Hemp seed oil (CAS 8016-24-8) — Green Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Green · Woody

Hemp seed oil

CAS 8016-24-8

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

What Is Hemp seed oil?

Hemp seed oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). It’s commonly found in skincare products, dietary supplements, and some fragrances for its nourishing properties. While hemp seed oil itself has a mild, nutty aroma, it’s valued in perfumery more for its skin benefits than its scent profile.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Non-toxic and non-comedogenic
✓ Rich in essential fatty acids
CAS
8016-24-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Green · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Hemp seed oil Smell Like?

Hemp seed oil possesses a subtle, earthy aroma with nutty undertones reminiscent of sunflower seeds or walnuts. The scent is dry rather than sweet, with a faint green-vegetal character that becomes more apparent when warmed. Unlike other cannabis-derived materials, it lacks the pungent, resinous qualities associated with terpenes like myrcene or pinene. In fragrance applications, it primarily serves as a carrier oil that adds minimal olfactory interference while providing excellent skin-moisturizing properties.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Malin+Goetz Cannabis(Malin+Goetz, 2014)

Uses hemp seed oil as a base carrier to complement the fragrance’s cannabis leaf accord, adding authenticity while preventing skin dryness from the alcohol base.

Herbae(L’Occitane, 2018)

Incorporates hemp seed oil for its skin-nourishing properties in this green floral composition, allowing higher fragrance oil concentrations without irritation.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Hemp seed oil is composed primarily of triglycerides containing linoleic acid (50-60%), α-linolenic acid (15-25%), and oleic acid (10-15%). Unlike cannabis essential oil, it contains negligible amounts of cannabinoids or terpenes. The oil is cold-pressed from seeds, preserving its nutritional content. Its oxidative stability is moderate due to high polyunsaturated fatty acid content, requiring antioxidants like vitamin E for shelf stability in cosmetic applications.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceClear greenish-yellow liquid
Flash Point>200 °C
Iodine Value140-170 g I₂/100g

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Non-volatile
Blending
Carrier oil
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Skincare Fragrances5-15%Up to 100%As carrier oil
Aromatherapy Blends10-30%Up to 100%Dilution base

Classic Accords

+ Patchouli + Vetiver = Earthy base + Bergamot + Grapefruit = Refreshing body oil

Tip: Use as a natural alternative to fractionated coconut oil in alcohol-free fragrances for better skin adherence.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Grapeseed oil CAS 8024-22-4

Lighter texture with more neutral odor profile; preferred when scent interference must be minimized.

2
Jojoba oil CAS 61789-91-1

More stable oxidatively; better for formulations requiring extended shelf life without refrigeration.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions (Category 4 – Leave-on products).

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers hemp seed oil safe as used in cosmetic applications (2016 review).

Sustainability

Hemp is a highly sustainable crop requiring minimal pesticides and improving soil health through phytoremediation. Modern cultivation for seed oil uses industrial hemp varieties with <0.3% THC content. Cold-pressing extraction maintains low carbon footprint compared to solvent-extracted oils. Packaging in dark glass prevents oxidation and reduces plastic waste.

Explore Hemp seed 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

  1. Callaway JC. (2004). Hempseed as a nutritional resource. Euphytica. DOI:10.1007/s10681-004-4811-6
  2. Leizer et al. (2000). The composition of hemp seed oil. J Nutraceuticals. DOI:10.1080/1028415X.2000.11747311

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

Report a data error

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8016-24-8
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.

Similar Posts