In short
Angelica root oil is distilled from the roots of Angelica archangelica. It has a musky, earthy and peppery-herbal odour; its musk comes partly from macrocyclic lactones such as pentadecanolide.
What Angelica Root Oil smells like
Angelica root oil is highly esteemed in perfumery and flavour work, in Arctander's words as quoted by Hermitage Oils; he warns that its power is easily underestimated, that lots vary even from one producer, and that it blends with patchouli, opopanax, costus, clary sage, vetiver, oakmoss and coumarin. Users describe herbs, pepper and soil; a peppery flutter at the top over a musky backbone; or dry, deep, earthy and musty with a celery-like note. Batches vary widely.
- Leading note
- Musky earthy root
- Clear facets
- Peppery
- Supporting facets
- Herbaceous
- Faint facets
- Celery-like, minty-citrus
- Character
- Powerful, sparkling, deep
What makes Angelica Root Oil distinctive
A root that sparkles: peppery and herbaceous on top of a musky, earthy body.
How Angelica Root Oil is used
Used in small amounts in chypre, oriental, herbal and musk compositions, and in liqueur flavours.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend).
How Angelica Root Oil differs from similar materials
- Lovage Root Oil
- Lovage is a sweeter celery with angelica-like notes, musk and leather; angelica is more peppery and herbaceous.
- Spikenard Oil
- Spikenard is heavier, mustier and woodier; angelica is more peppery and herbaceous.
Each difference compares the published descriptions of the two materials. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Phototoxic: covered by an IFRA Standard that limits it in leave-on products exposed to sunlight. Check the limit for your product category.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Essential oil
- Origin
- Natural
- Odour family
- Musky / Aromatic
- Note position
- Heart to base note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Botanical source
- Angelica archangelica
- CAS number
- 8015-64-3
The CAS number was checked on 19 October 2026 against a PubChem substance record that gives it for this material. A natural material is a mixture, so it has no single formula; its composition varies with origin and processing.
Safety and compliance
The IFRA Standards Library lists a Standard covering Angelica Root Oil:
- "Angelica root oil" — Restriction, 49th Amendment, published 2020-01
Limits differ by product category and are set out in the Standard itself; this page does not reproduce them. The list above reflects the library as read on 19 October 2026.
This page is general information, not a safety assessment or a specification. Confirm identity, composition, IFRA status and allergen content from your supplier's documents for the lot you hold.
Materials it works with
-
Exaltolide
Aroma chemical · Musky / Powdery — musky, soft, powdery, animalic
-
Bergamot Oil (Expressed)
Essential oil · Citrus / Aromatic — citrus, zesty, floral, tea-like
-
Clary Sage Oil
Essential oil · Aromatic / Amber — herbal, tea-like, ambery, musky
-
Galbanum Oil
Essential oil · Green / Resinous — green, sharp, bitter, resinous
Angelica Root Oil is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Lovage Root Oil.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 6 published formulas
Angelica Root Oil is an ingredient in 6 perfume formulas in the Formula & Accord Library.
RUŌOD House Originals
Original compositions by RUŌOD House.
Further reading
Questions about Angelica Root Oil
Is Angelica Root Oil natural or synthetic?
Angelica Root Oil is natural. It is a volatile oil obtained from plant material by steam distillation or, for citrus peels, by cold expression.
What is the CAS number of Angelica Root Oil?
8015-64-3, the registry number for the essential oil as a substance rather than a single molecule. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use Angelica Root Oil?
Angelica Root Oil is used in 6 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Ambrette Halo, Iris Weather and Juniper Chapel. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Is Angelica Root Oil covered by an IFRA Standard?
Yes. The IFRA Standards Library lists a Standard covering it: "Angelica root oil" — Restriction, 49th Amendment. The limits depend on the product category; read the Standard itself before formulating.
Sources
- PubChem — substance 135305861, checked 19 October 2026.
- IFRA — Standards Library, read 19 October 2026.
- Hermitage Oils — Angelica root (quoting Arctander) — distributor's description.
- Basenotes — Angelica (forum) — published perfumery reference.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 21 October 2026. Evidence: more than one published description. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.