What it is
Cedrol is a crystalline sesquiterpene alcohol found in the essential oils of cedar and cypress and related conifers. It is used primarily as a fragrance ingredient and fixative, lending a soft, woody scent and helping anchor more volatile aroma notes. In sunscreens it appears in trace amounts as part of the fragrance system.
Safety & warnings
Used in small amounts as a fragrance component. As with fragrance materials generally, it can contribute to scent-related sensitivity in fragrance-reactive individuals, so those prone to fragrance sensitivity may prefer to avoid scented formulas. It is not among the EU-designated fragrance allergens that require separate labeling.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; isolated from cedarwood and related conifer essential oils, and can also be produced synthetically.
Questions everyone asks
What is cedrol used for?
It is mainly a fragrance ingredient with a woody, cedar-like odor, and it also acts as a fixative to anchor more volatile scent notes.
Is it a labeled fragrance allergen?
It is a fragrance material but is not on the list of EU-designated fragrance allergens requiring separate declaration; fragrance-sensitive users may still prefer unscented products.