Nutmeg Oil (CAS 8008-45-5) — Spicy Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Nutmeg Oil
CAS 8008-45-5
What Is Nutmeg Oil?
Nutmeg oil is a warm, spicy essential oil derived from the seeds of the Myristica fragrans tree. It’s commonly found in holiday candles, spiced perfumes, and traditional medicine. This oil matters because it adds depth and warmth to fragrances while also having historical uses in aromatherapy for its comforting properties.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESS
What Does Nutmeg Oil Smell Like?
Nutmeg oil opens with a sharp, peppery warmth reminiscent of freshly grated nutmeg over eggnog. The heart reveals a creamy, almost buttery quality with hints of dried fruit. Dry-down brings out woody undertones and a lingering sweet-spicy aroma like a well-aged fruitcake. The scent evolves from bright spice to deep warmth over several hours.
Scent Profile
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Nutmeg oil provides the signature warm spice accord that balances the citrus top notes and tobacco base in this modern masculine fragrance.
Used sparingly to accentuate the clove and cinnamon notes in this oriental classic, adding depth without overpowering the floral heart.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Nutmeg oil is primarily composed of terpenes and phenylpropanoids. The main constituents are sabinene (15-50%), α-pinene (10-22%), and myristicin (4-8%). Myristicin, a phenylpropene derivative, contributes to the characteristic aroma but also has psychoactive properties in large quantities. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation of dried nutmeg seeds, with yields around 6-10%. Chirality is significant as different enantiomers of terpenes contribute to the overall scent profile.
Chemical Composition
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 160-180 °C |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 62 °C |
| Density | 0.880-0.910 g/cm³ |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sabinene | 3387-41-5 | 136.23 | 163-165 °C | 3.1 | 1.5 mmHg |
| α-Pinene | 80-56-8 | 136.23 | 155-156 °C | 2.8 | 2.5 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds warmth to oriental and woody compositions |
| Home Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 10% | Popular in holiday and spice-themed candles |
Classic Accords
+ Patchouli + Vanilla = Oriental Base
Tip: Use nutmeg oil sparingly in top notes to avoid overwhelming other components.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Derived from the aril of the same plant, with a slightly sweeter, more delicate spice character.
A synthetic alternative to myristicin with similar spicy notes but more consistent quality.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Myristicin content is self-limiting due to its strong odor.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene which requires allergen declaration above 0.1% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
H317 May cause allergic skin reaction
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment complete – safe for use at current levels in fragrance.
Sustainability
Nutmeg is grown primarily in Indonesia and Grenada. Sustainable harvesting practices are important as trees take 7-9 years to bear fruit. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the complexity of natural oil. Steam distillation is energy-intensive but water is recycled in modern facilities.
Explore Nutmeg Oil
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Industry & Science Data
References
- PubChem Nutmeg Oil CID 11990054
- IFRA Standards Library Nutmeg Oil
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Mar 2026.
Ingredient Data Sheet
CAS 8008-45-5Odor & Flavor
| The oil is obtained by steam distillation of dried comminuted nutmeg previously treated by hydraulic expression to remove fixed oils; yields are approximately 12%. The hot expression of nutmeg yields a fatty oil with a melting point of about 45∞C. Two types of oils, the East Indian and West Indian, are commercially available. The oil exhibits a characteristic nutmeg odor.📖 Fenaroli |
Regulatory Status
| IOFI Classification | Natural📖 Fenaroli |
Physical 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.
