Perilla oil (CAS 68132-21-8) — Green Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Perilla oil
CAS 68132-21-8
What Is Perilla oil?
Perilla oil is a natural oil extracted from the seeds of the perilla plant, commonly used in Asian cuisine and traditional medicine. It’s also found in some skincare products for its moisturizing properties. This ingredient matters because it offers unique aromatic qualities and potential health benefits, making it valuable in both food and cosmetic applications.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Perilla oil Smell Like?
Perilla oil has a distinctive, herbaceous aroma with earthy undertones. Its scent is reminiscent of fresh green leaves with a slightly nutty, spicy edge. The top notes are bright and slightly minty, evolving into a heart of warm, woody tones. The dry-down is subtle, leaving a lingering green freshness.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Perilla oil is used to create a fresh, green, and slightly spicy note, evoking the scent of shiso leaves, a key ingredient in Japanese cuisine.
Perilla oil adds a herbal, slightly minty nuance to the green tea accord, enhancing its natural freshness.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Perilla oil is rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, which contributes to its unique aromatic profile. It is extracted from the seeds of the perilla plant (Perilla frutescens) through cold pressing or solvent extraction. The oil’s composition varies depending on the plant variety and growing conditions.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | N/A |
|---|---|
| Density | N/A |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds herbal freshness |
| Skincare | 2-5% | Up to 10% | Moisturizing and aromatic |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use perilla oil to add a natural, green herbal note to fragrances and skincare products.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Use mint oil for a more pronounced cooling effect and stronger herbal note.
Basil oil offers a similar green, herbal aroma with a sweeter, more floral edge.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply to perilla oil.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has not conducted a specific safety assessment for perilla oil, but it is generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics.
Sustainability
Perilla oil is sustainably sourced from the perilla plant, which is easy to cultivate and requires minimal pesticides. The cold-pressing method is environmentally friendly, producing minimal waste. However, synthetic alternatives may be considered for consistency and reduced environmental impact.
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References
- PubChem. Perilla Oil. National Library of Medicine. PubChem
- Comme des Garçons. Shiso Fragrance. 2000. Comme des Garçons
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68132-21-8Odor & Flavor
| Perilla is an annual herbaceous plant native to Asia. There are two main types of perilla: red perilla and green leaf perilla or oba. Both types are commonly called shiso. Perilla leaf oil is pepared by steam distillation and has a stimulating, fresh, aromatic, greenish odor (perilla-like, pickled ume-like). The major component in 29 of 36 perilla leaf samples was perillaldehyde, while in other leaf samples, the major components were reported as dillapiol, elsholtziaketone or perillaketone. Derivative names: Perilla seed oil📖 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.
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