Elemi Oil (CAS 9000-75-3) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Elemi Oil
CAS 9000-75-3
What Is Elemi Oil?
Elemi oil is a fragrant resin obtained from the Canarium luzonicum tree, native to the Philippines. You’ll encounter it in incense, perfumes, and traditional medicines. Its warm, citrusy-spicy aroma adds depth to men’s colognes and oriental fragrances. This ancient ingredient matters because it bridges fresh citrus notes with deeper resinous tones, creating balanced compositions that evolve beautifully on skin. Historically used in embalming and rituals, elemi brings a touch of exotic mystery to modern perfumery.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Elemi Oil Smell Like?
Elemi oil bursts with a bright, lemony-peppery top note reminiscent of fresh grapefruit zest mixed with black pepper. As it settles, the heart reveals a complex resinous character – imagine warm frankincense smoothed with honeyed tea leaves. The dry-down is a sophisticated woody-balsamic whisper, like antique cedar chests lined with vanilla pods. Unlike sharper citrus oils, elemi maintains a rounded, almost creamy texture throughout its evolution, making it exceptionally versatile for bridging fresh and oriental accords.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Jean-Claude Ellena used elemi’s citrus-resin duality to create a shimmering contrast with cardamom and birch, achieving a modern fougère that feels both crisp and warm.
Elemi amplifies the flinty mineral quality of this iconic scent while tempering the vetiver’s sharpness, contributing to its legendary dry-down.
Andy Tauer employs elemi as a solar amplifier, making the amber accord glow as if heated by desert winds.
The elemi-lavender pairing here creates a luminous halo around the mossy base, pioneering a new citrus-aromatic structure.
Elemi’s resinous facets help ground the fragrance’s avant-garde metallic notes, providing organic warmth.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Elemi oil is primarily composed of monoterpenes (limonene, phellandrene) and sesquiterpenes, with elemicin (a phenylpropene) contributing to its distinctive spiciness. The resin is obtained through steam distillation of the tree’s gum, with Philippine varieties yielding the highest quality. Unlike frankincense which polymerizes, elemi remains relatively fluid due to its unique balance of α- and β-pinenes. Modern GC-MS analysis reveals over 80 components, with the relative proportions varying by harvest season and tree age, creating subtle batch variations perfumers must account for in formulations.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 160-220 °C (mixture) |
| Flash Point | 62 °C |
| Density | 0.865-0.915 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.470-1.490 |
| Optical Rotation | +44° to +85° |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 138-86-3 | 136.23 | 176 °C | 4.2 | 1.5 mmHg |
| α-Phellandrene | 99-83-2 | 136.23 | 171 °C | 4.0 | 1.1 mmHg |
| Elemicin | 487-11-6 | 208.25 | 153 °C | 2.9 | 0.01 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds luminous quality to citrus and fougère accords |
| Soaps | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Boosts freshness while anchoring floral notes |
| Candles | 2-4% | Up to 6% | Creates warm resinous diffusion |
| Functional Products | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Masking agent with natural appeal |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with bergamot FCF to prevent discoloration while maintaining citrus brilliance.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For deeper, more church-like resinous qualities when elemi’s citrus aspect isn’t desired. Lacks the peppery brightness.
When a darker, more medicinal resin character is needed. Much less citrusy but shares some woody-balsamic facets.
For similar resinous warmth without the citrus top notes. Provides excellent fixative properties.
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 IFRA restrictions. Listed as safe under current standards (49th Amendment).
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (≥35%) – must be declared when present in leave-on products above 0.001%.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels. No evidence of phototoxicity or significant sensitization potential.
Sustainability
Wild-harvested from sustainably managed forests in the Philippines, where tapping practices ensure tree survival. The 3-month drying process is energy-efficient. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the complexity of natural elemi. Recent reforestation initiatives by major suppliers help maintain biodiversity while supporting local communities through fair trade practices.
Explore Elemi Oil
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Baser K.H.C., Buchbauer G. (2015). Handbook of Essential Oils. CRC Press. ISBN 9780367389753
- Tisserand R., Young R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier. ISBN 9780443062414
- Poucher W.A. (1993). Poucher’s Perfumes, Cosmetics and Soaps. Springer. ISBN 9789401114860
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Report a data error
