Caryophyllene

Natural Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer (if available): Extracted from clove leaf oil, clove stem oil, cinnamon leaf oil; also isolated from American pine oil fractions.​

• 🔎 Chemical name: (−)-β-Caryophyllene​

• 🧪 Synonyms: β-Caryophyllene, trans-Caryophyllene​

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₅H₂₄​

• 📂 CAS N°: 13877-93-5​

• 📘 FEMA: 2252​

• ⚖️ MW: 204.35 g/mol​

• 📝 Odor type: Terpenic​

• 📈 Odor Strength: Medium​

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Woody-spicy, dry, tenacious, clove-like; with a musty, driftwood nuance upon drydown.​

• ⚗️ Uses: Spice blends, woody and oriental fragrances, fixative for volatile components like cinnamic aldehyde.​

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid.​

What is Caryophyllene?

Caryophyllene, specifically (−)-β-caryophyllene, is a naturally occurring bicyclic sesquiterpene characterized by a rare cyclobutane ring and a trans-double bond within a nine-membered ring. This structural uniqueness contributes to its distinctive olfactory properties. It is predominantly found in essential oils such as clove, black pepper, cannabis, rosemary, and hops. Notably, caryophyllene contributes to the spiciness of black pepper. The first total synthesis of caryophyllene in 1964 by E.J. Corey marked a significant milestone in synthetic organic chemistry.​

Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications

Caryophyllene exhibits a woody-spicy aroma with a dry, clove-like character. Initially, it presents a tenacious, penetrating scent, transitioning to a musty, driftwood nuance upon drydown. Despite its assertive opening, its longevity is approximately 3–4 hours, classifying it as a top note. In perfumery, caryophyllene is occasionally utilized for its spicy and warm qualities, though modern derivatives are often preferred. It serves as a fixative for more volatile spice chemicals, such as cinnamic aldehyde, enhancing the longevity of fragrance compositions. Recommended usage is up to 8% in fragrance concentrates.​

Industrial and Technical Uses

Beyond perfumery, caryophyllene finds applications in flavor compositions, mainly in spice blends and particularly in chewing gum, where concentrations may reach up to 200 ppm. Its dry-woody, somewhat bitter taste, with spicy pepper-like and camphoraceous notes, contributes to its versatility in flavoring. Additionally, caryophyllene acts as a fixative for more volatile spice chemicals, such as cinnamic aldehyde, stabilizing flavor profiles.​

Regulatory and Safety Overview

• IFRA Restrictions: No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards.​

• EU Allergens: Not listed among the 26 declarable fragrance allergens in the EU.​

• FEMA GRAS Number: 2252 — Recognized as safe for use in flavor applications.​

• ECHA Classification: Not classified as hazardous under CLP Regulation.​

• REACH Registration: Registered for use in fragrance and flavor applications within the EU.​

• Toxicology Notes: Generally regarded as safe when used within standard perfumery concentrations.​

✅ No significant regulatory restrictions; standard usage practices apply.​

Ingredient Connections and Synergies

Caryophyllene shares olfactory characteristics with clove leaf oil and cinnamic aldehyde, both contributing spicy and warm notes to fragrance compositions. It also complements humulene, another sesquiterpene found in hops and cannabis, known for its woody and earthy aroma. These connections enhance the depth and complexity of spice and woody accords in perfumery.​

Sources

• National Center for Biotechnology Information (2020). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 5281515.

• Fulvio Ciccolo and Scentsspiracy Team