Cananga Essential Oil, 100 ml

Cananga essential oil gives cosmetics a floral fragrance with a sweet, oriental undertone and is also one of the essential oils used in the care of the scalp and oily skin. It is obtained by steam distillation of the flowers of the Cananga odorata tree and comes from the Comoros. It is supplied in cosmetic grade with a Vegan certificate.

It is added to formulations primarily as a fragrance ingredient. It suits perfumes, massage oils, hair products and facial cleansing oils, where besides its fragrance it brings properties that the manufacturer associates with soothing the skin and balancing sebum production.

Key benefits

• Soothing effect on the skin – the manufacturer cites anti-inflammatory properties that help ease redness and the unpleasant feeling of irritated skin. It is used mainly in massage oils and after-sun products.
• Sebum regulation – according to the manufacturer, it helps balance the natural production of sebum, so it can be used in products for both dry and oily scalps. It is likewise suited to the care of oily and acne-prone skin.
• Hair support – the manufacturer states that it strengthens hair follicles and reduces hair breakage and hair loss. It suits scalp treatments and hair care.
• Warming effect – it leaves a mildly warming feeling on the skin, a property used in massage oils and relaxing creams.
• Antimicrobial effect – one of the properties for which the oil is chosen for blemish-prone skin products. It does not, however, replace the preservative system of the finished product.
• Aromatherapeutic effect – according to the manufacturer, the sweet floral fragrance promotes relaxation and a feeling of well-being, an effect used in perfumes and body mists.

The effects listed are based on manufacturer data and relate to the cosmetic action of the oil, not to the treatment of skin diseases.

Use in formulations

Cananga essential oil is soluble in oils and in alcohol, and insoluble in water. It has a pale yellow to golden colour. In anhydrous products, that is oils, balms and butters, it is simply mixed in with the other oils. In emulsions, it is added in the cool-down phase, when the cream or lotion has already emulsified and cooled, or it can be worked into the finished base afterwards.

It cannot be incorporated into water-based products, such as toners and facial or body mists, without help. A solubiliser is required to disperse the oil in the water phase, otherwise it separates on the surface. In alcohol-based perfumes and colognes, it dissolves directly.

It is used in both rinse-off and leave-on products. Each product category has its own limit in the certificate, so before putting together a formulation, check which category your product belongs to.

Suitable for products such as

• Scalp oil treatments and serums – a carrier oil in which it dissolves directly and where its sebum-balancing action is put to use.
• Shampoos and conditioners – a fragrance ingredient that also supports the scalp, added to a cooled base.
• Facial cleansing oils for oily and acne-prone skin.
• Massage oils and body creams – they make use of the warming and soothing feeling on the skin.
• Facial and body mists, including after-sun products, always with a solubiliser.
• Perfumes, solid perfumes and colognes – as a floral fragrance ingredient.
• Candles and air fresheners – these fall under IFRA category 12, which has a separate limit in the certificate.

Good to know

The product contains ingredients classified as CMR: Estragole, Methyl Eugenol and 4-methylanisole. The substance is subject to the CLP regulation and is classified as hazardous. The packaging carries pictograms for irritation and sensitisation, serious long-term health hazards and hazards to the environment. Detailed information on composition, classification and safe handling is provided in the safety data sheet.

Lip products and toys (category 1), eye products (category 3) and children’s cosmetics (category 5D) have their own limits in the certificate, which you should check separately for these formulations. The pictogram warns of possible sensitisation, so we recommend testing the tolerance of the finished product on sensitive skin.

Frequently asked questions