Hinoki leaf oil (CAS 91745-97-0) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Hinoki leaf oil
CAS 91745-97-0
What Is Hinoki leaf oil?
Hinoki leaf oil is an essential oil distilled from the leaves of Japanese cypress trees (Chamaecyparis obtusa). People encounter it in premium Japanese incense, spa products, and niche fragrances. This oil matters because it carries the serene, woody character of ancient Japanese forests, offering a unique aromatic profile that bridges traditional and modern perfumery.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Hinoki leaf oil Smell Like?
Hinoki leaf oil opens with crisp, citrus-tinged woodiness reminiscent of freshly split cedar, quickly revealing a heart of peppery green nuances and faintly smoky undertones. The dry-down evolves into a meditative, temple-like aroma with polished wood facets and a whisper of incense. Unlike Western conifers, it carries a distinctly Japanese character – restrained yet profound, like sunlight filtering through ancient forest canopies.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
This avant-garde fragrance showcases hinoki’s full spectrum – from the bracing citrus-wood opening to its profound woody-incense dry down, creating a minimalist yet powerful statement of Japanese forest aesthetics.
Uses hinoki leaf oil as the central woody note, blending it with oakmoss and labdanum to recreate the scent of ancient Japanese temples with remarkable authenticity.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Hinoki leaf oil is primarily composed of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, with α-pinene, β-pinene, and terpinolene as key components. The oil is steam-distilled from fresh leaves and twigs of Chamaecyparis obtusa, a process that preserves its delicate top notes. Japanese producers use specialized low-temperature distillation techniques to maintain the oil’s characteristic freshness, differing from conventional conifer oil production methods.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Clear pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | Approx. 160-220°C (mixture) |
| Density | 0.86-0.92 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.460-1.480 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds distinctive Japanese woody character |
| Home Fragrance | 2-5% | Up to 8% | Creates meditative, spa-like atmospheres |
Classic Accords
Tip: Balance hinoki’s dryness with small amounts of ambroxan or cashmeran to enhance diffusion without losing its contemplative character.
Alternatives & Comparisons
From Thujopsis dolabrata, offers similar Japanese woody character but with more pronounced lemony top notes and less smokiness.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions currently apply to hinoki leaf oil (as of 2023).
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene which requires allergen labeling above 0.1% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated related cypress oils but no specific assessment exists for hinoki leaf oil.
Sustainability
Hinoki oil production supports sustainable forestry in Japan, where trees are selectively harvested from managed plantations. However, overharvesting of wild trees remains a concern, making cultivated sources preferable. Some producers are developing eco-distillation methods to reduce water and energy use.
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References
- Japanese Ministry of Agriculture (2021). Sustainable Forestry Practices for Hinoki Cultivation. Government Report
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 91745-97-0Physical 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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