Bay of St. Thomas, essential oil (Pimenta racemosa) – HBV HE

St. Thomas Bay – Full Description & Information

Origin & Tradition. "Bay de St. Thomas" (West Indian Bay) comes from the Caribbean (West Indies: Jamaica, Dominica, Saint Lucia, etc.). Long associated with aftershave lotions and barbershop colognes, it brings an instantly recognizable spicy warmth.

Botany & Raw Material. Pimenta racemosa (Myrtaceae). The essential oil is obtained by steam distillation of the leaves (sometimes leaves/fruits depending on the origin). Profiles vary according to chemotypes (e.g., rich in eugenol, chavicol methyl ether/estragole, or linalool), all remaining in a nail/spice signature with aniseed and menthol facets.

Olfactory profile & construction. Spicy-anise top, nail/spicy heart, herbaceous-woody base. Serves as a pivot between distilled citrus (orange, grapefruit), light woods (cedar) and resinoids (benzoin). Excellent base for colognes, room sprays, scented laundry detergents and spiced candles.

Technical information & usage verification

• Botanical name: Pimenta racemosa (syn. myrcia/bay leaf oil)
• Part used: leaves (sometimes leaves + fruits)
• Extraction method: steam distillation
• INCI (English): Pimenta Racemosa Leaf Oil (or Pimenta Racemosa Leaf/Fruit Oil )
• CAS (usual): 8006-78-8; EINECS sometimes 85085-61-6
• Usual origin: Caribbean (Jamaica, Dominica, etc.)
• Olfactory profile: nail/spicy, aniseed, slightly woody-herbaceous (head → heart)
• Use categories: Cosmetics & home fragrances — non-food
• Usage verification:
  • Food: default no — check local regulations and compliance with restrictions (allergens/IFRA) before any flavoring use.
  • Cosmetics: yes — professional use; comply with IFRA/allergens and validate on support.
  • Diffusion: yes — short diffusions in ventilated rooms.
• Customs code (HS/HS): 3301.29.90 (other essential oils)

Destinations & types of use

Crafts: candles, sprays/mists, scented papers/ceramics, clay pebbles.
Industry: room fragrances, masculine/spicy bases, scented detergents, soap making (rinse-off).
Non-medical wellness: scented atmospheres (no health claims).

Chord ideas & examples (to test and validate)

100g candle — fragrance load 2–4%: Bay 0.2–0.6g + Orange dist. 0.6–1.0g + Cedar 0.2–0.4g (48h cure).
Spray 100 ml — Total EO 0.8–1.5%: Bay 0.1–0.3% + Grapefruit dist. 0.3–0.5% + Coriander seed 0.2–0.3% (ripening 24–48 h).
Soap 1 kg — HE 0.4–0.8%: Bay 0.1–0.2% + Bay 0.1–0.2% + Lemon dist. 0.2–0.4%.

Formulation tips

Start low (very present olfactory). Stabilize with light woods/balms. Monitor color and support compatibility (soap/wax/alcohol).

Precautions & Compliance

May contain regulated compounds (e.g., eugenol, methyl eugenol, estragole): follow IFRA limits per product category and declare allergens where applicable. Do not ingest. Do not apply neat. Avoid eyes and mucous membranes. Not recommended for pregnancy/breastfeeding. Keep out of reach of children and animals. Store away from heat and light, with the bottle tightly closed.

Documentation (professionals)

MSDS, COA, TDS, IFRA/allergen declaration (if applicable), other certificates — provided upon request.

Liability clauses

Information is for guidance only, with no guarantee of completeness. It does not replace your regulatory compliance obligations or your final support suitability tests. HBV Huiles et Beurres Végétaux, Aroma Centre and Labos-PBE decline all responsibility in the event of non-compliant use or for food purposes. Product intended for professional use (cosmetics & atmosphere).

Useful links (internal)

• Aroma Center FAQ
• Aroma Center Blog
• Aroma Center Blogger

External links (institutions & standards)

• IFRA — Standards
• ECHA — Substances
• EU — Cosmetics Framework

Key Notes & Sources

• Common CAS 8006-78-8 for Pimenta racemosa (West Indian bay) leaf oil; also listed FEMA 2122; several usage synonyms. hfpappexternal.fda.gov +2 femaflavor.org +2

• Common INCI : Pimenta Racemosa Leaf Oil or Pimenta Racemosa Leaf/Fruit Oil (EINECS 85085-61-6 referenced). SpecialChem +1

• Chemical profile : dominant phenylpropanoids (eugenol ± chavicol/chavicol methyl ether according to chemotype). Nature +1

• IFRA / safety : related substances (e.g. methyl eugenol) subject to category restrictions; refer to the current IFRA standard. PerfumersWorld +1

• HS Code : Family 3301.29 (other essential oils), used in practice 3301.29.90. Flexport +2 Descartes Datamyne +2