Guaiac wood oil saponified (CAS 90244-88-5) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Balsamic

Guaiac wood oil saponified

CAS 90244-88-5

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Guaiac wood oil saponified?

Guaiac wood oil saponified is derived from the heartwood of the guaiacum tree, primarily found in South America and the Caribbean. It’s encountered in premium perfumes and natural skincare products. This ingredient matters because it provides a unique smoky, woody aroma that’s both grounding and complex, often used to add depth to fragrances.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Check for skin sensitivity
CAS
90244-88-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Guaiac wood oil saponified Smell Like?

Guaiac wood oil saponified offers a rich, smoky, and slightly sweet woody scent with hints of tea and leather. The top notes are warm and resinous, evolving into a heart of deep, earthy woodiness. The dry-down reveals a soft, almost vanillic sweetness, making it a versatile base note in perfumery.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Chanel Sycomore(Chanel, 2008)

Used for its smoky, woody depth, complementing vetiver and sandalwood to create a sophisticated forest-like aura.

Tom Ford Oud Wood(Tom Ford, 2007)

Adds a warm, resinous backbone to the oud, enhancing its complexity and longevity.

Le Labo Santal 33(Le Labo, 2011)

Provides a smoky contrast to the creamy sandalwood, adding depth and intrigue.

Diptyque Tam Dao(Diptyque, 2003)

Used to amplify the woody, slightly medicinal character of the fragrance.

Byredo Gypsy Water(Byredo, 2008)

Adds a smoky, earthy undertone to the bright citrus and vanilla notes.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Guaiac wood oil saponified is derived from the heartwood of the guaiacum tree, primarily composed of guaiol and bulnesol. The saponification process breaks down the oil into its constituent alcohols, enhancing its solubility and fragrance profile. This natural product is prized for its complex terpenoid chemistry, which contributes to its smoky, woody aroma.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling PointN/A
DensityN/A

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (hours to days)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-5%Up to 10%Adds depth and longevity
Skincare0.5-2%Up to 3%Used for its natural fragrance and mild antimicrobial properties

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering other notes; it blends well with vanilla and spices.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Cedarwood Oil CAS 8000-27-9

Offers a cleaner, less smoky woody note when a lighter touch is needed.

2
Oud Oil CAS 90082-33-6

Provides a more intense, animalic woody note for luxury fragrances.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions apply.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has assessed guaiac wood oil as safe for use in current practices.

Sustainability

Guaiac wood is harvested sustainably from managed forests in South America. The saponification process is environmentally friendly, using natural alkalis. Synthetic alternatives are less common due to the complexity of its natural profile.

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References

  1. PubChem. Guaiac Wood Oil. PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards. (2023). IFRA

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 90244-88-5
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical 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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