Juniperus Virginiana Oil is a product of natural origin obtained from the Juniperus Virginiana plant belonging to the Cupressaceae family.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• "Juniperus Virginiana Oil" indicates the essential oil obtained from the Juniperus Virginiana plant, commonly known as Eastern Red Cedar or Virginia Cedar. The oil contains various aromatic compounds like cedrol, cedrene, and other terpenes, giving it a woody and characteristic scent and is widely used in perfumery for its distinctive scent. It also has antiseptic properties and is used in some skincare products.

Description of raw materials used in production and their functions.

• Wood, leaves, and berries of Juniperus Virginiana. These are the primary parts of the tree from which the oil is extracted.
• Water or steam. Used to distill the essential oil from the tree parts.

Step-by-step summary of industrial chemical synthesis process.

• Harvesting of wood and leaves. Wood and leaves from Juniperus Virginiana are collected.
• Preparation. The wood and leaves are chopped and laid out in distillation apparatus.
• Steam distillation. Water in the distillation apparatus is heated to produce steam. The steam passes through the wood and leaves, extracting the essential oil, and then cools and condenses.
• Separation. The Juniperus Virginiana essential oil is separated from the water.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

It is a restricted ingredient as  III/358 a Relevant Item in the Annexes of the European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009. The presence of the substance or substances shall be indicated as ‘Juniperus Virginiana Oil’ in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when the concentration of the substance or substances exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.

Fragrance. It plays a very important role in the formulation of cosmetic products as it provides the possibility of enhancing, masking or adding fragrance to the final product, increasing its marketability. It is able to create a perceptible pleasant odour, masking a bad smell. The consumer always expects to find a pleasant or distinctive scent in a cosmetic product. 

Tonic. This product is used to treat the hair when the scalp is clean or after shampooing. It stimulates hair growth, revitalises the scalp for healthy hair growth and reduces hair loss. It provides a feeling of well-being on skin and hair.

Commercial Applications

Perfumery. The essential oil derived from Juniperus Virginiana has a woodsy, fresh aroma and is utilized in perfumes and fragranced products.

Cosmetics and Personal Care. The oil is used in various skin and hair care products for its aromatic properties.

Wood Production. Juniperus Virginiana wood is used in the manufacture of furniture, closet liners, pencils, and other wooden items.

Medical Applications

Juniperus Virginiana Oil displayed significant wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activities (1).

Traditional Medicine. Traditionally, parts of the plant have been used to address various ailments, such as skin conditions and respiratory disorders.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Tumen I, Süntar I, Eller FJ, Keleş H, Akkol EK. Topical wound-healing effects and phytochemical composition of heartwood essential oils of Juniperus virginiana L., Juniperus occidentalis Hook., and Juniperus ashei J. Buchholz. J Med Food. 2013 Jan;16(1):48-55. doi: 10.1089/jmf.2012.2472.

Abstract. Ethnobotanical surveys indicated that in the traditional medicines worldwide, several Juniperus species are utilized as antihelmintic, diuretic, stimulant, antiseptic, carminative, stomachic, antirheumatic, antifungal, and for wound healing. In the present study, essential oils obtained from heartwood samples of Juniperus virginiana L., Juniperus occidentalis Hook. and Juniperus ashei J. Buchholz were evaluated for wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities by using in vivo experimental methods. The essential oils were obtained by the supercritical carbon dioxide extraction method. Linear incision and circular excision wound models were performed for the wound-healing activity assessment. The tissues were also evaluated for the hydroxyproline content as well as histopathologically. To evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oils, the test used was an acetic acid-induced increase in capillary permeability. The essential oil of J. occidentalis showed the highest activity on the in vivo biological activity models. Additionaly, the oil of J. virginiana was found highly effective in the anti-inflammatory activity method. The experimental data demonstrated that essential oil of J. occidentalis displayed significant wound-healing and anti-inflammatory activities.