Camphor real / Hon-sho EO
Botanical name: Cinnamomum camphora CT camphor
Pure essential oil
Synonyms: Hon-sho (literally means: true camphor)
Fragrance group: spicy
Origin : Japan
Fragrance Description: Aromatic intense fresh spicy and minty ‘cool’ scent with hints of balsamic fir/pine wood with a slightly earthy base often used in chypre perfumes
Fragrance strength: strong
Extraction method: steam distillation of the wood and roots
CAS: 8008-51-3
Hon-sho oil is the “true camphor oil” – powerful, intense, and historically used in medicine.
In modern perfumery it is used with care for its pungent character and neuroactive effect.
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Hon-sho essential oil , also known as true camphor oil , is the essential oil derived from the camphor chemotype of Cinnamomum camphora .
This variety is rich in camphor (40–60%) and is traditionally extracted from the wood of ancient camphor trees in Japan, China and Taiwan.
Safety & Usage
- Not suitable for aromatherapy on the skin – neuroactive and possibly toxic in overdose
- Use in perfumery : limited to functional perfumes, air fresheners, or niche fragrances (for safe use in perfumery see White Camphor essential oil)
Physical applications
- Respiratory support → For colds, coughs and nasal congestion (often in inhalation or diffuser)
- Analgesic and antispasmodic → For muscle pain, rheumatism, bruises (in massage oil, always diluted)
- Antiseptic and antiviral → Can be applied topically for skin infections (with care and dilution)
Technical and perfumery applications
- Functional perfumes & air fresheners → For a fresh, clean opening with a medicinal accent
- Sauna scents & wellness products → Enhances the feeling of cleansing and vitality
Analysis – Composition of True Camphor Essential Oil
| Component | Concentration (%) | Remark |
|---|---|---|
| (þ)-Limonene | 44.2% | Fresh, citrusy, potentially allergenic |
| p-Cymene | 24.2% | Spicy, warm, enhanced citrus notes |
| α-Pinene | 8.9% | Fresh, piney, camphorous |
| 1,8-Cineole | 6.5% | Eucalyptus-like, respiratory support |
| Sabinene | 4.2% | Spicy, peppery, stimulating |
| β-Pinene | 4.0% | Fresh, woody, slightly camphorous |
| Camphene | 3.0% | Fresh, sharp, camphorous |
| Camphor | 2.4% | Strong medicinal, neuroactive |
| Safrole | trace | Traces – possible IFRA restriction |
Explanation
- tr = trace : present in very small quantities (< 0.01%)
- Limonene, α-pinene, camphor are known fragrance allergens → mention them on the label of leave-on products
- Safrole is a controlled substance in cosmetics and perfumery → IFRA restriction applies
The IFRA recommendation for true camphor oil (Hon-sho, Cinnamomum camphora CT camphor) is based on the fact that this oil contains a high percentage of camphor (up to 60%) , a neuroactive substance that can be toxic in overdose. Although IFRA does not publish a specific limit for the oil as a whole, there are restrictions on the camphor ingredient in cosmetics and perfumery.
IFRA Recommendation – Hon-sho Essential Oil
| IFRA Category | Application type | Recommended maximum usage level |
|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | Lip products, children's toys | Not recommended |
| Category 2 | Deodorants, body sprays | < 0.1% |
| Category 3 A–D | Eye products, make-up, tissues | < 0.1% |
| Category 4 A–D | Perfumes, eau de toilette, aftershave | 0.1–0.5% |
| Category 5 A–C | Body lotions, creams, foot care | < 0.2% |
| Category 6 | Oral care | Not recommended |
| Category 7 A–B | Hand creams, nail products | < 0.2% |
| Category 8 A–B | Baby products, wipes | Not recommended |
| Category 9 A–C | Shampoo, shower gel, scrubs | < 0.5% |
| Category 10 A–B | Household products, detergents | Up to 1% |
| Category 11 | Air fresheners, candles | Up to 100% (technical use) |
| Category 12 | Industrial applications | No limitation |
⚠️Important notes
- Camphor (CAS 76-22-2) is restricted by IFRA due to neurotoxicity at high doses.
- Hon-sho oil should not be used undiluted on the skin .
- For leave-on products, an IFRA Declaration of Conformity per batch is strongly recommended.
- In perfumery, Hon-sho oil is used functionally and sparingly as a fresh, medicinal-woody note.
Hon-sho is powerful and characterful, but requires careful dosage and labeling . Preferably use under the guidance of an aromatherapist or perfumer with knowledge of IFRA guidelines.
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