Capsicum oleoresin (CAS 8023-77-6) — Spicy Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Spicy · Woody

Capsicum oleoresin

CAS 8023-77-6

Origin
natural
Note
Base
IFRA
Professional use
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Capsicum oleoresin?

Capsicum oleoresin is a concentrated extract derived from chili peppers, commonly encountered in spicy foods and some topical pain relief products. It’s the compound that gives peppers their characteristic heat. This ingredient matters in perfumery for creating warm, spicy accords that evoke exotic or gourmand sensations, though used sparingly due to its potent nature.

Safety Profile

PROFESSIONAL USE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
⚠ Severe skin irritant at high concentrations
✗ Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes
CAS
8023-77-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Spicy · Woody
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Capsicum oleoresin Smell Like?

Capsicum oleoresin delivers an intense, fiery warmth that evolves from sharp, peppery top notes to a deep, lingering heat. The initial sensation is almost tactile—like the prickle of chili dust in the air—before settling into a dry, woody-spicy base. Unlike many spice notes, it lacks sweetness, instead offering a raw, almost mineral-like pungency that can make other ingredients appear more vivid by contrast. Used at trace levels, it adds dimensionality to amber and tobacco accords without overwhelming compositions.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Spicebomb Extreme(Viktor&Rolf, 2015)

Used minimally to amplify the cinnamon and saffron heart, creating a sensation of warmth that mimics the fragrance’s namesake explosive effect.

Black Orchid(Tom Ford, 2006)

Provides a subtle, dangerous edge to the dark chocolate and patchouli base, enhancing the fragrance’s mysterious gourmand character.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Capsicum oleoresin is a complex mixture containing capsaicinoids (primarily capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin) along with carotenoid pigments and volatile oils. The pungent compounds are alkaloids with long hydrocarbon tails that bind to TRPV1 receptors, creating the sensation of heat. Extraction typically involves solvent extraction of dried peppers followed by concentration. Unlike many fragrance materials, its primary effect is physiological (triggering heat receptors) rather than purely olfactory.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceViscous red-brown liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Very low (days)
Blending
Specialized
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.01-0.1%Up to 0.5%Extremely potent – requires precise dosing

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Tonka = Gourmand spark + Labdanum + Leather = Smoky intensity

Tip: Always pre-dilute to 1% or lower before incorporating into blends to avoid overwhelming formulations.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Pink Pepper EO CAS 8006-77-7

Provides similar spicy warmth without the extreme pungency, suitable for mainstream applications where capsicum would be too intense.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not formally restricted but requires extreme caution due to irritation potential.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 Skin sensitization H335 Respiratory irritation

RIFM Assessment

RIFM recommends maximal dermal exposure limits of 0.0025% in leave-on products due to irritation potential.

Sustainability

Sourcing primarily from agricultural chili crops, with some concerns about pesticide use in conventional farming. Some producers offer organic-certified oleoresins. Synthetic capsaicin analogs exist but lack the full complexity of natural extracts.

Explore Capsicum oleoresin

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Tewksbury & Nabhan (2001). Directed deterrence by capsaicin in chilies. Nature. DOI:10.1038/35065132

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

Report a data error

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8023-77-6

Odor & Flavor

Capsicum oleoresin is a prepared oleoresin extract that consists of resinous matter and a liquid phase, which is not volatile with steam. Oleoresin is obtained by solvent extraction of the dried ripe fruit of C. frutescens L. or C. annum L. var. conoides Irish with subsequent removal of the solvent. It has a characteristic odor and an extremely strong bite.📖 Fenaroli

Regulatory Status

IOFI ClassificationNatural📖 Fenaroli
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

Similar Posts