Spruce oil, Black (CAS 8008-80-8) — Woody Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Spruce oil, Black
CAS 8008-80-8
What Is Spruce oil, Black?
Black spruce oil is a natural essential oil derived from the needles and twigs of the black spruce tree (Picea mariana). People encounter it in aromatherapy products, forest-inspired fragrances, and natural cleaning solutions. This oil captures the crisp, refreshing scent of boreal forests. Black spruce oil matters because it provides a grounding, woody aroma that connects wearers to nature. Its clean, slightly sweet pine character makes it popular for creating outdoorsy and therapeutic scent experiences.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Spruce oil, Black Smell Like?
Black spruce oil opens with a sharp, invigorating burst of crisp pine needles and winter air – like stepping into an evergreen forest after snowfall. The heart reveals subtle citrus undertones (think crushed juniper berries) and a delicate sweetness resembling maple sap. As it dries down, the fragrance develops into a sophisticated woody base with hints of warm vanilla and earthy balsamic resins. Unlike some pine oils, black spruce maintains a refined, almost creamy quality that prevents it from becoming harsh or medicinal. The dry-down lingers as a soft, comforting woody musk.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Black spruce oil provides the crisp, cold forest signature in this modern woody fragrance. The oil’s natural citrus-pine facets complement vetiver, while its balsamic depth adds warmth to counteract the fragrance’s mineralic ink accord.
Used as the central woody note to recreate Swedish forests. The spruce’s natural freshness blends with juniper berries, while its subtle sweetness balances the fragrance’s birch tar smokiness.
Black spruce adds an unexpected cool, woody contrast to the warmth of sandalwood and spices. Its clean character prevents the oriental composition from becoming overly heavy or gourmand.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Black spruce oil is a complex natural mixture containing over 60 identified compounds. The primary constituents are monoterpenes including α-pinene (30-40%), β-pinene (10-20%), and δ-3-carene (15-25%), which contribute the characteristic pine aroma. Sesquiterpenes like longifolene provide depth and fixative properties. The oil is typically steam distilled from fresh needles and small twigs, with Canadian boreal forests being the premier sourcing region. Unlike some conifer oils, black spruce contains significant esters (bornyl acetate) that give it a softer, fruitier nuance compared to sharper pine oils.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Color | Pale yellow to colorless |
|---|---|
| Boiling Point | 155-175 °C (main components) |
| Density | 0.86-0.88 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.465-1.475 |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| α-Pinene | 80-56-8 | 136.23 | 155 | 2.8 | 4.5 mmHg |
| β-Pinene | 127-91-3 | 136.23 | 165 | 3.0 | 2.5 mmHg |
| δ-3-Carene | 13466-78-9 | 136.23 | 168 | 3.3 | 1.8 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Adds fresh woody character |
| Home Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Creates forest ambiance |
| Personal Care | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | Limited by potential sensitization |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with citrus top notes to enhance black spruce’s natural brightness and prevent excessive woodiness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More citrusy and less balsamic. Use when a sharper, cleaner pine character is desired without black spruce’s subtle sweetness.
Isolated sweet-pine note without the complex terpene profile. Useful when a simpler, more controlled woody effect is needed.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions (2023 Amendment 51). Monoterpene content may require antioxidant stabilization in products.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains limonene and linalool which require declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels, with some components requiring monitoring for sensitization potential.
Sustainability
Black spruce is sustainably wild-harvested in Canada’s boreal forests through regulated collection programs. The trees are never cut down – only small branches are pruned, allowing regeneration. Some producers are implementing circular distillation processes where spent biomass becomes biofuel. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the oil’s natural complexity and terroir characteristics.
Explore Spruce oil, Black
Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.
Browse on iHerb →Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
References
- Pichette et al. (2012). Composition of commercial essential oils from black spruce. Journal of Essential Oil Research. DOI: 10.1080/10412905.2012.659528
- Tisserand & Young (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Elsevier.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8008-80-8Odor & Flavor
| See above, Hemlock.📖 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.
Related Research
![5H-Cyclopenta[H]quinazoline, 6,7,8,9-tetrahydro-7,7,8,9,9-pentamethyl- (CAS 1315251-11-6) — Woody Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5h-cyclopenta-h-quinazoline-6-7-8-9-tetrahydro-7-7-8-9-9-pen-1-768x439.webp)
![Spiro[5.5]undec-8-en-1-one, 2,2,7,9-tetramethyl- (CAS 502847-01-0) — Musky Base Note Fragrance Ingredient](https://thegoodscents.company/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/spiro-5-5-undec-8-en-1-one-2-2-7-9-tetramethyl-1-1-768x439.webp)
