Gingergrass oil (CAS 8023-92-5) — Woody Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Gingergrass oil
CAS 8023-92-5
What Is Gingergrass oil?
Gingergrass oil is a warm, earthy essential oil distilled from the roots of Cymbopogon martinii grass. Found in aromatherapy blends, massage oils, and some perfumes, it offers a unique alternative to traditional ginger with softer spice notes. This oil bridges the gap between citrus freshness and woody depth, making it valuable for creating balanced fragrances that need warmth without heaviness.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Gingergrass oil Smell Like?
Gingergrass oil unfolds with an initial burst of lemony freshness, quickly revealing its true character – a warm, earthy heart reminiscent of dried hay with whispers of ginger spice. Unlike sharp ginger root, it carries a rounded, almost balsamic sweetness that lingers into the dry down. The base notes develop into a soft woody character with faint herbal undertones, behaving like a gentler cousin to vetiver with better blending properties.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its dry, earthy facets that complement the citrus-flint accord, adding natural warmth without sweetness. The gingergrass amplifies the mineral character while preventing the vetiver from becoming too harsh.
Provides a bridge between the bright citrus top and dark woody base, creating a seamless transition with its grassy-woody duality. The oil’s natural roughness is tamed by synthetic musks.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Gingergrass oil contains sesquiterpenes like elemol and germacrene-D that contribute to its woody-earthy profile. Unlike ginger oil which contains sharp gingerols, gingergrass derives its character from oxygenated sesquiterpenes that develop during steam distillation. The oil’s variability comes from different chemotypes across growing regions, with Indian varieties typically showing more citrus notes while African sources lean woodier.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to amber liquid |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.890-0.910 g/cm³ |
| Refractive Index | 1.480-1.495 |
| Optical Rotation | -5° to +5° |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Elemol | 639-99-6 | 222.37 | 263-265 °C | 4.2 | 0.001 mmHg |
| Germacrene-D | 23986-74-5 | 204.35 | 129-130 °C | 5.1 | 0.03 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds natural warmth to woody compositions |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.5-1.5% | Up to 2% | Used in soaps for earthy depth |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use gingergrass to ‘roughen up’ synthetic sandalwood bases for more natural character.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For deeper woody notes when more tenacity is needed, though lacks gingergrass’s citrus freshness.
Synthetic option when consistent grapefruit-woody notes are required without natural oil variability.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No restrictions under IFRA Standards (as of Amendment 49).
EU Allergen Declaration
None of the major constituents are listed in EU allergen regulations.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM evaluation confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
Gingergrass is considered sustainable as the grass regrows quickly after harvesting. Most production comes from wild harvesting in India with minimal agricultural inputs. Steam distillation yields are relatively high (0.5-1.2%), reducing water and energy use per kg of oil compared to some other essential oils.
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References
- Lawless, J. (2013). The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils. Harper Thorsons.
- Tisserand, R. (2014). Essential Oil Safety. Churchill Livingstone.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8023-92-5Physical 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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