Nigella Damascena CO2 extract (CAS 73507-35-4) — Green Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Nigella Damascena CO2 extract
CAS 73507-35-4
What Is Nigella Damascena CO2 extract?
Nigella Damascena CO2 extract is a concentrated essence derived from the seeds of love-in-a-mist flowers using supercritical CO2 extraction. It’s found in niche perfumes and natural skincare. This rare extract captures the plant’s volatile compounds without solvents, prized for its green, spicy aroma with honeyed undertones that evolves beautifully on skin.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Nigella Damascena CO2 extract Smell Like?
Opens with a sharp, peppery greenness like crushed fennel stems, quickly revealing an unexpected honeyed warmth reminiscent of orange blossom nectar. The heart develops earthy cumin-like spices wrapped in a soft hay-like dryness. Final hours leave a whisper of clean musk and damp soil, creating remarkable longevity for a natural material. Its complexity bridges the gap between herbaceous and gourmand.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its dry spicy facets that enhance the perfume’s arid landscape illusion, adding both herbal sharpness and sun-baked warmth to the amber accord.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Nigella damascena CO2 extract contains over 60 identified compounds, dominated by monoterpenes like limonene (15-20%) and p-cymene (10-15%), with significant sesquiterpenes including longifolene. The CO2 extraction preserves delicate molecules like damascenone that would degrade in steam distillation. Unlike essential oils, this method captures heavier waxes contributing to the material’s tenacity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Extraction Method | Supercritical CO2 |
|---|---|
| Color | Golden yellow viscous liquid |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Limonene | 138-86-3 | 136.24 | 176 °C | 4.2 |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds naturalistic complexity |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use judiciously as it can dominate blends – best added during middle phase of compounding.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For deeper, more medicinal spice notes when the honeyed facets aren’t required. Higher thymoquinone content.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions. Not listed in IFRA 51st Amendment.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (≥0.1%) – must be declared under EU Cosmetics Regulation.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated Nigella damascena seed oil (FEMA 4777) but not this specific CO2 extract.
Sustainability
Wild harvest in Mediterranean regions poses minimal ecological impact due to the plant’s hardiness. CO2 extraction has lower carbon footprint than steam distillation. No endangered status concerns.
Explore Nigella Damascena CO2 extract
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References
- Nickavar et al. (2003). Chemical Composition of Nigella damascena Seed Volatile Oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research. Link
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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