What it is
Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil is an essential oil obtained from the foliage of Thuja occidentalis, the northern white cedar or arborvitae. It is an aromatic oil whose composition includes thujone and other terpene constituents, and it is used in cosmetics for fragrance and as a botanical conditioning ingredient. It is used only in small amounts because of its potent aromatic profile.
Safety & warnings
As an aromatic essential oil it contains volatile terpenes, including thujone, that can be irritating or sensitizing; it should be used at low levels and may not be suitable for very sensitive skin. Essential oils of this type are a more common source of fragrance-related allergic reactions than non-aromatic ingredients.
Origin & sourcing
Natural, plant-derived. It is produced by steam distillation of the leaves and twigs of the northern white cedar tree.
Questions everyone asks
What tree does this oil come from?
It is distilled from the leaves of Thuja occidentalis, the northern white cedar, also called arborvitae.
Why is it used at low levels?
It is a potent aromatic oil containing terpenes such as thujone, so only small amounts are used for fragrance and conditioning.