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Cedarwood oil

Cedarwood oil suppliers and sourcing guide

Cedarwood oil is a group of essential oils steam-distilled from the wood, sawdust and shavings of several conifers. Atlas cedarwood oil comes from Cedrus atlantica in Morocco; Virginian cedarwood oil from Juniperus virginiana and Texas cedarwood oil from Juniperus mexicana (ashei) in the US; Chinese cedarwood oil from Cupressus funebris. Much is made from sawmill by-products. The oils are woody and dry and are used in fragrance, soaps, cosmetics and as a source of cedrol and cedrene; terpene and alcohol fractions are also sold.

See suppliersWhat to ask for on the COA
Also known as
Cedrus atlantica oil · Juniperus virginiana oil · Juniperus mexicana oil · Atlas cedarwood oil · Virginian cedarwood oil
Facts checked
November 2026

Forms and grades of cedarwood oil

Suppliers sell different products under the same name. Specify the one you need.

  • Atlas cedarwood

    Cedrus atlantica oil from Morocco, sweeter and more balsamic, high in himachalenes.

  • Virginian cedarwood

    Juniperus virginiana oil from the eastern US, rich in cedrol and alpha-cedrene.

  • Texas cedarwood

    Juniperus mexicana oil, a large-volume source of cedrol for fragrance.

  • Chinese cedarwood

    Cupressus funebris oil, a lower-cost source of cedrene and cedrol.

  • Fractions

    Cedarwood oil terpenes, cedarwood oil alcohols and isolated cedrol, separated by distillation.

What to check on the COA

Compare each result with your own specification when the lot arrives.

GC-MS profile
Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry, reporting key constituents such as cedrol, alpha-cedrene, thujopsene and himachalenes against the supplier's or ISO ranges; the main identity and adulteration check.
Botanical source
Statement and GC-MS confirmation of the species, since 'cedarwood oil' covers several different trees.
Physical constants
Specific gravity, refractive index and optical rotation at 20 °C against the specification.
Cedrol content
Cedrol percentage by GC for Virginian and Texas grades, often a key specification.
Fragrance allergens
Levels of declarable fragrance allergens (such as linalool, geraniol, citronellol, limonene) for cosmetic labeling and IFRA compliance.

Storage, lots and expiry

Storage and shelf life

Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock. Some grades thicken or deposit crystals of cedrol when cold.

Lots and expiry dates

Record the botanical species and origin for every lot, since cedarwood oils from different trees are not interchangeable. Track cedrol content and keep a retained sample for odor comparison.

Regulatory status

Facts from regulators and standards bodies, each linked to its source.

This is general information, not regulatory advice. Status differs by country and by how the ingredient is used, so check the rules for your product and market.

Cedarwood oil suppliers

Manufacturers and distributors whose own websites say they sell it.

We are checking cedarwood oil suppliers now

Every listing is checked against the supplier’s own website before it goes live, so this list fills in over the coming weeks. The specs and COA checklist above are ready today.

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Frequently asked questions

What forms of cedarwood oil can brands buy?

Common forms include atlas cedarwood, virginian cedarwood, texas cedarwood, chinese cedarwood and fractions. Ask each supplier for the specification sheet of the exact grade they quote.

What should the COA for cedarwood oil include?

Expect gC-MS profile, botanical source, physical constants, cedrol content and fragrance allergens, each with its method, specification and result for that lot.

How should cedarwood oil be stored?

Store in full, tightly closed amber glass, aluminum or lined steel containers in a cool, dark place, ideally with a nitrogen headspace once opened; heat, light and air oxidize the oil and change its odor. Shelf life is set by the supplier's specification, and a GC-MS and odor retest is the usual way to confirm older stock. Some grades thicken or deposit crystals of cedrol when cold.

What is the regulatory status of cedarwood oil?

Health Canada's aromatherapy essential oils monograph lists Atlas cedarwood essential oil from the wood of Cedrus atlantica. 21 CFR 172.515 lists cedarwood oil alcohols and cedarwood oil terpenes among synthetic flavoring substances and adjuvants that may be safely used in food. FDA's Substances Added to Food inventory lists cedarwood oil terpenes with the technical effects flavor enhancer and flavoring agent or adjuvant, citing 21 CFR 172.515.

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