Cedramber

• 🔎 Chemical name — (1S,2R,5S,7R,8R)-8-Methoxy-2,6,6,8-tetramethyltricyclo[5.3.1.0¹,⁵]undecane

• 🏭 Manifacturer — IFF

• 🧪 Synonyms — Cedryl methyl ether, Cedramber™

• 🧬 Chemical Formula — C₁₆H₂₈O

• 📂 CAS N° — 67874-81-1

• ⚖️ MW — 236.4 g/mol

• 📝 Odor type — Woody-Amber

• 📈 Odor Strength — High / Very High

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Dry, woody, ambergris-like, with cedar, patchouli, and vetiver nuances

• ⚗️ Uses — Fixative and structural woody-amber note in fine fragrances, soaps, candles, and detergents; adds depth and radiance to cedar and amber accords

• 🧴 Appearance — Pale yellow liquid

Cedramber in Fine Fragrance: History, Usage, and Evolution

Introduction

Cedramber (CAS 67874-81-1), also known as cedryl methyl ether, is a synthetic fragrance ingredient introduced by International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) in the mid-1960s as an affordable ambergris substitute (David & Doro, 2023). IFF describes Cedramber's odor as "a dry, very diffusive, true ambergris note" with rich woody and cedarwood facets (IFF, n.d.). In fine perfumery, Cedramber has become a key woody-amber ingredient, valued both for its fixative properties and its distinctive cedar-like warmth. Over the decades, its role has shifted from a subtle background note to a more prominent structural material in many perfumes. This report examines Cedramber's introduction and original purpose, its notable use in fine fragrances from the 1960s to today, and how perfumers' perceptions and uses of Cedramber have evolved. Relevant commentary from perfumers and IFF is included to illustrate Cedramber's olfactory impact and legacy in perfumery.

IFF's Introduction of Cedramber and Early Purpose

Cedramber was first synthesized by IFF chemists around 1966 via methylation of cedrol, a terpene alcohol from cedarwood oil (David & Doro, 2023). The goal was to create a high-impact ambergris replacement derived from abundant cedarwood resources. In an era when natural ambergris was scarce and expensive, Cedramber offered perfumers a cost-effective way to impart the warmth, diffusion, and fixative power of ambergris notes in their compositions (Boix Camps, as cited in Davis, 2019).

According to fragrance chemist O. R. P. David, Cedramber "prepared from cedrene" has a "dry, powerful smell of amber and wood" (David & Doro, 2023). IFF originally positioned Cedramber as a base note material and fixative, especially useful in reinforcing woody-amber accords and lending a subtle ambergris-like exalting effect to fragrances (Boix Camps, as cited in Davis, 2019).

Arcadi Boix Camps, a renowned perfumer and author, praised Cedramber's "extraordinary...bright quality between amber and patchouli," noting that it was one of his favorite aromatics. He explained that Cedramber could substitute for natural ambergris to "marvellously" fix and enrich compositions—for example, anchoring the base of floral-aldehydic perfumes and giving "vitality" to woody notes like Vertofix (Boix Camps, as cited in Davis, 2019).

By the end of the 1960s Cedramber had entered fine perfumery as a modern ambergris proxy—a technical fixative that also enriched the woody character of fragrances in a refined way. Early perfumers often used it in traces alongside natural cedarwood oils, vetiver, oakmoss, and musks to reinforce the "woods" impression in a perfume's base (Boix Camps, as cited in Davis, 2019).

Olfactory Profile

• Odor Description: Dry, woody, ambergris-like, cedar, with hints of patchouli and vetiver

• Note Position: Mid-to-base

• Substantivity: > 48 hours on blotter

• Diffusion: High

• Impression: Modern, elegant, dry-warm with clean woody lift

Applications in Perfumery

Cedramber is commonly used to enhance:

• Ambergris accords

• Cedar and vetiver bases

• Woody-oriental and fougère structures

• Floral-fruity compositions, where it adds elegant dryness

It functions as a blender and fixative, and is especially valuable in:

• Fine fragrance (up to 2%)

• Soaps and shampoos (excellent performance)

• Candles and detergent bases

Stability and Performance

Cedramber shows excellent performance in a wide range of applications:

• Fine fragrance: High diffusion and lasting presence

• Soap and liquid detergent: High pH tolerance and olfactory persistence

• Candles: Maintains identity under heat

IFRA and Safety

• IFRA: Not restricted under current standards

• Skin Sensitization: May cause allergic reaction (H317)

• Environmental Hazard: Toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects (H411)

• Usage Recommendation: Typical levels up to 2% in concentrate

Environmental & Sustainability Aspects

IFF classifies Cedramber as part of its sustainable portfolio:

• 94% renewable content

• Upcycled origin

• Readily biodegradable

• Naturally derived

• Vegan suitable

Notable Fine Fragrances Using Cedramber (1960s–1980s)

In its early decades, Cedramber was often a background note in fine fragrances, so specific attributions are scarce. Nonetheless, its influence is inferred in many compositions of the era. For example, it likely featured in woody-chypre and fougère classics where a stable ambery-woody base was desired. Perfumes such as Estée Lauder Aramis (1965) and Aromatics Elixir (1971) are thought to have benefited from new woody fixatives like Cedramber to enhance their mossy, woody drydowns (Boix Camps, as cited in Davis, 2019).

By the mid-1970s, industry experts noted that many fragrances had begun including cedary synthetics in trace amounts for their fixative value. IFF's own perfumers likely incorporated Cedramber in creations such as Halston Z-14 (1974) and Nina Ricci Signoricci II (1976), which are characterized by dry cedar-leather undertones and could have been enhanced by Cedramber (The Overdose, 1990).

The 1980s saw Cedramber emerge as a workhorse in the powerful masculine fougères and fresh woody scents that defined the decade. Perfumers began using it in much higher proportions. The shift is exemplified by Guy Laroche Drakkar Noir (1982, perfumer Pierre Wargnye) and Davidoff Cool Water (1988, perfumer Pierre Bourdon). In fact, a reconstruction of Cool Water's formula shows Cedramber present at roughly 15% of the fragrance oil, contributing to its signature "dry oakmoss and salty cedar" character (Unguentarius, n.d.).

By 1990, industry publications noted how materials like Cedramber had gone from novel to nearly ubiquitous in fine fragrance (The Overdose, 1990).

Evolution of Cedramber's Role and Perception (1990s–Present)

In the 1990s, Cedramber and fellow woody amber chemicals became staples of perfumery. Perfumers found Cedramber useful for imparting a durable, modern woodiness. For example, Calvin Klein CK One (1994) and Chanel Allure Homme (1999) featured subtle cedar/amber facets likely supported by Cedramber.

In niche perfumery, Cedramber was used in high concentrations. Comme des Garçons 2 Man (1999) and Yves Saint Laurent M7 (2002) featured pronounced woody-amber bases that likely included Cedramber. Perfumers layered it with vetiver, patchouli, and balsams to enhance earthiness with ambergris lift (Boix Camps, as cited in Davis, 2019).

The 2000s introduced stronger aroma chemicals, and Cedramber evolved as the "soft" woody amber. Frédéric Malle Une Rose (2003) and Hermès Terre d'Hermès (2006) used Cedramber in tandem with stronger synthetics. Perfumer Maurice Roucel appreciated Cedramber for its smooth character. Luca Turin described Cedramber as the "polite" woody amber, contrasting it with newer, stronger molecules like Ambrocenide and Amber Xtreme (Turin, 2016).

In the 2010s and 2020s, Cedramber remained prevalent in niche perfumery. Juliette Has a Gun Another Oud (2015) and Moschino Toy Boy (2019) relied on Cedramber to build diffusive woody bases. Perfumers began omitting Cedramber to achieve novelty—Jean-Claude Ellena's Rose & Cuir (2019) was noted for its exclusion of Cedramber (Vukcevic, 2019).

Perfumers' Commentary and IFF Perspectives

Arcadi Boix Camps highlighted Cedramber's exalting and fixative qualities, noting its cost-effectiveness and ability to substitute for ambergris (Davis, 2019). Luca Turin remarked on Cedramber's gentler olfactory profile, calling it a "solidly powerful" classic against more aggressive modern ambers (Turin, 2016).

IFF perfumers describe Cedramber as contributing presence in both top and heart notes, not just the base, which sets it apart from traditional fixatives (IFF, n.d.). Perfumery blogs and technical writers consistently refer to Cedramber as a key component in modern cedar accords (Yudov, 2018).

Conclusion

Since its discovery in 1966, Cedramber has had a defining influence on fine fragrance. From quiet fixative to structural cornerstone, it helped shape the olfactory profile of modern woody perfumes. Its smooth, dry amber-cedar character allowed perfumers to craft long-lasting, radiant fragrances with elegance and subtle power.

Even in an age of louder, stronger aroma chemicals, Cedramber retains its importance as a classic and versatile material—a quiet force behind many of perfumery's most enduring compositions.

References

• IFF. (2024). Cedramber – Ingredients Compendium. Retrieved from https://www.iff.com/scent/ingredients-compendium/cedramber

• Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Aroma Chemicals). Montclair, NJ: Author.

• ECHA. (2024). Substance Information: Cedramber (CAS 67874-81-1). Retrieved from https://echa.europa.eu

• David, O. R. P., & Doro, F. (2023). Industrial Fragrance Chemistry: A Brief Historical Perspective. European Journal of Organic Chemistry, 2023(e202300900).

• Davis, N. (2019, March 1). Cedramber®. Nathaniel Davis – Innovation Design for Flavour & Fragrance (Blog). Retrieved from https://ndfragrance.wordpress.com/2019/03/01/cedramber/

• International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF). (n.d.). Cedramber® – Fragrance Ingredient Description. Retrieved 2025 from https://www.iff.com/scent/ingredients-compendium/cedramber

• The Overdose. (1990). Perfumer & Flavorist, 15(6), 25–26.

• Turin, L. (2016, May 4). Comment on woody amber materials. In "Luca Turin AMA! Ask your question here!", Basenotes Forum. https://basenotes.com

• Unguentarius. (n.d.). Millésime Très Banal. Retrieved 2025 from https://www.unguentarius.com/eight-liners/millesime-tres-banal

• Vukcevic, C. (2019, October 21). Adventures in Blind Smelling: Rose et Cuir… Take One Thing Off (Perfume blog). https://takeonethingoff.com

• Yudov, M. (2018, February 22). Cedar In Perfumery: Roots and Stumps. Fragrantica – Raw Materials. https://www.fragrantica.com