Synthetic sandalwood fragrances and your health
Learn about certain synthetic sandalwood fragrances, their potential health risks and how to reduce your exposure.
On this page
- About certain synthetic sandalwood fragrances
- Safety of certain synthetic sandalwood fragrances
- What we’re doing
- What you can do
About certain synthetic sandalwood fragrances
Isobornyl cyclohexanol (IBCH), sandal cyclohexanol, bornyl cyclohexanol (BCH) and sandela are human-made chemical substances used mainly as fragrance ingredients. They have an aroma that’s similar to sandalwood oil and are produced as an alternative to the natural oil from sandalwood trees.
IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela may be found in some products available to consumers, including certain:
- candles
- air fresheners
- liquid cleaners
- cosmetics, such as:
- perfumes
- shave gels
- body washes and lotions
- shampoos and conditioners
- pest control products
- laundry detergents and softeners
IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela may also be called:
- sandal
- sandenol
- givaudan
- camphylcyclohexanol
- 3-isocamphylcyclohexanol
- m-iso camphylcyclohexanol
- meta-(iso-camphyl-5)-cyclohexanol
- isocamphenyl cyclohexanol mixed isomers
- 5,5,6-trimethylbicyclohept-2-ycyclohexanol
- 2-methoxyphenol/2,2-dimethyl-3-methylenebicyclo-heptane hydrogenated
Safety of certain synthetic sandalwood fragrances
Under Canada’s Chemicals Management Plan, we review and manage the potential risks that chemical substances can pose to people in Canada and the environment. The first stage of the review process is a draft chemical risk assessment.
We have completed the draft assessment of IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela. We’re proposing that these substances may be harmful to human health when used in certain cosmetic products that are applied to the skin, including:
- spray perfume
- body moisturizer
IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela are associated with effects on the reproductive system and on normal growth and development.
We’re also proposing that IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela are not harmful to the environment.
What we’re doing
Our assessment is not yet final. We’re continuing to evaluate the potential risk posed by IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela before we publish our final conclusion. This includes:
- tracking new information on exposures or hazards
- asking the public to comment on our draft assessment
- reviewing and using this information to help inform our final assessment
If the proposed findings for this substance are confirmed in the final assessment, we will consider:
- adding IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela to Schedule 1 of the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999
- this allows Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, including:
- research and development
- manufacture and import
- use
- storage
- transport
- disposal or recycling
- this allows Canada to implement preventive or control actions for the life cycle of the substance, including:
- adding IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH and sandela to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist.
- this will provide information to manufacturers on the restriction or prohibition of these substances in certain cosmetics
You can provide any comments on our draft assessment and proposed risk management during the 60-day public comment period.
What you can do
You can take steps to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.
Read product labels and follow all safety warnings and directions:
- labels on cosmetics must list all ingredients and instructions for use
Follow the manufacturer’s directions to dispose of the product safely.
IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH or sandela may not appear on product ingredient labels that contain them and may instead be listed under the general terms ‘fragrance’ or ‘parfum’. Because of this, it can be hard to determine whether the products you use contain these substances.
If you’re unsure if your product contains IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH or sandela, contact the manufacturer.
If you’re exposed to IBCH, sandal cyclohexanol, BCH or sandela at work, talk to your employer and occupational health and safety (OHS) official about:
- relevant laws
- safe handling and storage practices
- requirements under OHS legislation and the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)
Related links
- Use household chemicals safely
- Measuring your exposure to chemicals
- Canada’s systems for addressing chemicals
- Overview of the Chemicals Management Plan