vetiver oil bourbon

Vetiver oil bourbon is an essential oil extracted through steam distillation from the dried roots of Vetiveria zizanioides, a perennial grass of the Poaceae family. The oil exhibits a deep woody and balsamic aroma profile, characteristic of high-quality vetiver oils. Synonyms include Chrysopogon zizaniodes root oil bourbon and Oil of Vetiver, among others. It appears as a dark amber to brownish liquid with a dense viscosity. Vetiver oil bourbon is widely recognized in flavor and fragrance industries for imparting earthy, woody, and slightly sweet notes. It is sourced primarily from Bourbon-type cultivars cultivated in regions known for optimal root oil quality. For reference, vetiver oil bourbon is indexed under PubChem. The oil’s origin and extraction ensure distinct sensory qualities important for its applications.

Vetiver oil bourbon naturally occurs in the roots of Vetiveria zizanioides, a grass species native to parts of India and cultivated in tropical regions such as Bourbon (Réunion Island). This essential oil is extensively used as a fragrance ingredient, imparting woody, earthy, and balsamic notes in perfumery and personal care products. Its inclusion also spans flavoring agents, contributing subtle woody and nutty flavors, particularly in complex blends. According to IFRA (Global) standards, vetiver oil bourbon is regulated to ensure safe concentration levels in formulations due to some minor sensitizing components. Usage recommendations typically limit the oil to a maximum of 12% concentration in fragrance concentrates. Its unique scent profile also finds roles in classic and modern perfume compositions such as amber, chypre, and oriental accords.

Vetiver oil bourbon features a specific gravity ranging from 1.00 to 1.02 at 25 °C, indicating a density slightly greater than water. Its refractive index varies between 1.521 and 1.531 at 20 °C, consistent with typical essential oil characteristics. The oil is soluble in alcohol and shows limited water solubility, approximately 2.148 mg/L at 25 °C. The flash point is measured at 200 °F (approximately 93 °C), indicating moderate volatility and a relatively low flammability risk under controlled conditions. Proper storage involves cool, dry, and dark environments within tightly sealed containers to maintain stability and shelf life of up to 24 months or longer. The oil’s physicochemical profile supports its suitability for inclusion in a wide range of cosmetic and flavor formulations without significant degradation over time.

	vetiveria zizanioides stapf. root oil
Canada Domestic Sub. List:	8016-96-4
Pubchem (sid):	135327561

FDA Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS):	View
Export Tariff Code:	3301.26.0000
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:
oral-rat LD50 > 5000 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 12, Pg. 1013, 1974.
Dermal Toxicity:
skin-rabbit LD50 > 5000 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 12, Pg. 1013, 1974.
Inhalation Toxicity:
Not determined

Safety in use information

Category:
flavor and fragrance agents
RIFM Fragrance Material Safety Assessment: Search
IFRA Code of Practice Notification of the 49th Amendment to the IFRA Code of Practice
contains the following IFRA (Annex) restricted components: (non-analysis max. level reference only)
alpha-cedrene	Max. Found: 0.2 % and Reason: Sensitization
beta-cedrene	Max. Found: 0.1 % and Reason: Sensitization
Recommendation for vetiver oil bourbon usage levels up to:
	12.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.

Safety references

EPI System: View

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):8016-96-4

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

vetiveria zizanioides stapf. root oil

Chemidplus:0008016964

RTECS:YY3177050 for cas# 8016-96-4