Ho Wood Essential Oil, 100 ml

Ho Wood essential oil is obtained by steam distillation from the wood of the camphor tree, linalool chemotype (Cinnamomum camphora ct linalool). It brings a warm, woody scent to a formulation and also works as an active ingredient in products for problem and acne-prone skin. The oil is of Asian origin and is vegan.

In a formulation it does two jobs at once: it fragrances the product and, according to the manufacturer, soothes the skin. It does not come from any species listed in the appendices of the CITES convention.

Key properties

• Warm, woody scent – the manufacturer describes it as calming and balancing. It suits evening and relaxation products.
• Soothing effect on the skin – according to the manufacturer, the oil helps reduce redness and brings relief to irritated skin. It is therefore used in products for problem and acne-prone skin as a complement to other active ingredients.
• Antimicrobial properties – the manufacturer gives these as the reason the oil suits facial and body cleansing products. The effect in the finished product depends on the usage rate and the whole formulation, and it does not replace a preservative system.
• Warming sensation – according to the manufacturer, it leaves a mild warming feeling on the skin, which is used in massage oils and body creams.
• Aromatherapy – in diffusers, bath products and room sprays it creates a calm atmosphere.

Use in formulations

The oil is soluble in oil and in alcohol and does not dissolve in water. In emulsions it is added in the oil phase or in the cool-down phase. In toners and water-based sprays it can only be used with a solubiliser; otherwise it separates and stays on the surface. In anhydrous products such as body oils, balms and solid perfumes, it is mixed into the finished oil blend.

The recommended processing temperature is below 40 °C. The oil is a blend of volatile substances, and at higher temperatures part of them evaporates, so the resulting scent is weaker. In creams and lotions it is therefore added only after emulsification, once the mixture has cooled, and mixed in briefly. In cold process soap it is added before pouring into the mould. We recommend a test batch.

The manufacturer does not state a recommended usage rate range. The maximum permitted amount in the finished product is set by the IFRA limit for the given category. Category 1 covers lip products, category 4 perfumes and eaux de toilette, category 5B face creams and toners, and category 9 soaps, shampoos and shower gels. The limits for all categories are in the IFRA certificate in the Product documentation section.

The oil is compatible with alcohol and with common perfumery raw materials, with no known restrictions. In alcohol-based perfumes and aftershaves it dissolves directly in ethanol.

Suitable for products such as

• Face care – face oils, serums, creams and cleansing products for problem and acne-prone skin, where the soothing effect described by the manufacturer is used.
• Body care – massage oils, body butters and lotions, hand and foot creams. The warming sensation and calming scent suit evening and relaxation products.
• Hair care – hair oils, masks and scalp products, where the manufacturer recommends it for its soothing scent.
• Perfumery – alcohol-based and oil-based perfumes, solid perfumes and scented creams.
• Bath bombs and salts, shower gels, soaps – rinse-off products, where the scent works mainly during use.
• Candles, diffusers, household cleaning products – for candles, the limit of IFRA category 12 applies, and it is good to check the scent intensity with a test pour.

Good to know

Ho Wood is the linalool chemotype. Oils of other chemotypes with a different composition are also distilled from the same tree species, Cinnamomum camphora, so when buying, go by the chemotype designation, not just the botanical name.

The oil contains fragrance allergens listed in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. It is not classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. It contains no palm oil ingredients, GMOs or alcohol.

Frequently asked questions