Sugarcane oil (distillate) (CAS 91722-22-4) — Sweet Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Green

Sugarcane oil (distillate)

CAS 91722-22-4

Origin
natural
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Sugarcane oil (distillate)?

Sugarcane oil distillate is a natural aromatic oil derived from sugarcane, a tropical grass widely cultivated for sugar production. People encounter it in niche perfumery and natural cosmetic products. This ingredient matters because it provides a unique, sweet, and slightly green aroma that evokes the freshness of crushed sugarcane stalks, offering perfumers an alternative to synthetic sweet notes.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No known major safety concerns
⚠ Check for purity in natural extracts
CAS
91722-22-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Sugarcane oil (distillate) Smell Like?

Sugarcane oil distillate opens with a burst of juicy, vegetal sweetness reminiscent of freshly cut sugarcane stalks, with a subtle green undertone. The heart reveals a warm, caramelized sugar character, like molasses or brown sugar, balanced by a clean, slightly grassy freshness. The dry-down is soft and sweet, lingering with a honeyed, slightly woody nuance. It evolves beautifully, maintaining its natural sweetness without becoming cloying.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Sel Marin(Heeley, 2008)

Used to enhance the natural sweetness of marine accords, adding a subtle caramelized depth that contrasts with salty notes.

Vanille Insensée(Atelier Cologne, 2014)

Accentuates the vanilla with a raw, vegetal sweetness, creating a more natural and less gourmand effect.

Noa(Cacharel, 1998)

Provides a soft, natural sweetness that blends with white musk and floral notes for a clean yet warm effect.

Eau des Merveilles(Hermès, 2004)

Adds a subtle caramelized nuance to the ambergris and woody notes, enhancing the fragrance’s warmth.

L'Eau d'Issey(Issey Miyake, 1992)

Used sparingly to add a natural sweetness that balances the citrus and floral freshness.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Sugarcane oil distillate is a complex mixture of volatile compounds obtained through steam distillation or solvent extraction of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum). Key constituents include furfural, which contributes to its caramel-like sweetness, and various terpenes that provide green, fresh nuances. The exact composition varies based on the sugarcane variety and extraction method. Unlike refined sugar, the oil retains many of the plant’s natural aromatic compounds, making it valuable in perfumery for its authentic sugarcane character.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow to amber liquid
OdorSweet, green, caramelized

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds natural sweetness
Home Fragrance2-5%Up to 8%Enhances warm, cozy accords
Natural Cosmetics0.5-2%Up to 3%Provides subtle sweetness

Classic Accords

Tip: Use to add natural sweetness without the heaviness of vanilla or caramel notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Ethyl Maltol CAS 4940-11-8

A synthetic alternative with intense caramel sweetness, less green nuance.

2
Furaneol CAS 3658-77-3

Provides strawberry-like sweetness, less vegetal than sugarcane.

3
Maple Lactone CAS 654-16-6

Offers a similar caramelized sweetness but with a maple syrup character.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions apply to sugarcane oil distillate.

RIFM Assessment

No specific RIFM assessment found; generally regarded as safe in current usage levels.

Sustainability

Sugarcane oil is a byproduct of sugar production, making it a sustainable choice when sourced responsibly. However, large-scale sugarcane farming can have environmental impacts, so look for suppliers practicing ethical farming. Synthetic alternatives may offer more consistent quality but lack the natural complexity.

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References

  1. PubChem. Sugarcane oil distillate. PubChem
  2. Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.
  3. Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients.

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 91722-22-4
Data Sources & Attribution
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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