Citrus hystrix oil (CAS 929194-65-0) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Citrus hystrix oil
CAS 929194-65-0
What Is Citrus hystrix oil?
Citrus hystrix oil, commonly known as kaffir lime oil, is extracted from the leaves and peel of the Citrus hystrix fruit. It is widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine, aromatherapy, and perfumery. This oil is prized for its intense, fresh, and zesty citrus aroma with a unique herbal undertone. Its vibrant scent makes it a popular choice for adding a tropical, exotic touch to fragrances and personal care products.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Citrus hystrix oil Smell Like?
Citrus hystrix oil bursts with an electrifying, sharp citrus top note reminiscent of crushed lime leaves, with a slightly bitter, green edge. The heart reveals a complex herbal character, akin to lemongrass and coriander, with a subtle floral whisper. The dry-down is clean and slightly woody, leaving a refreshing, almost medicinal aura. Its scent is more pungent and less sweet than regular lime, with a distinctive earthy depth that sets it apart from other citrus oils.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Uses Citrus hystrix oil to create a vibrant, sun-drenched citrus opening, paired with bergamot for a sparkling, tropical effect.
Incorporates kaffir lime for an aromatic, green twist on the classic neroli-citrus accord, adding depth and exoticism.
Features Citrus hystrix oil to enhance the sharp, juicy lime top note with an herbal complexity.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Citrus hystrix oil is rich in monoterpenes, particularly limonene (50-70%) and β-pinene (10-20%), which contribute to its fresh, citrusy character. The oil also contains significant amounts of citronellal and linalool, adding floral and herbal nuances. The unique aroma profile is due to trace components like sabinene and terpinen-4-ol. The oil is typically obtained through cold pressing of the peel or steam distillation of the leaves, with the leaf oil being more herbaceous and the peel oil more citrus-dominant.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 175-180 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.855-0.865 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.470-1.475 |
| Flash Point | 48 °C |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 138-86-3 | 136.23 | 175 | 4.3 | 1.5 mmHg |
| β-Pinene | 127-91-3 | 136.23 | 165 | 3.8 | 2.5 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds bright citrus-herbal top notes |
| Personal Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used in shampoos and body washes for freshness |
| Household | 0.05-0.2% | Up to 0.5% | Adds clean citrus scent to detergents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use in small amounts to avoid overpowering other citrus notes; pairs exceptionally well with spice and herbaceous elements.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a sweeter, less herbal citrus note when the pungency of kaffir lime is undesirable.
Offers a similar lemony-citrus profile with less greenness, useful in citrus-heavy blends.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Limonene content requires allergen labeling above certain thresholds.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (≥0.001% in leave-on products, ≥0.01% in rinse-off) requiring EU allergen labeling.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels, with some potential for skin sensitization at high concentrations.
Sustainability
Citrus hystrix is primarily cultivated in Southeast Asia, with sustainable harvesting practices becoming more common. The oil is generally steam-distilled, which has lower environmental impact than solvent extraction. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the full complexity of the natural oil. Fair trade initiatives are supporting small-scale farmers in Thailand and Indonesia.
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References
- Chaisawadi et al. (2005). Antimicrobial activity of Citrus hystrix oil. Journal of Food Protection. PMID 15830672
- PubChem Compound Summary for Limonene CID 22311
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 929194-65-0Physical 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.
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