Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a green essential oil with a forest, fresh aroma and a heart note. Steam distillation from wood, it is a versatile blending oil that pairs well with Cedarwood (Atlas), Cypress, Frankincense (Carterii). For topical use, keep dilution at or below 5%.
Hinoki (Chamaecyparis obtusa) is a green essential oil, steam-distilled from the wood, produced in Japan. Its aroma is forest, fresh, sitting as a heart note in a blend. It's commonly paired with Cedarwood (Atlas), Cypress, Frankincense (Carterii), Lavender. Keep topical use at or below 5%. Always patch-test first.
Aroma & character
Aroma
Traditional aromatherapy associations
Traditional associations only — not medical claims or evidence of efficacy.
Properties
| Perfumery note | Heart |
| Aroma family | Green |
| Chemical family | Monoterpene |
| Material type | Essential oil |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Plant part | wood |
| Origin | Japan |
| Blending factor | 6 |
| Volatility index | 3 |
| Tenacity (hours) | 6.0 |
Safety & dilution
| Max topical dilution | 5% |
| Max facial dilution | 2.5% |
| Pregnancy | No specific caution recorded |
| Nursing | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
| Children | Generally suitable, well diluted (from ~6 years) |
| Cats | Not recommended |
| Dogs | Generally suitable when properly diluted |
For education only — not medical or veterinary advice. Essential oils are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any condition. Always patch-test and consult a qualified professional before use during pregnancy, on children, with pets, or with a health condition.
Not sure how much to use? Try the free dilution calculator.
Blends well with
Used in these blends
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Frequently asked questions
What does Hinoki smell like?
Hinoki has a forest, fresh aroma, classed as a green oil with a heart note.
What is the safe dilution for Hinoki?
For topical use, keep Hinoki at or below 5%, and 2.5% on facial skin. Always patch-test before wider use.
Is Hinoki safe to use during pregnancy?
Our dataset records no specific pregnancy caution for Hinoki. That is not the same as it being established as safe — always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any essential oil during pregnancy.
Is Hinoki safe to use around children?
Hinoki is generally considered suitable for children when well diluted (from around 6 years old). Consult a professional for young children.
Is Hinoki safe around pets?
For cats — avoid; not considered safe; dogs — generally lower-risk when well diluted. Diffuse only in ventilated spaces and consult a veterinarian.
What does Hinoki blend well with?
Hinoki pairs well with Cedarwood (Atlas), Cypress, Frankincense (Carterii), Lavender, Bergamot (FCF).