FlavScents AInsights Entry: Agarwood Oil (CAS: 94350-09-1)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Agarwood oil, also known as oud oil, is a complex natural material derived from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various sesquiterpenes and other aromatic compounds. The CAS number for agarwood oil is 94350-09-1. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Agarwood oil is highly valued in perfumery for its rich, woody, and balsamic aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Agarwood oil is renowned for its deep, complex aroma, characterized by woody, sweet, and balsamic notes with hints of spice and leather. The intensity and diffusion of its scent are significant, making it a prominent impact note in fragrance compositions. The oil's sensory profile can vary significantly depending on the source and processing methods, contributing to its unique and luxurious appeal.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Agarwood oil is naturally sourced from the heartwood of Aquilaria trees, primarily found in Southeast Asia. The formation of agarwood occurs when the tree becomes infected with a specific type of mold, triggering a defense mechanism that produces the aromatic resin. This process can take several years, and the resulting oil is considered a natural fragrance material.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Agarwood oil is not commonly used in flavor applications due to its intense aroma and high cost. However, it may be used in trace amounts to impart a unique woody note in luxury food products. Typical use levels in flavors are not well-documented, but industry estimates suggest very low ppm levels due to its potent aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Agarwood oil is highly prized in the fragrance industry, particularly in oriental and woody fragrance families. It serves as a base note, providing depth and longevity to perfumes. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances vary, but it is often used in small amounts due to its potency and cost. Its volatility is low, contributing to its role as a base note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Agarwood oil's composition includes a variety of sesquiterpenes such as agarospirol, jinkoh-eremol, and selinene, among others. The exact composition can vary significantly based on the tree's origin, age, and the extraction process used. This variability is a key factor in the oil's unique and complex aroma profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, agarwood oil is not specifically listed under FEMA GRAS but is used in fragrances. In the European Union, it is subject to the general provisions of Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008. The UK follows similar guidelines post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations vary, with some countries having specific guidelines for natural materials. In Latin America, regulatory frameworks are less defined, often relying on international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Agarwood oil's safety profile is primarily considered in the context of dermal exposure in fragrances. It is generally regarded as safe when used in typical fragrance concentrations, though it may cause sensitization in some individuals. Oral exposure is minimal due to its limited use in flavors. Inhalation exposure is relevant for occupational settings, where adequate ventilation is recommended.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Agarwood oil is valued for its unique and luxurious aroma, making it a sought-after ingredient in high-end perfumes. It blends well with other woody and oriental notes, enhancing the depth and complexity of a fragrance. Formulators should be cautious of its potency and cost, ensuring it is used judiciously to avoid overpowering the composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on agarwood oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and use in fragrances. However, there are gaps in documented flavor use levels and regulatory specifics in some regions. Industry practices often rely on traditional knowledge and empirical use rather than formal documentation.
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 2026-02-25 15:28:59 GMT (p2)