Juniper oil, rectified (CAS 2088647-14-5) — Woody Top to middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

Woody · Green

Juniper oil, rectified

CAS 2088647-14-5

Origin
natural
Note
Top to middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

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 AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
GRAS status for flavor use
Skin sensitivity possible in high concentrations
CAS
2088647-14-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Green
Key Constituents
Terpinen-4-ol
Terpinen-4-ol
Sabinene
Sabinene
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What 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.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Juniper Sling(Penhaligon’s, 2011)

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.

Wood Sage & Sea Salt(Jo Malone, 2014)

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.

Layer 2

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.

Chemical Composition

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceClear pale yellow liquid
Boiling Range150-220 °C
Density0.86-0.92 g/cm³
Refractive Index1.470-1.485

Key Constituent Properties

ConstituentCASMWBP °CXLogPVapor P.
Terpinen-4-ol562-74-3154.252092.70.16 mmHg
Sabinene3387-41-5136.231633.21.8 mmHg

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to middle
Volatility
Medium (1-3 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Provides crisp coniferous top notes
Functional Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Clean, woody freshness in soaps and detergents

Classic Accords

+ Bergamot + Coriander = Gin accord + Cedar + Vetiver = Woody freshness + Pine + Citrus = Forest bouquet

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

1
Pine needle oil CAS 8002-09-3

For a sharper pine character when more intense coniferous notes are desired, though lacks juniper’s berry nuances.

2
Terpinen-4-ol CAS 562-74-3

The major component of rectified juniper oil, useful when a single-molecule approach is preferred for stability.

Layer 3

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

H315 Skin irritation H319 Eye irritation

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.

Explore Juniper oil, rectified

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. Tisserand, R. & Young, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier.
  2. Guenther, E. (1948). The Essential Oils. Van Nostrand.

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

Report a data error

Similar Posts