Cedryl Acetate

✦ Synthetic aroma chemical delivering smooth, dry cedarwood and woody character with excellent tenacity
✦ Functions as a powerful fixative — anchors top notes and significantly extends fragrance longevity
✦ Exceptionally versatile: performs well in fine fragrance, attars, cosmetics, soaps, and home fragrance
✦ Non-discoloring in most applications — safe for use in leave-on skin products and light-colored formulations
✦ Blends seamlessly with musks, ambers, vetiver, patchouli, and floral bases without dominating the blend
✦ Vegan and animal-free — produced entirely through synthetic chemistry with no animal-derived inputs
✦ Stable across a wide pH range, making it suitable for rinse-off and leave-on personal care products

Cedryl Acetate is the acetate ester of cedrol, a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol found in cedarwood essential oils, particularly those derived from Cedrus atlantica and Juniperus virginiana. While cedrol itself is extracted from natural cedarwood, cedryl acetate is produced synthetically through the acetylation of cedrol, yielding a more consistent and refined aromatic material. Its use in commercial perfumery dates back to the mid-twentieth century, when perfumers began seeking reliable woody base materials that could offer the warmth of natural cedarwood without batch-to-batch variability.

What makes cedryl acetate particularly valuable is its dual function as both a fragrance contributor and a fixative. Unlike many woody aroma chemicals that can smell sharp, harsh, or overly medicinal, cedryl acetate has a notably smooth, rounded, and dry profile. It imparts a clean cedarwood effect alongside faint powdery and slightly sweet-waxy nuances that lend sophistication to any composition. Its low volatility means it evaporates slowly, holding the overall fragrance together and giving it staying power on skin, fabric, and diffuser reeds alike.

Rabibazaar supplies cosmetic-grade cedryl acetate suitable for independent perfumers, attar and bakhoor makers, soap and lotion formulators, and home fragrance developers who require a reliable, high-quality woody base material.

SCENT DESCRIPTION : Cedryl Acetate opens with a clean, dry, and distinctly woody impression that recalls freshly sharpened pencils and aged cedarwood planks. As it settles, a soft powdery warmth emerges alongside faint waxy and slightly sweet nuances that give the material a refined, almost skin-like quality. The overall effect is smooth and unforced — woody without sharpness, warm without sweetness, and deeply fixative without becoming heavy. It evokes dry forests, polished wood furniture, and the understated elegance of classic masculine and unisex fragrances.

NOTE POSITION : Base (occasional Mid-Base in lighter compositions)

FRAGRANCE FAMILY : Woody · Oriental · Fougère

FACETS : Dry · Cedarwood · Powdery · Waxy · Warm

TENACITY : High — 10 to 14 hours on skin, longer on fabric and diffuser materials

SILLAGE : Medium — projects softly and closely, adding depth and backbone rather than loud projection

Chemical Name : Octahydro-3,6,8,8-tetramethyl-1H-3a,7-methanoazulen-6-yl acetate
CAS Number : 77-54-3
Synonyms : Cedrol Acetate · Acetic Acid Cedryl Ester · Cedar Acetate · 8-Cedranyl Acetate
Purity : 95% minimum (cosmetic and fragrance grade)
Appearance : Colorless to pale yellow viscous liquid or soft solid (may solidify near room temperature)
Odor Threshold : Approximately 0.001 to 0.01 ppm — highly detectable at very low concentrations
Solubility : Freely soluble in ethanol and most fragrance solvents · Practically insoluble in water
Specific Gravity : 0.997 to 1.005 at 20°C
Flash Point : Approximately 100°C (212°F)
Type : Synthetic (derived via acetylation of cedrol)

Fine Fragrance ★★★★★
Cedryl Acetate is a foundational material in fine fragrance, used across masculine, feminine, and unisex categories. It provides the woody base skeleton in fougères, chypres, orientals, and fresh woods. Its excellent tenacity ensures the base chord persists well after top notes have faded.

Attar & Oriental Blending ★★★★★
In attar and bakhoor formulations, cedryl acetate adds the dry cedarwood element that rounds out heavy oud and resinous bases. It helps control the intensity of dark base materials while adding refinement. Widely used by Pakistani and Gulf attar makers to create balanced woody-oriental compositions.

Cosmetics ★★★★
Cedryl Acetate is stable in lotions, creams, and body products, contributing subtle woody warmth to scented skin care. Its non-discoloring behavior makes it compatible with white and lightly tinted formulations. Use rates should be kept moderate to avoid overpowering the cosmetic base.

Functional Fragrance ★★★★
In soaps, shampoos, and body washes, cedryl acetate performs reliably and maintains its cedarwood character even after dilution in surfactant systems. It survives the alkalinity of soap manufacturing reasonably well. A good choice for adding a clean, dry woody note to functional products.

Home Fragrance ★★★★★
Cedryl Acetate performs excellently in reed diffusers, incense blends, and wax melts. Its low volatility makes it ideal for long-lasting diffusion applications. In candles, it contributes smooth woody warmth and blends easily with citrus, spice, and resinous top notes.

EDP : 5.0% to 20.0%
EDT : 3.0% to 12.0%
Body Lotion : 0.5% to 3.0%
Shampoo/Body Wash : 0.5% to 2.0%
Candle : 3.0% to 8.0%
Reed Diffuser : 5.0% to 15.0%
Soap (bar) : 1.0% to 3.0%

IFRA 51ST AMENDMENT LIMITS (in finished product)

Category 1 (lip products) : 0.01%
Category 4 (fine fragrance) : No restriction currently listed — verify with IFRA documentation
Category 5 (body lotion, deodorant) : Verify with current IFRA 51st Amendment tables
Category 9 (rinse-off hair/skin) : Verify with current IFRA 51st Amendment tables
Category 11 (candles/home) : Verify with current IFRA 51st Amendment tables

⚠️ Cedryl Acetate is generally considered a low-restriction ingredient but always cross-reference the latest IFRA 51st Amendment published tables before finalizing formulations for commercial sale.
⚠️ For lip and oral-contact applications, keep usage rates at or below 0.01% as a precaution.
⚠️ May solidify at temperatures below approximately 25°C — warm gently before measuring.

Method 1 — Direct Addition to Fragrance Concentrate
Weigh cedryl acetate directly into your fragrance concentrate before adding other ingredients. Because it can be semi-solid at room temperature, gently warm the bottle in a water bath at 35–40°C until it flows freely. Add to your blend and stir thoroughly. This is the standard approach for fine fragrance and attar work.

Method 2 — Pre-Dilution for Cosmetic Applications
For lotions, creams, and other cosmetic products, pre-dilute cedryl acetate in a small amount of fragrance-grade dipropylene glycol or isopropyl myristate at a 1:1 ratio before incorporating into your fragrance compound. This improves dispersion in emulsion systems and prevents uneven distribution of the aroma chemical.

Method 3 — Anchoring Base for Diffuser Blends
In reed diffuser formulations, add cedryl acetate as the last component before diluting with your carrier (IPM or DPG). Its low volatility makes it an excellent anchor — add it at 8–12% of the total diffuser formula to extend the life of lighter citrus and aquatic top notes.

BEST PAIRINGS

Iso E Super → Creates a powerful, transparent cedarwood accord with exceptional skin-feel
Galaxolide → Adds clean musk warmth that lifts the woody character beautifully
Patchouli Oil → Earthy, dark, and deeply woody — classic oriental base pairing
Vetiver Oil → Smoky, rooty depth that gives cedryl acetate a more natural character
Ambroxan → Amplifies the woody-amber quality and dramatically boosts tenacity
Lavender Essential → Classic fougère combination — clean, masculine, and timeless
Benzyl Benzoate → Smooths the composition and improves overall blending stability
Oud Oil → Reinforces the dry woody element and deepens oriental compositions

AVOID
Avoid combining at high concentrations with very aggressive green or ozonic materials in simple two-note blends — the contrast can feel unresolved. In high-alkalinity cold-process soap formulations exceeding pH 10, trace morphological changes may occur — keep usage rates conservative and test before full-scale production.

Cedryl Acetate is one of those workhorses that serious formulators never run out of — and for good reason. I reach for it whenever a blend needs quiet authority in the base. It does not shout. It simply holds everything else in place with a clean, dry, woody dignity that synthetic musks cannot replicate on their own. In oriental and attar work especially, cedryl acetate is what separates a muddy oud base from a polished, structured one. Even at very low concentrations — sometimes as little as 1 to 2% in a concentrate — it communicates something deeply refined about the overall composition.

ADVANCED TIP : Try combining cedryl acetate with a small amount of Iso E Super at a 3:1 ratio (cedryl acetate to Iso E Super) as your woody base framework. This pairing creates a remarkably transparent, modern cedarwood accord that behaves almost like a structural scaffold — you can layer virtually any heart note on top and it will feel grounded and intentional. Add a trace of labdanum absolute at 0.5% to this duo and you have an exceptionally versatile base that works in everything from fresh aquatics to dense resins.

Physical State : Colorless to pale yellow liquid or soft solid — may be semi-solid at room temperature
Skin Safety : Generally considered safe at recommended usage rates · Perform patch test for sensitive skin applications · Avoid undiluted application to skin
Eye Contact : Avoid direct contact · If contact occurs, flush immediately with clean water for 15 minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists
Ingestion : Not for internal use · Keep out of reach of children · If ingested accidentally, seek medical attention immediately
Ventilation : Work in a well-ventilated area when handling in bulk quantities · Standard fragrance lab ventilation is sufficient for small-scale work
Storage : Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources · Ideal storage temperature 15°C to 25°C
Shelf Life : 3 to 5 years when stored correctly in sealed containers · Check for discoloration or off-notes before use in production batches
Container : Store in original amber glass or HDPE containers · Avoid prolonged contact with PVC or low-quality plastics
Flammability : Flash point approximately 100°C · Not classified as highly flammable under normal handling conditions · Keep away from open flame during heating

Q: What does Cedryl Acetate smell like?
A: It has a smooth, dry, woody cedarwood scent with faint powdery and waxy undertones. It is clean and refined — less sharp than raw cedarwood oil and more polished in character.

Q: Is Cedryl Acetate safe to use in skin-contact products?
A: Yes, at recommended usage rates it is considered safe for leave-on and rinse-off skin applications. Always follow current IFRA guidelines and perform a patch test for sensitive-skin formulations.

Q: Can I use Cedryl Acetate in cold-process soap?
A: Yes, but keep usage rates conservative at 1 to 2% of the oil weight. High alkalinity can affect some aroma chemicals, so conduct a small test batch first to evaluate performance.

Q: My Cedryl Acetate has solidified in the bottle — is it still usable?
A: Yes, completely. It can semi-solidify below 25°C. Simply place the closed bottle in warm water at 35 to 40°C for a few minutes until it becomes liquid again. Quality is unaffected.

Q: How does Cedryl Acetate compare to natural Cedarwood Essential Oil?
A: Cedryl Acetate is smoother, more consistent, and longer-lasting than most cedarwood essential oils. Natural cedarwood oil can have camphoraceous or turpentine-like facets depending on the source. Cedryl Acetate delivers a cleaner, drier, more refined woody effect and performs more predictably across applications.

Professional formulation workflow

Cedryl Acetate should be evaluated in a controlled small batch before production. Confirm the supplied grade, active concentration and recommended application range from the current supplier documentation. Weigh accurately instead of measuring by drops, record every adjustment, and compare the modified trial against an unchanged control.

Compatibility and quality checks

Test the ingredient in the actual alcohol, oil, surfactant, emulsion or wax base intended for sale. Observe clarity, separation, color, odor and performance immediately after mixing and again after a suitable resting period. A material that looks stable in a concentrate can behave differently in the finished formulation.

Scale-up and safety

Convert percentages into exact batch weights and verify the final consumer-product concentration before scaling. Follow the latest applicable IFRA, cosmetic, chemical and supplier safety documentation for the intended category. Use appropriate protective equipment, ventilation and clearly labeled containers, and retain a sample from every approved batch for quality comparison.