Cedrene (CAS 11028-42-5) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Cedrene
CAS 11028-42-5
What Is Cedrene?
Cedrene is a woody aroma chemical commonly used in masculine fragrances and home scents. You’ll encounter it in cedar-scented candles, aftershaves, and woody perfumes. This synthetic molecule mimics the dry, pencil-shaving quality of natural cedarwood oils but with greater consistency and stability.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Cedrene Smell Like?
Cedrene delivers a crisp, dry woody character reminiscent of freshly sharpened pencils and cedar chests. The scent evolves from a slightly camphoraceous top to a heart of clean, pencil-shaving woodiness with faintly resinous undertones. In dry-down, it leaves a persistent woody trail that blends seamlessly with musks and ambers. Unlike natural cedar oils, cedrene lacks the smoky, leathery facets, presenting instead a more refined and consistent woody profile.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Cedrene contributes to the dry, pencil-shaving woody accord that defines this modern classic, blending with vetiver and flint for a mineralic woody signature.
Used alongside natural cedar oils to create the fragrance’s photorealistic cedarwood heart while maintaining stability and diffusion.
Cedrene reinforces the dark woody vetiver core with its dry, pencil-like woodiness that persists through the dry-down.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Cedrene belongs to the sesquiterpene hydrocarbon class, structurally related to cadinene. While found naturally in cedarwood oils, commercial cedrene is typically synthesized from turpentine-derived pinene or other terpene feedstocks. The synthetic process involves isomerization and purification to achieve the desired woody odor profile. The molecule exists as α- and β-cedrene isomers, with the β-form being more commonly used in perfumery for its cleaner woody character.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Colorless to pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 260-265 °C |
| Density | 0.93-0.94 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Woody base note modifier |
| Home Fragrance | 3-8% | Up to 15% | Cedarwood accord base |
| Soaps/Detergents | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | Woody freshness |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use cedrene to ‘dry out’ overly sweet woody accords or add pencil-shaving crispness to natural cedarwood blends.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions (48th Amendment).
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
As a synthetic material, cedrene reduces pressure on natural cedarwood resources. Modern production methods minimize environmental impact through efficient catalysis and solvent recovery. Unlike natural cedar oils, synthetic cedrene doesn’t contribute to deforestation and offers consistent quality year-round.
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References
- Bauer et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials. Wiley-VCH.
- Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals. Allured.
- Sell, C. (2006). The Chemistry of Fragrances. RSC.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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