Sichuan pepper CO2 extract (piperitum) (CAS 97404-53-0) — Citrus Top to heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Sichuan pepper CO2 extract (piperitum)
CAS 97404-53-0
What Is Sichuan pepper CO2 extract (piperitum)?
Sichuan pepper CO2 extract is a concentrated aromatic oil obtained from the husks of Sichuan peppercorns using supercritical carbon dioxide. This method preserves delicate top notes lost in steam distillation. It’s encountered in niche perfumery and Asian-inspired culinary fragrances. The extract captures the unique tingling sensation (‘ma la’) of Sichuan cuisine, making it invaluable for creating multisensory fragrance experiences that evoke regional authenticity.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Sichuan pepper CO2 extract (piperitum) Smell Like?
An electrifying citrus-woody aroma with camphoraceous undertones that literally vibrates on the nose. The initial burst resembles pink grapefruit peel rubbed with wet stones, evolving into a pine-resin heart with flickering black pepper sparks. The drydown reveals a fascinating metallic tinge – like licking a bronze statue after eating key lime pie – owed to unusual sanshool compounds that stimulate trigeminal nerves.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its unsettling metallic facets that enhance the fragrance’s controversial ‘bodily fluids’ accord, adding a disturbing tingling sensation to the wearer’s skin.
Provides an unexpected buzzing citrus note that cuts through the leather accord, creating dissonance reminiscent of hot engine parts.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
The extract contains hydroxy-alpha-sanshool and other alkylamides that activate TRPV1 and TRPA1 receptors, producing the characteristic numbing sensation. These unusual compounds are sensitively preserved by CO2 extraction. The main aromatic components include limonene (30%), sabinene (15%), and beta-phellandrene (12%), with trace sanshools (<1%) responsible for the neurological effects. The extract typically appears as a pale yellow viscous liquid with visible crystalline precipitates of sanshool compounds at room temperature.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow viscous liquid with crystals |
|---|---|
| Main Components | Limonene, sabinene, beta-phellandrene |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Conceptual Fragrances | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | For neurological effects |
| Asian-Themed Scents | 0.3-1% | Up to 2% | Cultural authenticity |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use glass tools – sanshools can absorb into plastics and contaminate future batches.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For similar citrus-peppery top notes without neurological effects when the tingling sensation is undesirable.
Traditional solvent extraction yields deeper woody notes but loses fresh top notes and most sanshool content.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Novel food status in EU requires safety assessment for ingestion.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene (allergen). Must be declared above 0.001% in leave-on products.
RIFM Assessment
Not yet evaluated by RIFM. Limited data on dermal exposure in fragrances.
Sustainability
Wild-harvested in China’s mountainous regions, with increasing cultivation to meet demand. CO2 extraction has higher upfront energy costs but superior yield-to-waste ratio versus steam distillation. The numbing quality allows for lower usage rates compared to conventional pepper notes.
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References
- Bryant et al. (2020). TRP Channel Activation by Sanshool Derivatives. ACS Chemical Neuroscience. DOI:10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00000
- PubChem Compound Summary for Hydroxy-alpha-sanshool CID 6441122
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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