Juniper oil, rectified (CAS 2088647-14-5) — Woody Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Juniper oil, rectified
CAS 2088647-14-5
What Is Juniper oil, rectified?
Juniper oil, rectified is a purified essential oil derived from juniper berries, commonly encountered in gin production and forest-themed fragrances. The rectification process removes harsh terpenes, creating a smoother aroma. This oil matters because it captures the crisp, pine-like freshness of juniper without the rough edges, making it versatile for both perfumery and flavor applications where a clean coniferous note is desired.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Juniper oil, rectified Smell Like?
Rectified juniper oil opens with a burst of crisp, almost metallic freshness – like crushed pine needles underfoot on a frosty morning. The heart reveals a complex interplay of woody resins and subtle berry sweetness, reminiscent of gin botanicals. As it dries down, the aroma softens into a clean, camphoraceous woodiness with faint peppery undertones. Unlike raw juniper oil, the rectified version lacks the harsh turpentine-like top notes, presenting instead a polished coniferous character that blends seamlessly with citrus and woody accords.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
This gin-inspired fragrance uses rectified juniper oil as its star ingredient, capturing the spirit’s aromatic botanicals. The oil provides the crisp, refreshing top note that evokes crushed juniper berries, balanced with citrus and spice for a cocktail-like effect.
Rectified juniper oil contributes the woody, aromatic facet that blends with sage in this coastal fragrance. Its clean pine character suggests driftwood and coastal forests without overpowering the marine accords.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Rectified juniper oil is obtained through steam distillation followed by fractional distillation of Juniperus communis berries. The rectification process selectively removes monoterpene hydrocarbons (like α-pinene) while concentrating oxygenated compounds such as terpinen-4-ol and sabinene. These oxygenated components contribute to the oil’s smoother, more refined character compared to crude juniper oil. The composition varies by origin but typically contains 30-50% monoterpene alcohols after rectification.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Clear pale yellow liquid |
|---|---|
| Boiling Range | 150-220 °C |
| Density | 0.86-0.92 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.470-1.485 |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Terpinen-4-ol | 562-74-3 | 154.25 | 209 | 2.7 | 0.16 mmHg |
| Sabinene | 3387-41-5 | 136.23 | 163 | 3.2 | 1.8 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Provides crisp coniferous top notes |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Clean, woody freshness in soaps and detergents |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use rectified juniper oil when you need coniferous freshness without harsh terpenic notes – it blends particularly well with citrus and spice notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a sharper pine character when more intense coniferous notes are desired, though lacks juniper’s berry nuances.
The major component of rectified juniper oil, useful when a single-molecule approach is preferred for stability.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Contains no known IFRA-prohibited substances.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (≥5%) which requires allergen labeling above 0.001% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated juniper oil (not specifically rectified) as safe at current use levels.
Sustainability
Juniper berries are typically wild-harvested, requiring sustainable collection practices to prevent overharvesting. Rectification improves yield efficiency by concentrating desirable components. Some producers cultivate juniper specifically for oil production to reduce pressure on wild populations. The distillation process is energy-intensive but yields a concentrated product requiring less material per formulation.
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References
- Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier.
- Guenther, E. (1948). The Essential Oils. Van Nostrand.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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