Hibawood oil (CAS 68917-43-1) — Woody Heart to Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Hibawood oil
CAS 68917-43-1
What Is Hibawood oil?
Hibawood oil is a rare essential oil derived from the Hiba tree, native to Japan. It’s primarily encountered in niche perfumery and traditional Japanese incense. This oil matters because it offers a unique woody-aromatic profile that bridges the gap between coniferous and precious wood scents, carrying cultural significance in Japanese craftsmanship.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Hibawood oil Smell Like?
Hibawood oil opens with crisp, camphoraceous top notes reminiscent of antique cedar chests, quickly revealing a heart of warm hinoki-like woodiness with subtle peppery undertones. The dry-down is remarkably persistent, leaving a polished wood surface aroma with faint resinous whispers – like sun-warmed temple wood after rain. Its evolution mirrors the Japanese concept of ‘wabi-sabi’, becoming more beautifully austere over time.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Uses hibawood to amplify the meditative quality of Japanese hinoki, creating a zen garden effect through its dry, contemplative woodiness.
Hibawood provides structural support to the central hinoki note, adding depth and a slightly medicinal edge to this minimalist composition.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Hibawood oil’s chemistry is dominated by tropolone derivatives, particularly hinokitiol, which is responsible for its distinctive woody-balsamic character. These unique compounds demonstrate antimicrobial properties while contributing to the oil’s remarkable stability. The oil’s composition varies significantly based on extraction method (steam distillation vs. solvent extraction), with the latter preserving more of the delicate high-boiling constituents.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Main Constituent | Hinokitiol |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Used as woody modifier |
| Incense | 5-15% | Up to 30% | Traditional Japanese formulations |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly in fougère bases to add exotic wood nuance without overpowering.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More citrusy top notes but similar dry-down; use when brighter opening is desired.
For smoother rose-woody effects when hibawood’s medicinal edge is too pronounced.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions currently apply to hibawood oil.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has not published a formal safety assessment for hibawood oil as of 2023.
Sustainability
Hibawood is harvested sustainably from managed forests in Aomori prefecture, Japan. The slow-growing trees (requiring 80+ years to mature) make this a precious resource. Recent cultivation projects aim to protect wild stands while meeting growing demand for this culturally important material.
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References
- Japanese Ministry of Agriculture (2020). Hiba Tree Conservation Report.
- Kawasaki et al. (2015). Troponoids in Thujopsis dolabrata. Phytochemistry. DOI: 10.1016/j.phytochem.2015.03.012
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68917-43-1Physical 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.
