Styrax absolute (low sytrene) (CAS 8046-19-3) — Balsamic Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Balsamic · Woody

Styrax absolute (low sytrene)

CAS 8046-19-3

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Styrax absolute (low sytrene)?

Styrax absolute is a rich, resinous material derived from the bark of the Liquidambar tree. You’ll encounter it in oriental perfumes, incense, and some gourmand fragrances. This ingredient matters because it adds deep, warm, balsamic notes that anchor fragrances with a luxurious, slightly smoky sweetness.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated concentrations
⚠ Potential skin sensitizer
CAS
8046-19-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Balsamic · Woody
Key Constituents
Cinnamyl cinnamate
Cinnamyl cinnamate
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Styrax absolute (low sytrene) Smell Like?

Styrax absolute unfolds like liquid amber – initially sharp with a medicinal edge that quickly mellows into honeyed, vanillic warmth. The heart reveals cinnamon-spiced plum compote over a base of leather-bound books stored in cedar chests. Dry-down lingers for days as a velvety balsamic whisper with faint echoes of church incense.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Shalimar(Guerlain, 1925)

Styrax provides the resinous backbone that balances Shalimar’s citrus top notes, creating the iconic oriental structure that defined modern perfumery.

Opium(Yves Saint Laurent, 1977)

Used sparingly to amplify the spice accord while preventing the composition from becoming overly sweet or powdery.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Styrax absolute is a complex natural mixture containing cinnamic acid esters, vanillin, and styrene (reduced in low-styrene versions). The resin is obtained through solvent extraction of the Liquidambar tree’s bark exudate. Key aromatic components include phenylpropyl cinnamate and storesin, contributing to its balsamic character.

Chemical Composition

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceViscous brown liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, insoluble in water

Key Constituent Properties

ConstituentCASMWBP °CXLogPVapor P.
Cinnamyl cinnamate122-69-0264.32370 °C5.20.0001 mmHg

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (days-weeks)
Blending
Good with vanillas and spices
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used sparingly due to intensity

Classic Accords

Tip: Pre-dilute to 10% in ethanol for easier handling and more precise dosing.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzoin Siam resinoid CAS 9000-73-3

Offers similar balsamic warmth but with more vanillic sweetness and less medicinal edge.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions when styrene content is below 0.1% (Amendment 49).

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains benzyl cinnamate (Allergen EU 122-69-0) above declaration threshold.

GHS Classification

H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels when styrene is minimized.

Sustainability

Sustainable harvesting practices are developing as demand increases. Some producers now use rotational tapping methods that allow tree recovery between harvests. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the full complexity of natural styrax.

Explore Styrax absolute (low sytrene)

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References

  1. Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8046-19-3

Odor & Flavor

Storax is an exudate produced in the sapwood (balsam) and bark tissue of the trees L. orientalis and L. styraciflua. The pathological condition is caused intentionally in L. orientalis by removing sections of the bark and injuring the inner sapwood. The crude storax is collected in cans and occasionally pieces of peeled bark are boiled in water to recover additional material. In L. styraciflua (American storax), the exudate accumulates in pockets of older trees; thus, it is not necessary to injure the sapwood to stimulate the pathological condition. Both types are tall trees (ca. 15 m, or 49 ft), growing wild in Asia Minor and in the forests of Central and South America. The trees have leaves similar to maple, with flowers growing in clusters like those of plantain. The part used is the exudate (balsam). Storax has a pleasant, sweet, balsamic, slightly spicy odor. Derivatives: Storax resinoid is an important derivative because the balsam is so impure that it cannot be used. The true resinoid is prepared by benzene extraction. It is free of water, dirt, sand, etc. It is dark-olive-brown and very viscous. The true storax absolute is obtained by alcoholic extraction of the resinoid.📖 Fenaroli

Regulatory Status

IFRA ListedYes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51
IOFI ClassificationNatural📖 Fenaroli
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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