Our Cassia CO2 select extract has a very strong, sweet, warm, spicy aroma similar to cinnamon bark but with a smooth, deep, woody-balsamic undertone and dense, tenacious, spicy-sweet drydown. The sweetness of Cassia adds warmth and a spicy appeal to perfume compositions when added in trace amounts. It can add a sweet, gourmand note to dry, woody and spicy Ambers as it has the familiar association of cinnamon. It can also be used sparingly in florals, fougères and herbaceous perfume formulas.

Cinnamomum cassia is a lush, tropical evergreen tree – a close relative of Cinnamon Bark (Cinnamomum zeylanicum or C. verum) more commonly found in spice cabinets – and an important member of the Lauraceae family. Cassia trees ‘wear’ a highly aromatic bark that is removed from young stems and branches before it dries and curls into reddish-brown aromatic quills.[1] Cassia and all the Cinnamomum species accompanied humans through millennia via the spice trade, which in turn brought traditional anointments and exquisite perfumes.

Of the more than 50 species of Cinnamon, there are four main types in global trade: the ubiquitous Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum / C. verum), exclusive to Sri Lanka; Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia), originating in China, but widely cultivated in India and elsewhere; Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum loureiroi), found in Vietnam; and Korintje Cinnamon (Cinnamomum burmanii), aka ‘cassiavera’ or ‘Padang cassia’ from Indonesia. Each contains somewhat more or less of the dominant compound, cinnamaldehyde, responsible for the sweet-hot, spicy aroma.

We find that the CO2 extracts of the spice oils are preferable in aroma to the more commonly available steam distilled versions and are especially well suited for natural perfumery purposes. Their energetic and vibrant aromas are true to that of the fresh plant material.

PLEASE NOTE: Cassia is a known skin irritant and must be used with respect and care if needed for topical applications. We strongly emphasize that because perfumes are topically applied, potential skin irritancy needs to be kept in mind when incorporating this oil into perfume compositions. However, Cassia CO2 is perfect for use in a diffuser, blended with citrus peel and coniferous needle tree oils, for uplifting winter blends. Be sure to see Blending Suggestions and Safety Considerations.