agarwood oil (aetoxylon sympetalum)

Agarwood oil (Aetoxylon sympetalum) is a volatile essential oil extracted from the resinous wood of the Aetoxylon sympetalum tree, recognized for its distinctive complex scent. The oil exhibits a rich woody aroma profile with aromatic woody, earthy, mushroom, smoky, and mossy nuances, contributing to its unique sensory character. Known under various synonyms — including Aetoxylon oil, Gaharu Buaya oil, and Oud oil (Aetoxylon sympetalum) — this oil plays a significant role in fragrance applications. The compound is catalogued in chemical databases such as PubChem and is sourced specifically from the wood of the Aetoxylon sympetalum tree, native to certain Southeast Asian regions. This oil’s extraction involves steam distillation of the resin-engaged hardwood, producing an aromatic material prized in perfumery and related uses.

Agarwood oil arises naturally from Aetoxylon sympetalum wood, where resinous depositions occur as a response to fungal or microbial infections, resulting in a valuable aromatic substance. It is predominantly applied as a fragrance ingredient, imparting woody, balsamic, and oriental notes to various perfume compositions. The oil is suitable for inclusion in complex accords such as chypre, sandalwood, carnation, and fern types, contributing depth and an umami-like earthy character. Regulatory standards such as IFRA (Global) govern its use within fragrance products to ensure safety and quality. Despite its aromatic qualities, agarwood oil (Aetoxylon sympetalum) is not approved for flavor use according to RIFM assessments. Its inclusion is therefore limited to perfumes, incense, and similar aromatic applications.

Agarwood oil (Aetoxylon sympetalum) presents as a volatile oil exhibiting low water solubility but good solubility in alcohol, which facilitates its formulation in fragrance products. Its physical characteristics support blending with other aromatic materials, accommodating a wide range of perfumery concentration levels. The oil’s woody and balsamic odor profile results from its complex mixture of sesquiterpenes and related compounds, providing an earthy, smoky, and slightly animalic character. These sensory and solubility properties determine its functional role in fragrance structures and influence stability and volatility factors during product development and storage.

Pubchem (cas):

1333524-00-7

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
Recommendation for agarwood oil (aetoxylon sympetalum) flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

AIDS Citations:Search

Cancer Citations:Search

Toxicology Citations:Search

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data