Guaiac wood oil saponified (CAS 90244-88-5) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Guaiac wood oil saponified
CAS 90244-88-5
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 SAFEWhat 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.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its smoky, woody depth, complementing vetiver and sandalwood to create a sophisticated forest-like aura.
Adds a warm, resinous backbone to the oud, enhancing its complexity and longevity.
Provides a smoky contrast to the creamy sandalwood, adding depth and intrigue.
Used to amplify the woody, slightly medicinal character of the fragrance.
Adds a smoky, earthy undertone to the bright citrus and vanilla notes.
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 Point | N/A |
|---|---|
| Density | N/A |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Adds depth and longevity |
| Skincare | 0.5-2% | 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
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.
Explore Guaiac wood oil saponified
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 90244-88-5Physical 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.
