In short
beta-Caryophyllene is a sesquiterpene found in clove, black pepper, copaiba and hops. It has a dry, woody-spicy odour and is a common blender in spicy and woody accords.
What beta-Caryophyllene smells like
beta-Caryophyllene is woody-spicy, dry and tenacious, in Takasago's listing; other suppliers add a clove note — sweet, woody-spice, clove, dry and tenacious. It is a major constituent of clove, black pepper and copaiba, and gives black pepper oil its warm, woody base.
- Leading note
- Dry woody spice
- Supporting facets
- Clove
- Faint facets
- Sweet
- Character
- Dry, warm, tenacious
What makes beta-Caryophyllene distinctive
The dry woody-clove backbone of pepper, clove and copaiba, as a single molecule.
How beta-Caryophyllene is used
Used as a dry, woody-spicy modifier in woody, spicy and oriental compositions.
Typical role: modifier (used in small amounts to change the character of a blend); blender (smooths the joins between other materials).
How beta-Caryophyllene differs from similar materials
- Caryophyllene Oxide
- The oxide is woodier and more ambery, slightly camphoraceous; the hydrocarbon is the drier, clove-like spice.
- Copaiba Balsam
- Copaiba is largely caryophyllene, adding a balsamic, creamy softness. (compared directly by a cited source)
- Sabinene
- Sabinene is fresher, more peppery and short-lived; caryophyllene is dry, woody and clove-like, and lasts.
- alpha-Humulene
- alpha-Humulene, its close relative, is more resinous and bitter; caryophyllene is drier and more clove-like.
An asterisk marks a difference that a cited source states directly. The others compare the published descriptions of each material. Smell varies with grade, supplier and dilution; compare them side by side on blotters before substituting one for another.
Formulation considerations
Oxidises to caryophyllene oxide, which is a known sensitiser; store well closed.
Identity and classification
- Type
- Aroma chemical
- Origin
- Occurs in nature
- Odour family
- Spicy / Woody
- Note position
- Heart to base note
- Physical form at room temperature
- Liquid
- Also known as
- Caryophyllene, (-)-trans-Caryophyllene
- CAS number
- 87-44-5
- Molecular formula
- C15H24
- Molecular weight
- 204.35 g/mol
- IUPAC name
- (1R,4E,9S)-4,11,11-trimethyl-8-methylidenebicyclo[7.2.0]undec-4-ene
The CAS number, formula and molecular weight are taken from PubChem compound 5281515, whose own record lists this CAS number; checked 19 October 2026.
Safety and compliance
Hazard classification of the neat substance, as PubChem summarises it, read 26 October 2026. Companies notifying the ECHA C&L Inventory classify it (2,064 reports): H304 may be fatal if swallowed and enters airways (99.5% of reports); H317 may cause an allergic skin reaction (78.9% of reports). 2 of the reports find it does not meet the hazard criteria. A skin sensitiser classification concerns handling the neat material and the dose in a finished product; the IFRA Standards, where they apply, set the limits. Unless it is harmonised, this is the notifiers' own classification, not a binding one.
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
-
Caryophyllene Oxide
Aroma chemical · Woody / Spicy — woody, spicy, dry, amber
-
alpha-Humulene
Aroma chemical · Woody / Aromatic — woody, earthy, herbal, hoppy
-
Black Pepper Oil
Essential oil · Spicy / Woody — peppery, spicy, woody, fresh
-
Clove Bud Oil
Essential oil · Spicy / Floral — clove, spicy, warm, sweet
beta-Caryophyllene is also suggested as a partner on the pages for Copaiba Balsam, Cubeb Oil and Hop Oil.
Used in formulas and accords
Used in 8 published formulas
beta-Caryophyllene is an ingredient in 6 accords and 2 bases in the Formula & Accord Library.
Further reading
Questions about beta-Caryophyllene
Is beta-Caryophyllene natural or synthetic?
The molecule occurs in nature. Commercial beta-Caryophyllene may be made by synthesis or obtained from natural sources, so check the supplier's specification if the distinction matters to you.
What is the CAS number of beta-Caryophyllene?
87-44-5. It was checked against PubChem on 19 October 2026.
Which published formulas use beta-Caryophyllene?
beta-Caryophyllene is used in 8 published formulas in the RUŌOD Lab Formula & Accord Library, including Cannabis Base, Fig Accord and Mango Accord. Each is listed with a link under "Used in formulas and accords" on this page.
Sources
- PubChem — compound 5281515, checked 19 October 2026.
- PubChem — GHS classification (the ECHA C&L Inventory notifications and any harmonised EU entry), read 26 October 2026.
- The Good Scents Company — beta-caryophyllene (with Takasago's description) — odour database.
- Tilley Distribution — caryophyllene beta — distributor's description.
- Premiere Peau — beta-Caryophyllene — published perfumery reference.
- Olfactory profile: the RUŌOD Lab team's synthesis of the published descriptions above, reviewed 21 October 2026. Evidence: several independent published descriptions, which agree. Classification and the short description: revision 1. Descriptions of odour are judgement, not measurement.