Valerian root oil (CAS 8008-88-6) — Balsamic Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Valerian root oil
CAS 8008-88-6
What Is Valerian root oil?
Valerian root oil is extracted from the roots of the Valeriana officinalis plant, commonly found in herbal teas and sleep aids. Its earthy, musky aroma is distinctive and often used in aromatherapy for relaxation. This oil matters because it bridges herbal medicine and perfumery, offering a unique grounding note that’s rare in synthetic alternatives.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Valerian root oil Smell Like?
Valerian root oil opens with a pungent, earthy aroma reminiscent of damp forest soil and aged leather. As it evolves, a warm, musky heart emerges with subtle animalic undertones that recall sun-worn fur. The dry-down reveals a surprisingly soft, almost vanilla-like sweetness intertwined with persistent woody-balsamic notes. This complex profile lingers for hours, creating an olfactory anchor in compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here for its primal, protective quality – the valerian adds a visceral earthiness that contrasts dramatically with the rose heart, creating tension between beauty and raw nature.
Provides grounding depth beneath the sparkling bergamot and jasmine, its musky facets enhancing the perfume’s sensual dry-down without overwhelming the floral elegance.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Valerian root oil contains over 150 identified compounds, with valerenic acid and its derivatives being the most characteristic. These sesquiterpenes develop during the plant’s growth cycle and are concentrated in the root system. Steam distillation preserves these delicate molecules better than solvent extraction. The oil’s distinctive odor comes from a combination of bornyl acetate, valerenal, and various ketones that form during the extraction process.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.92-0.96 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.4860-1.5025 |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Valerenic Acid | 3569-10-6 | 234.34 | ~300°C | 4.2 | 0.0001 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Higher concentrations may cause sedation |
| Fine Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used as a fixative in oriental bases |
Classic Accords
Tip: Balance valerian’s intensity with bright top notes to prevent compositions from becoming too heavy.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar earthy-musky profile but with more woodiness and less animalic intensity, preferred when a softer effect is desired.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Classified as a natural complex substance.
EU Allergen Declaration
None required
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation complete – safe at current use levels with no sensitization concerns.
Sustainability
Wild valerian populations are carefully managed in Europe where most commercial production occurs. Sustainable harvesting practices include leaving root crowns intact for regrowth. Organic certification is increasingly common.
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References
- Bosse et al. (2013). Valerian: From Traditional Medicine to Modern Anxiety Treatment. Phytomedicine. PMID 23623908
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8008-88-6Odor & Flavor
| Obtained by steam distillation of the partially dried roots in varying yields (0.4 to 0.6%). Very old roots are not recommended for distillation because of the valeric acid content in the distilled product. The presence of valeric acid strongly affects the odor of the oil.📖 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.
