Sassafras Oil

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Sassafras Oil is a potent essential oil distilled primarily from the bark of the Sassafras albidum tree, native to North America. Steam distillation yields a yellow to reddish-brown oil with a strong, sweet, root beer–like aroma due to its primary constituent, safrole. Historically used in perfumery, flavoring, and herbal medicine, Sassafras Oil possesses aromatic, antiseptic, and stimulant properties.
Despite its traditional applications, safrole-containing Sassafras Oil is strictly regulated in many countries due to potential hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity associated with safrole. As such, modern uses are limited, and safrole-free versions are required for legal use in personal care or flavoring. In compliant forms, it finds niche use in natural fragrances, industrial solvents, and botanical extracts.

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Description

Uses
Primary Uses
Aromatherapy & Wellness

Traditionally used in herbal remedies to stimulate circulation and ease rheumatic discomfort.
Applied in limited, highly controlled aromatherapy practices for its mood-elevating and energizing scent.
Used in vapor blends historically to promote respiratory comfort (now discouraged due to safety concerns).

Cosmetics and Personal Care

Historically used in soaps, perfumes, and aftershaves for its spicy-sweet, earthy fragrance.
Occasionally included in vintage-style colognes and masculine scent blends (with safrole removed).
Applied in traditional skin tonics and liniments (now rarely used due to safety regulation).

Topical Applications

Used in old herbal salves and poultices for sore muscles and joint pain relief.
Incorporated in traditional bug repellent blends due to its pungent scent.

Secondary Uses
Cleaning and Detergent Products

Included in natural degreasers and industrial cleaning solvents (safrole-free only).
Used in old-fashioned household products and furniture polishes for its unique aroma.

Spa and Therapeutic Products

Limited modern use in spa products due to regulatory status; occasionally used in nostalgic formulations.
Historically incorporated into foot soaks and muscle balms.

Fragrance and Ambient Scenting

Used in vintage and artisanal perfumery for a warm, rooty, spicy base note.
Applied in scented candles and incense blends for an earthy, nostalgic aroma.
Incorporated in leather-themed or rustic fragrance blends.

Pet and Animal Care

Historically used in flea repellents and pet shampoos (not recommended in modern practice due to safrole risks).

Industrial and Specialty Applications

Used in the synthesis of safrole-free derivatives for approved fragrance formulations.
Occasionally employed in solvent production and botanical pesticide formulations.

PRODUCT KEY FEATURES

Basic Identification Attributes

Botanical Name: Sassafras albidum
Common/Trade Name: Sassafras Oil
INCI Name: Sassafras Albidum Oil
CAS Number: 8006-80-4
HS Code: 3301.29
Synonyms: Sassafras Bark Oil, Root Beer Oil, Albidum Oil

Physical & Chemical Properties

Physical State: Liquid essential oil
Color & Odor: Yellow to reddish-brown; warm, spicy, root beer–like scent
Solubility: Insoluble in water; soluble in alcohol and oils
Refractive Index: 1.520 – 1.536
Specific Gravity: 1.060 – 1.090
Main Components: Safrole (up to 90% in unregulated oil), eugenol, camphor (trace)

Safety & Hazard Attributes

GHS Classification: Carcinogenic (safrole content); not approved for ingestion in many jurisdictions
Toxicity: High if safrole is present; use only in external, controlled, and safrole-free formulations
Exposure Limits: Refer to Safety Data Sheet (SDS); highly restricted
Allergen Information: Contains safrole, a known sensitizer and carcinogen; may also contain eugenol

Storage & Handling Attributes

Storage Conditions: Store in tightly sealed containers in a cool, dark, and dry environment
Container Type: Amber glass or metal containers resistant to essential oil corrosion
Shelf Life: 12 to 24 months depending on safrole content and storage conditions
Handling Precautions: Handle with protective gloves, goggles, and ventilation; avoid inhalation and skin contact

Regulatory & Compliance Attributes

Restricted by FDA, EPA, and EU cosmetic regulations due to safrole’s carcinogenic classification
Safrole-free Sassafras Oil is permitted for limited external use
Not allowed in food or beverage applications
Subject to CITES-like and hazardous substance regulations in some countries

Environmental & Health Impact

Biodegradability: Biodegradable, but safrole poses environmental risk if improperly disposed
Ecotoxicity: Potential aquatic toxicity if released in significant concentrations
Bioaccumulation: Safrole may accumulate in fatty tissues with prolonged exposure

SAFETY HANDLING PRECAUTIONS

Safety Handling Precautions

PPE Required: Gloves, protective goggles, and lab coat in all industrial handling
Handling Guidelines: Use fume hoods or ventilation systems; avoid direct exposure

First Aid Measures

Inhalation: Move to fresh air; seek medical attention if dizziness or respiratory irritation occurs
Skin Contact: Wash thoroughly with soap and water; discontinue use if irritation develops
Eye Contact: Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water; consult a medical professional
Ingestion: Do not induce vomiting; seek emergency medical care immediately

Firefighting Measures

Fire Hazards: Flammable; keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames
Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical powder, foam, carbon dioxide, or water mist
Special Precautions: Use self-contained breathing apparatus and full protective gear
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and aromatic hydrocarbons