Fragrance ingredient
Amyris Balsamifera Bark Oil
An essential oil steam-distilled from the bark of Amyris balsamifera (West Indian rosewood), used in cosmetics primarily as a fragrance ingredient with a warm, woody-balsamic scent; composed mainly of sesquiterpene alcohols and considered relatively low-risk among essential oil fragrances, though it contains trace eugenol.
Also known as: amyris oil, west indian rosewood oil, amyris essential oil
fragrantantimicrobialskin-conditioning
Benefits
- ✓Adds a soft, sweet, woody-balsamic fragrance reminiscent of sandalwood to cosmetic formulations
- ✓Dominated by sesquiterpene alcohols (notably valencene and eudesmol), giving it a generally low irritation profile relative to many essential oils
- ✓Minor antimicrobial activity, particularly from eugenol content
- ✓Does not contain the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens required to be declared at threshold concentrations
Watch for
- ⚠Contains trace eugenol, an EU-regulated fragrance allergen, which can cause skin irritation or sensitization especially in leave-on products
- ⚠As with all essential oils, individual sensitivity reactions are possible; patch test recommended for reactive skin
- ⚠Not suitable as a substitute for genuine sandalwood oil despite similar odor profile
