Palm oil, fixed (CAS 8002-75-3) — Green Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Palm oil, fixed
CAS 8002-75-3
What Is Palm oil, fixed?
Palm oil is a versatile vegetable oil derived from the fruit of oil palm trees. You’ll find it in foods, cosmetics, and even biofuels. In perfumery, it serves as a base for soaps and creams rather than as a fragrance itself. This oil matters because of its unique fatty acid profile that gives excellent stability and texture to products, though its widespread use has raised environmental concerns about sustainable sourcing.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Palm oil, fixed Smell Like?
Palm oil fixed has virtually no detectable odor in its refined form, making it a neutral carrier in perfumery. The unrefined version may carry faint earthy, nutty undertones reminiscent of raw vegetable matter. Unlike essential oils, it doesn’t contribute to a fragrance’s scent profile but serves as a stable, odorless foundation for product formulations.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Palm oil is composed primarily of triglycerides with a balanced ratio of saturated (palmitic acid) and unsaturated (oleic and linoleic acids) fatty acids. The oil is extracted through mechanical pressing of the palm fruit mesocarp. In perfumery, it’s typically fully hydrogenated to create a stable, odorless base material. The fatty acid composition varies based on the palm variety and growing conditions.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Melting Point | 35-40 °C (refined) |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | >200 °C |
| Density | 0.89-0.92 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soap Making | 20-30% | Up to 100% | Provides hardness and stable lather |
| Creams/Lotions | 5-15% | Up to 25% | Emollient properties |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use fully hydrogenated palm oil for maximum stability in cosmetic formulations.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar emollient properties with slightly different fatty acid profile and lower melting point.
Provides richer texture and contains unsaponifiables beneficial for skin.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply to palm oil.
RIFM Assessment
Palm oil has been assessed as safe for use in cosmetics by RIFM.
Sustainability
Palm oil production has significant environmental impacts including deforestation and habitat loss. Look for RSPO-certified sustainable palm oil to ensure responsible sourcing. Some perfumers choose alternatives due to these concerns, though palm remains the highest-yielding vegetable oil crop per hectare.
Explore Palm oil, fixed
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- RSPO. (2022). Principles and Criteria for Sustainable Palm Oil Production. RSPO Standards
- FAO. (2021). Oil Palm Cultivation and Environmental Impact. FAO Report
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data error