Borneol (CAS 464-45-9) is a bicyclic terpene naturally found in a wide variety of plants, including rosemary, thyme and ginger.
With its intense herbal and balsamic aroma, complemented by fresh, cooling notes, borneol is highly valued in the fragrance, cosmetics and personal care industries.
| AROMATIC PROFILE |
|---|
| Camphoraceous Woody Balsamic Herbal Minty Piney Earthy |
At room temperature, borneol appears as an opaque, white crystalline solid with a slightly cool feel to the touch. These organoleptic characteristics are reflected in its Chinese name, bingpian, which literally translates as “ice (冰, bīng) flakes (片, piàn).”
Methods of Obtaining Borneol
Historically, borneol was obtained from the naturally crystallized resin found in the fissures of the Dryobalanops aromatica tree.
Although it can still be isolated from essential oils containing naturally occurring borneol, today it is more commonly produced by chemical synthesis. This process typically also yields varying amounts of isoborneol (CAS 124-76-5), a stereoisomer of borneol with its own commercial applications, which we will discuss later as it is also one of our manufactured products.
A Brief History of Borneol
Native to the island of Borneo, from which it takes its name, borneol was traditionally used by Malay communities in spiritual and funerary rituals.
Valued more highly than gold, it became an important commodity in ancient maritime trade. Historical records indicate that it was already being exported to China during the Han Dynasty (206 BC–220 AD).
Since then, its use has become firmly established, particularly within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), where it has long been employed for conditions affecting the nervous system, respiratory tract and cardiovascular health, among many other applications.
Its significance was such that Li Shizhen devoted a section to borneol in the Bencao Gangmu (1596), one of the most influential encyclopaedic works on Chinese medicine and botany.
Its historical medicinal use extends well beyond China and can also be found in traditional medical systems such as Ayurveda, originating in the Indian subcontinent.
Borneol Applications in Modern Industry
Today, borneol is an exceptionally versatile ingredient whose distinctive organoleptic profile makes it valuable across a wide range of industries:
- Food: Used as a flavouring agent in products such as beverages, ice cream and chewing gum.
- Cosmetics: Widely appreciated in skincare products for its cooling sensation and pleasant fragrance.
- Perfumery: Frequently incorporated into fragrance compositions to provide fresh, herbal top notes.
In addition, scientific research continues to support many of the properties traditionally attributed to borneol, including anti-inflammatory (1), analgesic (2), antibacterial (3) and neuroprotective(4) effects.
Why Choose Our Borneol?
In the global market for aromatic ingredients, consistency and purity are essential for successful formulations.
At Destilerías Muñoz Gálvez, we are committed to supplying raw materials that meet the highest quality standards while adapting to the technical requirements of each customer and application.
As part of this commitment, we offer borneol in a range of grades, produced by chemical synthesis from pure gum turpentine (CAS 8006-64-2).
Our extensive expertise in borneol manufacturing has made us one of Europe’s leading producers of this ingredient and the Lead Registrant for its REACH registration.
If you are interested in working with our borneol or would like further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
