Ginger Oil (CAS 8007-08-07) — Spicy Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Ginger Oil
CAS 8007-08-07
What Is Ginger Oil?
Ginger oil is extracted from the rhizome of the ginger plant, commonly used in cooking and traditional medicine. You’ll encounter it in spicy perfumes, warming massage oils, and some Asian-inspired skincare products. This oil matters because it adds a fiery, energizing character to fragrances while also offering aromatherapeutic benefits for digestion and circulation.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFE
What Does Ginger Oil Smell Like?
Ginger oil bursts with a sharp, peppery warmth reminiscent of freshly grated rhizome, evolving into a citrusy-woody heart with hints of lemon peel and cedar. The dry-down reveals a soft, slightly sweet earthiness akin to dried ginger powder. Unlike synthetic ginger notes, the natural oil carries a moist, almost juicy quality that makes fragrances feel alive and pulsating.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Ginger oil provides the explosive opening alongside pink pepper, creating the signature ‘bomb’ effect. Its natural warmth balances the synthetic cinnamon for a more nuanced spice accord.
Used sparingly to accentuate the flinty mineral character, ginger adds vibrancy to the citrus top without overpowering the vetiver base.
Ginger’s peppery facets amplify the dark chocolate and patchouli, preventing the gourmand elements from becoming too sweet.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Ginger oil contains over 100 compounds, with zingiberene (30-70%) and ar-curcumene as major sesquiterpenes. The characteristic sharpness comes from gingerols and shogaols, phenolic compounds that degrade during steam distillation. CO2 extraction preserves more of these heat-sensitive components. Synthetic alternatives often focus on recreating the zingiberene profile but lack the complexity of minor sulfur-containing compounds.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.87-0.88 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.488-1.494 |
| Optical Rotation | -28° to -45° |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zingiberene | 495-60-3 | 204.35 | 134-136°C (15 mmHg) | 6.2 | 0.001 mmHg |
| β-Sesquiphellandrene | 20307-83-9 | 204.35 | 123-125°C (11 mmHg) | 6.1 | 0.002 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds sparkle to oriental bases |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used in mouthwashes for warming effect |
Classic Accords
+ Vanilla + Benzoin = Spiced Gourmand
+ Cardamom + Coriander = Chai Tea Accord
Tip: Add ginger oil late in blending to preserve its volatile top notes, and always pair with fixatives like labdanum.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Retains more gingerols for a hotter, more authentic profile. Use when needing food-grade materials or enhanced therapeutic effects.
Simpler woody-spicy character without the citrusy facets. Ideal for cost-sensitive formulations requiring only basic ginger nuance.
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 under ‘Ginger’ in IFRA Transparency List with no usage limits.
EU Allergen Declaration
None at typical usage levels. Contains trace amounts of citral which may require declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
H317 May cause allergic skin reaction
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels. No phototoxicity concerns.
Sustainability
Most ginger oil comes from India and China, where cultivation is generally sustainable though water-intensive. CO2 extraction has higher carbon footprint than steam distillation but yields more potent oil per plant material. Synthetic alternatives reduce agricultural impact but lack therapeutic properties.
Explore Ginger Oil
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Industry & Science Data
References
- Govindarajan V.S. (1982). Ginger—chemistry, technology, and quality evaluation. CRC Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition. DOI:10.1080/10408398209527345
- PubChem Compound Summary for Zingiberene CID 644106
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
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