ambrain

Ambrain is a natural essential oil derived from the plant Cistus ladanifer, commonly known as labdanum. It occurs as a viscous, dark resinous liquid exhibiting complex amber, balsamic, woody, and musk odor notes reminiscent of aged wood. The material is also recognized under synonyms such as ambreine, labdanum oil, and Cistus labdanum oil. Ambrain belongs to the category of essential oils used predominantly in perfumery and aromatic applications. The chemical identity and details of this substance are documented in repositories such as PubChem. It is generally obtained through solvent extraction from the sticky exudate of the labdanum shrub, which grows in the Mediterranean region.

Ambrain naturally occurs as a resinous exudate from the labdanum shrub, Cistus ladanifer, a plant native to Mediterranean climates. It is valued primarily as a fragrance agent due to its rich amber and balsamic scent profile, which imparts depth and warmth to perfume compositions. The oil's sophisticated aroma profile makes it applicable in fine fragrances, where it serves as a base note or fixative. Usage guidelines for ambrain are regulated by IFRA (Global) standards, which recommend limiting its concentration in fragrance concentrates to a maximum of 5%. It is not authorized for flavor use. The oil's solubility in alcohol facilitates its formulation in alcohol-based perfumes and colognes.

Ambrain displays a refractive index ranging from 1.5 to 1.51 at 20 °C, indicating its optical density typical for viscous essential oils. It has a flash point of 171 °C, reflecting its low volatility and relative safety during handling under controlled conditions. Solubility characteristics reveal that ambrain dissolves readily in alcohol, facilitating its incorporation into spirit-based fragrances. It exhibits limited solubility in water, with an estimated 724.3 mg/L at 25 °C, consistent with its hydrophobic resinous nature. These properties influence formulation decisions, emphasizing its use in non-aqueous or alcoholic solvent systems to achieve optimal olfactory performance.

Safety information

European information :
Most important hazard(s):
Xn - Harmful.
R 65 - Harmful: may cause lung damage if swallowed.
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 8980 mg/kg Food and Cosmetics Toxicology. Vol. 14, Pg. 335, 1976.
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 ambrain usage levels up to:
	5.0000 % in the fragrance concentrate.
Recommendation for ambrain flavor usage levels up to:
	not for flavor use.

Safety references

EPI System: View

EPA Substance Registry Services (TSCA):8016-26-0

EPA ACToR:Toxicology Data

EPA Substance Registry Services (SRS):Registry

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases:Data

Chemidplus:0008016260