Cypriol oil (CAS 68916-60-9) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

Cypriol oil

CAS 68916-60-9

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Cypriol oil?

Cypriol oil is derived from the roots of Cyperus scariosus, a grass-like plant found in India. Often used in perfumery for its earthy, woody, and slightly medicinal aroma. It matters because it adds depth and complexity to fragrances, especially in woody and oriental compositions.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated products
⚠ Use in moderation due to strong odor profile
CAS
68916-60-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Cypriol oil Smell Like?

Cypriol oil exudes a rich, earthy aroma with woody undertones and a subtle medicinal edge. Imagine damp forest soil after rain, blended with aged leather and a whisper of smoky incense. Over time, it evolves into a warm, slightly sweet dry-down that lingers like a memory of ancient rituals.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Terre d'Hermès(Hermès, 2006)

Cypriol oil enhances the earthy, mineral quality of this modern classic, adding depth to its flinty vetiver and citrus accord.

Patchouli 24(Le Labo, 2006)

Used here to amplify the smoky, leathery facets alongside birch tar, creating a daring contemporary chypre.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Cypriol oil is a complex natural mixture primarily composed of sesquiterpenes. Key components include cyperene, patchoulene, and mustakone, which contribute to its distinctive earthy-woody character. The oil is steam-distilled from dried roots, with regional variations affecting composition. Its molecular complexity makes full synthetic replication challenging.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow to amber viscous liquid
Odor StrengthHigh (use <1% in most formulations)

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low (hours-days)
Blending
Good with woods, spices, resins
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Adds earthy depth
Home Fragrance0.05-0.2%Up to 0.5%Use sparingly for complexity

Classic Accords

+ Vetiver + Bergamot = Modern Earthy + Labdanum + Vanilla = Oriental Amber

Tip: Anchor with sandalwood or musk to soften its rugged character.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Patchouli oil CAS 84238-39-1

When seeking similar earthy depth but with sweeter, more familiar profile.

2
Vetiveryl acetate CAS 117-98-6

For a cleaner, more refined woody note without the medicinal undertones.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No current IFRA restrictions. Listed as safe when used within normal perfumery limits.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment complete – no significant safety concerns at typical use levels.

Sustainability

Wild-harvested in India, with increasing cultivation efforts to prevent overharvesting. Steam distillation process is energy-intensive but water-efficient. Synthetic alternatives not yet able to replicate full complexity.

Explore Cypriol oil

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References

  1. Chaudhary et al. (2016). Cyperus scariosus: Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Potential. Journal of Essential Oil Research. DOI 10.XXXX

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68916-60-9
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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