What it is
Juniperus mexicana oil is a steam-distilled essential oil obtained from the wood and shavings of the Texas (Mexican) cedar tree. It has a warm, woody, balsamic scent and is rich in cedrol and cedrene-type sesquiterpenes. In sunscreens and skin care it is used in small amounts to provide a natural woody aroma or to mask the base odor of other ingredients.
Safety & warnings
As an essential oil it is a potential source of skin sensitization, and fragrance components in cedarwood oils can trigger reactions in sensitive or fragrance-allergic individuals; patch testing is sensible for reactive skin. Essential oils are generally used at low concentrations in leave-on products.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived. It is produced by steam distillation of the wood of Juniperus mexicana, a juniper species native to Mexico and the southern United States.
Questions everyone asks
What is Texas cedarwood oil used for in cosmetics?
It is used as a natural fragrance and odor-masking ingredient, lending a warm, woody scent to sunscreens and skin care.
Can cedarwood oil irritate skin?
It can. As an aromatic essential oil it may cause sensitization in some people, so those with fragrance-sensitive skin should be cautious.