CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL
Commonly Found In
Overview
CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL is a cosmetic ingredient primarily used for FRAGRANCE. It is commonly found in various cosmetic formulations and serves important functions in personal care products.
Also known as: Atlas Cedarwood Oil, Cedarwood Oil Atlas, Cedrus atlantica wood oil
Key Benefits
Cedarwood Atlas bark oil may help provide astringent and antiseborrheic effects through its sesquiterpene content. However, its primary role is as a fragrance ingredient and the EU has banned it due to sensitization potential.
Skin Compatibility Ratings
Comedogenic Rating
Low comedogenic potential; cedarwood oil is not commonly associated with pore blockage at typical fragrance concentrations.
Source: IFRA Standards; industry comedogenicity data
Irritancy Rating
Low irritancy at typical fragrance use concentrations; may cause sensitization in rare cases. IFRA has set usage guidelines. Contains natural sesquiterpenes.
Source: IFRA Certificate of Analysis; CIR safety assessment of plant-derived oils
Typical Use Concentration
Range
0.01β0.5% (where permitted)
Optimal
0.05β0.2%
Low concentrations recommended due to sensitization potential; follow IFRA guidelines.
Works Well With / Avoid
Works Well With
Use With Caution
Banned in EU (Annex III/122) and restricted in UK. May cause skin sensitization with repeated exposure. IFRA provides usage guidelines where permitted.
Commonly Found In
Global Regulation Summary
Overview of current status across major international markets.
Detailed Regional Status
| Region | Status | Max Conc. | Conditions | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πͺπΊ EU | Banned | - | - | Official β |
| πΊπΈ USA | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π―π΅ Japan | Allowed | - | - | Official β |
| π°π· Korea | Unknown | - | - | Official β |
| π¬π§ UK | Restricted | - | Follows EU regulations (III/122) | Official β |
π Why Regulations Differ
The EU restriction (Annex III/122) reflects the SCCS evaluation of sensitization risk from Atlas cedarwood sesquiterpene components. US and Japan permit use with general safety requirements. Atlas cedar is also IUCN endangered, raising sustainability concerns.
Regulation Analysis
Regional Agreement
Banned in EU but allowed in USA, Japan.
Category Comparison
There are 122 ingredients in the FRAGRANCE category. 100% are banned in at least one major market.
Strictness Ranking
πΏ Natural Sources
Steam-distilled from wood and bark of Cedrus atlantica (Atlas cedarwood), a coniferous tree native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and Algeria.
π How It's Made
Steam distillation of Atlas cedarwood chips and bark yields essential oil containing atlantones, himachalenes, and sesquiterpenes with woody, balsamic aroma.
π Uses in Cosmetics
Banned in EU (Annex III/122) and restricted in UK, allowed in US and Japan. Used for woody fragrance in men's grooming products, claimed astringent and antiseborrheic properties. EU ban likely due to allergen content or environmental sustainability concerns about over-harvesting Atlas cedar.
π¬ Other Applications
Aromatherapy for relaxation and stress relief, natural insect repellent (especially moths in closets), wood preservation due to natural rot resistance.
π‘ Fun Facts
- β’ Atlas cedar is endangered in its native habitat - IUCN Red List classifies it as 'Endangered' due to climate change and over-exploitation
- β’ Different from Texas cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana) and Himalayan cedarwood - each has distinct chemical composition and aroma
- β’ Ancient Egyptians used cedarwood oil in mummification and cosmetics - though they likely used Lebanese cedar (Cedrus libani), not Atlas
Related Skin Concerns
Data Sources
- β’ EU CosIng database β Annex III/122
- β’ IFRA Standards
- β’ SCCS opinion on cedarwood Atlas oil
Last data verification: 2026-04-16
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL banned in the EU but allowed in the US?
The EU follows a precautionary principle, banning CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL under III/122 due to potential safety concerns. The US FDA has not found sufficient evidence to prohibit its use, allowing it under different safety assessment standards. This reflects differing regulatory philosophies between the two regions.
Why is CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL banned in the EU but allowed in Japan?
The EU prohibits CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL (III/122) based on their strict safety criteria. Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) has evaluated the ingredient and permits its use, potentially with different safety data or usage conditions.
What is CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL used for in cosmetics?
CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL is primarily used for fragrance in cosmetic products. It also serves as perfuming, skin conditioning. The ingredient is commonly found in perfumes, colognes, and scented cosmetics.
Which countries regulate CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL?
CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL is banned in EU. It has concentration limits or usage restrictions in UK. The ingredient is freely allowed in JP, US.
Are there alternatives to CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL?
Due to regulatory restrictions on CEDRUS ATLANTICA BARK OIL, cosmetic manufacturers often use alternative ingredients with similar functions. For fragrance, alternatives may include other approved ingredients in the same category. Consult product labels for specific formulations, and look for products compliant with your region's regulations.
Disclaimer
The information on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive for accuracy based on official government databases, cosmetic regulations change frequently. Always consult with a qualified professional or refer to the latest official regulatory documents for compliance. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided here.