FlavScents AInsights Entry for Atlas Cedarwood Oil (CAS: 8023-85-6)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Atlas cedarwood oil, also known as Cedrus atlantica oil, is a natural complex material derived from the wood of the Atlas cedar tree. It is classified under CAS number 8023-85-6. This essential oil does not have a single molecular structure due to its complex composition. It is recognized by various identifiers, including its FEMA number, which is 2303. The oil is characterized by its rich, woody aroma, which is attributed to its diverse array of sesquiterpenes and other volatile compounds.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Atlas cedarwood oil is renowned for its warm, woody, and balsamic aroma with a hint of sweetness. The oil's scent is often described as grounding and calming, making it a popular choice in perfumery for its base note qualities. It has a moderate to strong intensity and a long-lasting diffusion. The oil is typically used as an impact note in fragrance compositions, providing depth and complexity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Atlas cedarwood oil is naturally sourced from the wood of the Cedrus atlantica tree, primarily found in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the wood. Its designation as a "natural fragrance" is supported by its direct extraction from plant material without synthetic modification. The oil's composition can vary based on factors such as the tree's age, the part of the wood used, and the distillation process.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
While primarily used in fragrances, atlas cedarwood oil can also be found in flavor applications, particularly in the creation of smoky or woody flavor profiles. It is used in very low concentrations, typically ranging from 0.1 to 1 ppm in finished food products, to impart a subtle background note. The oil is stable under typical food processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive heat which may alter its sensory characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Atlas cedarwood oil is a staple in the fragrance industry, commonly used in woody, oriental, and chypre fragrance families. It serves as a base note, providing longevity and depth to the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. The oil's low volatility makes it an excellent fixative, helping to stabilize more volatile top and middle notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The primary constituents of atlas cedarwood oil include α-cedrene, β-cedrene, thujopsene, and cedrol. These compounds contribute to the oil's characteristic woody aroma. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on the geographical origin and the specific distillation process employed.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, atlas cedarwood oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, and its use in food is subject to specific conditions. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for essential oils. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, atlas cedarwood oil is considered safe at low concentrations typical in flavor applications. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally well-tolerated, though it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals; IFRA provides guidelines to mitigate these risks. Inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with safety largely dependent on concentration and exposure duration.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Atlas cedarwood oil is valued for its ability to impart a rich, woody character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other woody and spicy notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can overwhelm other components, and underuse, which may result in a lack of depth. Formulators should balance its use to achieve the desired sensory impact without overpowering the composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on atlas cedarwood oil is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance applications. Industry practices are generally consistent, though specific compositional data may vary due to natural variability. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with most regions providing clear guidelines for its use.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-08-11 00:10:51 GMT (p2)