amber oil

Amber oil is a natural essential oil derived from the resin of Pinus succinifera. It is typically a viscous, aromatic liquid known for its distinctive burnt, smoky, and balsamic aroma reminiscent of leather and tar. The oil is also referred to by synonyms such as pinus succinifera oil, Oil of Amber, and Amber oil, rectified. This fragrant substance plays a role in perfumery, where it contributes depth and complexity through its warm, resinous notes. Information on amber oil can be found in chemical databases like PubChem. The oil is obtained chiefly by steam distillation of fossilized resin, yielding a material prized for its unique olfactory characteristics.

Amber oil occurs naturally from the fossilized resin of the Pinus succinifera tree. In fragrance applications, it is frequently used as a balsamic and leather-like accord contributor, often described as imparting a burnt or smoky nuance. This oil's aromatic profile is valuable for creating Russian leather and other complex leather notes in perfumery. It is regulated under standards such as IFRA (Global), which specify usage limitations due to dermal sensitization concerns. Usage levels for amber oil in fragrance concentrates are recommended not to exceed 0.05 %, with flavor applications not approved. Such essential oils from the Pinaceae family should be maintained with low peroxide values to preserve quality and safety.

Amber oil exhibits a viscous, oily consistency with a characteristic dark amber to brown coloration. Its physicochemical nature is influenced by its composition of complex terpenoid and resinous compounds, contributing to a burnt, smoky odor profile that remains stable in fragrance formulations. The oil is soluble in typical fragrance solvents like dipropylene glycol and exhibits a strong olfactory impact even at low concentrations. Due to its resinous origin, amber oil's composition can be subject to peroxide formation; thus, antioxidants are often added to minimize degradation during storage and use. Understanding its volatility and sensory persistence is critical for effective aromatic blending.

Export Tariff Code:	3301.29.6000
Wikipedia:	View
FAO:	BASIC PRINCIPLES OF STEAM DISTILLATION

Safety information

Hazards identification
Classification of the substance or mixture
GHS Classification in accordance with 29 CFR 1910 (OSHA HCS)
None found.
GHS Label elements, including precautionary statements
Pictogram
Hazard statement(s)
None found.
Precautionary statement(s)
None found.
Oral/Parenteral Toxicity:
Not determined
Dermal Toxicity:
Not determined
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
IFRA Critical Effect:
Dermal sensitization
IFRA Other Specification:
IFRA fragrance material specification:
	Essential oils (e.g. turpentine oil) and isolates (e.g. delta-3-carene) derived from the Pinacea family, including Pinus and Abies genera, should only be used when the level of peroxides is kept to the lowest practicable level, for instance by adding antioxidants at the time of production. Such products should have a peroxide value of less than 10 millimoles peroxide per liter, determined according to the FMA method, which can be downloaded from the IFRA website (see Analytical Methods).
	View the IFRA Standard
Recommendation for amber oil usage levels up to:
	0.0500 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for amber oil flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):8002-67-3

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

pinus succinifera oil

Chemidplus:0008002673