Camphor oil is a natural essential oil obtained by steam distillation of wood from Cinnamomum camphora trees. Unlike synthetic camphor — which is a single chemical compound — camphor oil is a complex mixture of dozens of terpene and terpenoid compounds, with the proportions varying dramatically depending on the fraction or grade. Understanding these grades is essential for buyers in the pharmaceutical, fragrance, and specialty chemical industries.
Chemical Identity and Composition
- CAS Number: 8008-51-3 (camphor oil, crude); individual fractions have separate CAS numbers
- EINECS: 232-543-7
- HS Code: 3301.29 (Essential oils of other species)
- Camphor content: 30–85% depending on grade and fraction
- Other major components: Safrole, cinnamaldehyde, eugenol, terpineol, linalool, limonene (composition varies by fraction)
- Natural grade: Dextrorotatory; camphor fraction is (+)-camphor
- Physical state: Clear to pale yellow liquid (white/rectified grades); golden to dark brown (crude)
The Three Major Commercial Grades of Camphor Oil
White Camphor Oil (Rectified Camphor Oil)
White camphor oil, also called rectified camphor oil, is the highest-purity fraction obtained by multiple distillations of crude camphor oil. It is a colorless to pale yellow, clear liquid with a strong, characteristic camphor odor. White camphor oil has a camphor content of 50–80% and is virtually free of safrole (a carcinogenic compound present in other fractions).
White camphor oil is the only grade approved for use in aromatherapy, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical preparations. It is used in topical analgesic preparations, cold relief products (similar to Vicks VapoRub), liniments, and some fragrance applications. In aromatherapy, it is used in diffusers for respiratory support and as an insect repellent.
Yellow Camphor Oil
Yellow camphor oil is obtained from the middle fractions of camphor oil distillation. It contains significant amounts of safrole (a hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic compound) along with camphor and other terpenes. Yellow camphor oil has a camphor content of 20–40% and a characteristic warm, spicy odor alongside the camphor note.
Due to safrole content, yellow camphor oil is restricted in cosmetics and personal care products in most jurisdictions. It is used in industrial applications including as a starting material for synthesis of safrole derivatives, in some specialty industrial fragrances, and for insect and pest control formulations where safrole content is acceptable.
Brown Camphor Oil
Brown camphor oil is the heavy fraction from camphor oil distillation. It is dark in color, has high safrole content (30–80%), and relatively low camphor content. It is primarily of industrial interest for safrole extraction. Brown camphor oil is heavily regulated internationally due to safrole being a controlled precursor chemical under UN drug precursor conventions (as it can be used in illicit synthesis of MDMA).
Industrial Applications of Camphor Oil
| Application | Grade Used | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Topical pharmaceuticals | White (rectified) | Active ingredient in analgesics, decongestants |
| Aromatherapy | White (rectified) | Diffuser oil for respiratory support |
| Fragrance manufacturing | White/Yellow | Camphoraceous note in perfumes |
| Insect repellents | White/Yellow | Active repellent compound |
| Veterinary preparations | White | Topical treatments for horses and livestock |
| Industrial solvents | Brown | Specialty solvent applications |
| Chemical synthesis | White/Yellow | Precursor for specialty terpene derivatives |
Camphor Oil vs Camphorwood Oil: Understanding the Distinction
The market uses the terms "camphor oil," "camphorwood oil," and "camphor essential oil" interchangeably, but there can be meaningful differences. Camphor oil traditionally refers to the oil obtained from Cinnamomum camphora (Japanese camphor tree). Camphor wood oil may refer to oil from related species or from different parts of the camphor tree — the oil composition can vary significantly based on species and plant part (wood, leaf, root).
Storage and Handling of Camphor Oil
Camphor oil, like all essential oils, must be stored in sealed amber or dark glass bottles or stainless steel containers away from light, heat, and air. Camphor oil is flammable (flash point ~47°C for white grade) and must be stored away from ignition sources. Shelf life is 2–3 years when stored properly. Camphor oil should not be ingested and must be kept away from children; white camphor oil is safe for topical and aromatherapy use but toxic if swallowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is camphor oil used for?
Camphor oil has multiple uses depending on the grade. White (rectified) camphor oil is used in pharmaceuticals (topical analgesics, decongestants), aromatherapy (respiratory support in diffusers), and some fragrance applications. Yellow and brown camphor oil are used in industrial applications, chemical synthesis, and regulated insect control products. Camphor oil is not safe for internal use — it is toxic if ingested.
Is camphor oil the same as eucalyptus oil?
No, they are distinct essential oils. Camphor oil is from Cinnamomum camphora trees and its primary component is camphor. Eucalyptus oil is from Eucalyptus species and its primary component is 1,8-cineole (eucalyptol). Both have similar uses in cold and respiratory relief formulations, and their scents share some similarity, but they have different chemical compositions, therapeutic profiles, and regulatory statuses.
What is the price of camphor oil per kg?
Camphor oil pricing varies significantly by grade. White (rectified) camphor oil typically trades at USD 8–20 per kg depending on purity and quantity. Yellow camphor oil is cheaper, typically USD 4–10 per kg. Brown camphor oil is regulated and not freely traded. Prices fluctuate with camphor tree harvest conditions in China and seasonal supply factors. Contact us for current market pricing.
Can camphor oil be used in cosmetics?
Only white (rectified) camphor oil — free of safrole — is approved for cosmetic use. Yellow and brown camphor oil grades are not approved for cosmetics due to safrole content. In cosmetics, camphor oil is used in muscle rub creams, scalp treatments, and some toner formulations at concentrations typically below 5%. EU Cosmetic Regulation and US FDA regulations restrict safrole content in cosmetics.
How is camphor oil different from camphor powder?
Camphor oil is a liquid essential oil obtained by distillation of camphor wood — it is a complex mixture of terpenes with camphor as the primary component but also containing other terpene compounds. Camphor powder (solid camphor) is the pure isolated compound, which is a white crystalline solid. They have different applications: camphor powder is used for direct burning (aarti), as a chemical feedstock, and in pharmaceutical formulations requiring solid camphor; camphor oil is used in liquid formulations, aromatherapy, and cosmetics.
Does Kalasam supply camphor oil for export?
Yes, Kalasam Jaikrishna Industries supplies white (rectified) camphor oil for industrial and pharmaceutical applications. We offer camphor oil with GC analysis documentation, MSDS, and COA. Standard packaging is in 25L aluminum drums or 200L steel drums. Minimum order for export is typically 100 kg. Contact our export team for current availability and pricing.
Kalasam Technical Team
Quality, Manufacturing & Export Divisions