Fir needle oil, Siberian (CAS 8021-29-2) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Fir needle oil, Siberian
CAS 8021-29-2
What Is Fir needle oil, Siberian?
Siberian fir needle oil is extracted from the needles of Abies sibirica trees, primarily found in Russia’s boreal forests. It’s commonly used in sauna products, aromatherapy, and winter-themed fragrances. This oil captures the crisp, refreshing scent of evergreen forests and is prized for its ability to evoke snowy woodland landscapes.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Fir needle oil, Siberian Smell Like?
Siberian fir needle oil bursts with a crisp, invigorating pine aroma that’s noticeably softer than other coniferous oils. The top notes carry a bright, citrus-tinged freshness reminiscent of crushed pine needles underfoot, evolving into a heart of woody-resinous depth with subtle balsamic undertones. Unlike sharper fir varieties, it maintains a rounded, almost creamy dry-down with whispers of wintergreen and a clean, cooling finish that lingers like frost on evergreen branches.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its smoother, less aggressive coniferous character compared to other fir oils, adding depth to the vetiver base without overpowering.
Provides the authentic Scandinavian forest accord, blending with birch tar and juniper to create a frozen woodland effect.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Siberian fir needle oil primarily contains bornyl acetate (25-35%), α-pinene (15-25%), and camphene (10-15%), giving it a distinctive chemical profile. The high bornyl acetate content contributes to its softer character compared to other fir oils. Extraction typically occurs through steam distillation of fresh needles and twigs, with the Siberian variety prized for its balanced composition that lacks the harshness of some North American fir species.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Flash Point | 48 °C |
|---|---|
| Specific Gravity | 0.898-0.912 |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bornyl acetate | 76-49-3 | 196.29 | 223-224 | 3.2 | 0.028 mmHg |
| α-Pinene | 80-56-8 | 136.23 | 155-156 | 3.3 | 4.64 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used in fougères and woody fragrances |
| Home Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Winter seasonal products |
Classic Accords
Tip: Blend with citrus oils to brighten the woody character and prevent excessive heaviness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More balsamic and sweet, suitable when a warmer coniferous note is desired.
For formulations requiring consistent odor profile without natural variation.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Listed in IFRA Transparency List Amendment 49.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene and Δ3-carene which require declaration above 0.1% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment completed in 2015, deemed safe for current use levels.
Sustainability
Sustainably harvested from managed Siberian forests where trees are not cut down for oil production. The distillation process uses wood waste for fuel, creating a closed-loop system. Wild collection supports local communities but requires careful management to prevent overharvesting.
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References
- Tkachev A.V. (2007). Study of the Siberian fir essential oil composition. Chemistry of Natural Compounds. DOI 10.1007/s10600-007-0071-8
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8021-29-2Physical 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.
