Cypress (CAS 8013-86-3) — Fragrance Ingredient Profile
Cypress
CAS 8013-86-3
What Is Cypress?
Cypress is a fresh, woody aroma often found in men’s fragrances and spa products. It evokes Mediterranean landscapes with its crisp, slightly resinous character. The scent matters because it bridges citrusy freshness with deeper woody notes, making it versatile in perfumery. People encounter it in aftershaves, candles, and aromatherapy blends where an outdoorsy yet refined scent is desired.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Cypress Smell Like?
Cypress opens with a brisk, pine-like freshness, like wind through conifer needles. The heart reveals subtle citrus undertones and a clean, camphoraceous edge. Dry-down shows its true woody character – dry, slightly peppery, with whispers of incense. Unlike harsh evergreens, it maintains an elegant austerity throughout evaporation, never becoming cloying.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Cypress provides the crisp masculine backbone, complementing citrus top notes with its restrained woody character.
Used sparingly to add outdoorsy freshness that tempers the leather accord.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Cypress essential oil is primarily composed of monoterpenes like α-pinene and carene. These compounds are biosynthesized in the plant’s resin canals. The fresh character comes from volatile fractions containing limonene and myrcene, while woody aspects derive from sesquiterpenes.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 160-170 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.86-0.87 g/cm³ |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| α-Pinene | 80-56-8 | 136.23 | 155 °C | 4.0 | 4.5 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Provides woody freshness without overpowering |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use to add structural crispness to woody compositions.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For deeper, sweeter wood notes when cypress’s austerity needs softening.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under current IFRA standards.
EU Allergen Declaration
None of the major constituents are listed EU allergens.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety at current use levels.
Sustainability
Cypress is sustainably harvested through foliage pruning rather than tree felling. Essential oil yield is relatively high (1-2% of biomass), making it environmentally efficient compared to some wood oils.
Explore Cypress
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References
- Lawrence, B.M. (2010). Essential Oils 2008-2010. Allured Publishing.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8013-86-3Physical 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.
