# Cedarwood Oil Alcohols

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 68603-22-5
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Cedarwood Oil Alcohols (CAS 68603-22-5) is a natural flavoring compound derived from cedarwood oil, containing alcohol components used primarily as a flavor enhancer and flavoring agent in food products. It contributes woody, warm aromatic notes to various food and beverage formulations.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Cedarwood Oil Alcohols?

Cedarwood Oil Alcohols is a complex mixture of alcohol compounds extracted from cedarwood oil, identified by CAS number 68603-22-5. The product consists primarily of sesquiterpene alcohols found naturally in essential oils derived from cedar tree species. These compounds are characterized by their distinctive woody aroma and are used in the food industry as flavor enhancers and flavoring agents to impart characteristic cedarwood notes to foods and beverages.

## Common Uses

Cedarwood Oil Alcohols are employed in the food industry primarily as flavoring components in:

- Beverage formulations, including non-alcoholic and alcoholic drinks
- Confectionery and candy products
- Baked goods and grain-based foods
- Savory food products and seasonings
- Flavor systems and compound flavorings

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, as is standard practice with flavor ingredients. The woody, slightly spicy aromatic profile makes it suitable for applications requiring warm, natural notes.

## Safety Assessment

Cedarwood Oil Alcohols currently has no FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, meaning it has not undergone formal GRAS evaluation. However, the absence of GRAS status does not indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates the regulatory pathway has not been completed or sought. The FDA database shows zero reported adverse events associated with this additive and zero recalls involving cedarwood oil alcohols, suggesting no widespread safety concerns have been documented in the food supply.

As a naturally derived compound found in cedarwood essential oil, cedarwood oil alcohols share chemical similarities with components that have been used traditionally. The primary concern with any flavoring agent typically involves potential allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, particularly those with sensitivities to tree oils or botanical products.

## Regulatory Status

The regulatory status of Cedarwood Oil Alcohols varies by jurisdiction. In the United States, it is not currently on the FDA's GRAS list, which means manufacturers using this ingredient must comply with FDA regulations for food additives, potentially requiring an approved food additive petition or operating under color of law exemptions. In the European Union, cedarwood oil and its components may be listed in the EFSA's flavoring regulations, though specific approval status may vary by individual component.

Manufacturers should verify current regulatory approval in their respective markets before using this ingredient, as approval status can change and varies between countries and regions.

## Key Studies

Limited published scientific literature specifically addresses cedarwood oil alcohols as food additives. Most available data comes from traditional use of cedarwood oil in cosmetic and fragrance applications rather than food use studies. The lack of reported adverse events in FDA databases suggests either minimal use in the food supply or a strong safety profile in current applications.

Research on similar natural flavoring compounds and essential oil-derived alcohols generally supports the safety of these substances when used in typical food flavoring concentrations. However, comprehensive toxicological studies specific to cedarwood oil alcohols in food applications would strengthen the safety database.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Cedarwood Oil Alcohols — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/cedarwood-oil-alcohols. Accessed 2026-05-19.