Ho Wood Essential Oil, 1 l

Ho Wood essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the wood of the camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora, linalool chemotype, and it serves two purposes in a formulation. It gives the product a warm, woody fragrance and at the same time acts as an active ingredient with a soothing effect on the skin. It is suitable for massage oils, body creams, face and hair care, soaps, bath products, candles and diffusers. The oil is of plant origin, vegan and not tested on animals.

The fragrance is warm and woody and, according to the manufacturer, brings calm and relaxation. It is therefore used in aromatherapy, massage oils, bath products and room sprays to create a relaxing atmosphere.

Effects on skin and hair

The following effects are based on manufacturer data. The extent to which they appear depends on the usage rate and the type of product.

• Soothing the skin – according to the manufacturer, it helps to ease the feeling of irritation and redness, so it is chosen for the care of irritated or eczema-prone skin, always at a usage rate in line with IFRA.
• Warming effect – it creates a mild feeling of warmth on the skin, which is used mainly in massage oils and relaxing creams.
• Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial action – the manufacturer states that the oil supports clearer and more balanced skin. This is a supporting effect and does not replace a preservative system.
• Antioxidant action – stated by the manufacturer as an additional property.
• Conditioning of hair and scalp – in hair oils, masks and scalp treatments it adds fragrance and, according to the manufacturer, helps to soothe the scalp.
• Relaxing fragrance – in aromatherapy, diffusers, baths and room sprays it is used to create a sense of calm.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in oils and in alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In emulsions it is added to the oil phase or only during the cooling phase, and in anhydrous products it is mixed into the finished base. The recommended processing temperature is below 40 °C. The oil is a mixture of volatile components and at higher temperatures some of them evaporate, so the fragrance of the product becomes weaker.

For toners, hydrosol sprays and other purely water-based products, the oil must first be combined with a solubiliser, otherwise it separates on the surface. In bath salts and bath bombs it is incorporated together with a vegetable oil or cosmetic butter so that it disperses evenly in the bath. In soaps, candles and cleaning products it is used as a fragrance ingredient according to the relevant IFRA category. Compatibility with alcohol and with other perfumery ingredients is unrestricted.

The maximum usage rate is not a single universal value. It is governed by the IFRA standard, which distinguishes product categories according to where and how they are used. Different limits apply to lip products, the eye area, perfumes, body creams, rinse-off products and candles. The specific values for each category are given with the product.

Suitable for products such as

• Massage and body oils – the warming and soothing character together with the woody fragrance is most noticeable here.
• Body creams, butters and lotions – as both a fragrance and an active ingredient in leave-on care.
• Face creams, serums and oils – especially for skin prone to irritation, at a low usage rate.
• Hair oils, masks and scalp treatments – conditioning and fragrance in one.
• Soaps, shower gels, shampoos – rinse-off products used according to IFRA category 9.
• Bath salts and bath bombs – combined with a carrier oil or cosmetic butter.
• Perfumes and solid perfumes – as a woody component of the composition.
• Candles, diffusers, air fresheners and cleaning products – where fragrance is the main concern.

Good to know

The oil is colourless to pale yellow. In clear, colourless products, expect a slight tint at a higher usage rate. The oil can be used in rinse-off and leave-on products, including products for the eye area, lips, hands, feet and intimate hygiene, always within the limit for the given category.

When combining it with other fragrance ingredients and at a higher usage rate, we recommend checking the stability of the fragrance and the appearance of the emulsion after several weeks.

Other essential oils are also obtained from the camphor tree Cinnamomum camphora, from other parts of the plant and other chemotypes, with a different fragrance. Ho Wood is an oil from the wood of the tree, linalool chemotype, and it should not be confused with them in a formulation. The oil is not obtained from endangered species listed in the CITES appendices.

Frequently asked questions