent for woody accords
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance2-5%Up to 10%Base note fixative
Home Fragrance3-7%Up to 15%Provides lasting woody character

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to anchor citrus top notes in masculine fragrances – the oxidation products bind well with aldehydes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cedramber CAS 32388-55-9

Synthetic alternative with more pronounced amber facets, useful when seeking sweeter wood tones without oxidation variability.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. Oxidation reduces allergen potential compared to raw cedarwood oil.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels, with oxidation reducing sensitization potential versus unmodified oil.

Sustainability

Synthetic oxidized versions reduce pressure on cedar forests while providing consistent quality. Most commercial material now comes from byproducts of sustainable timber operations, with closed-loop oxidation processes minimizing waste.

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References

  1. IFRA Standards Library, Amendment 51 IFRA 51

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68916-71-2
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical 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.

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