Pine needles oil is an essential oil obtained by steam or steam-water distillation of the comminuted needles and twigs of dwarf pine. Main constituents of dwarf pine needles oil include l-α-pinene, β-pinene, l-limonene, dipentene, l-phellandrene, aldehydes, various esters, and alcohols. Dwarf pine needles oil has antiphologistic, antirheumatic, antiseptic, antineuralgic, antiviral, antiscorbutic, deodorant, decongestant, diuretic, disinfectant, expectorant, stimulant, tonic, and antifugal properties.
Pine needles oil can be used to help clear mucus from the lungs. It is used as a flavoring agent in foods and beverages and as a flavoring and fragrance in cough and cold medicines, vaporizer fluids, nasal decongestants, and ointments to relief pain. It can be used as fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. It is also added into ointments and applied directly to the skin to prevent skin infections.
Core Biological and Functional Properties
1. Respiratory Support: The volatile terpenes can soothe the respiratory tract, relieve nasal congestion, coughs and discomfort caused by colds/flu, and clear respiratory tract secretions; it is a classic raw material for respiratory care in aromatherapy.
2. Antimicrobial & Antifungal: Exhibits broad-spectrum inhibitory effects on common bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli) and fungi (Candida albicans), with mild antiseptic properties, and lower irritation than pine oil with high terpineol content.
3. Refreshing & Neuroregulatory: Its fresh aroma can stimulate the central nervous system, relieve mental fatigue, improve concentration and alertness, and reduce symptoms of anxiety and drowsiness; it is also effective in relieving stress-induced headaches.
4. Skin Care (Diluted): When properly diluted, it can clean skin pores, regulate sebum secretion, and has a mild astringent effect; it is suitable for oily and acne-prone skin (avoid direct use on broken skin).
5. Insect Repellent: The natural terpene components repel mosquitoes, ticks and other insects, with low toxicity and no residual pollution compared with chemical insect repellents.
Major Application Fields
1. Aromatherapy & Wellness: The most dominant application; used in diffusers, aromatherapy candles, massage oils (diluted with carrier oil), and bath products to relieve respiratory discomfort, refresh the mind, and create a natural forest-like sensory environment; also added to nasal inhalers for cold/congestion relief.
2. Cosmetics & Personal Care: As a natural fragrance and functional ingredient, it is added to facial cleansers, toners, body washes, hair shampoos (for oily scalps), and insect repellent lotions; the addition amount is strictly controlled at 0.5–3% (undiluted use is prohibited).
3. Natural Cleaners & Air Fresheners: Added to household cleaners (glass, surface cleaners), air fresheners, and car aromatherapy products; it has mild degreasing and deodorizing effects while emitting a natural pine aroma, and is a popular raw material for green, non-toxic cleaning products.
4. Pharmaceutical & Nutraceuticals: Used as a raw material for over-the-counter respiratory preparations (such as cough syrups, nasal sprays) and natural health supplements; also added to topical antiseptic ointments (low concentration).
5. Agriculture & Animal Husbandry: As a natural insect repellent and feed additive (small amount), it is used for livestock pest prevention and environmental disinfection of breeding sites, meeting the demand for green breeding.
6. Food & Beverage: Approved as a food-grade natural flavor (FEMA GRAS) in small amounts; added to baked goods, beverages, and confectionery to impart a subtle pine woody note (addition amount <0.1%).
Storage and Safety Precautions
1. Storage: Seal in dark amber glass bottles; store in a cool, dry, dark place at 5–25°C, away from direct sunlight, heat sources and open flames; avoid contact with air for a long time (can be filled with nitrogen for preservation); shelf life is 1–2 years under proper storage conditions.
2. Usage Safety:
- Topical Use: Must be diluted with vegetable carrier oil (jojoba oil, sweet almond oil, etc.) to a concentration of 1–5% (no direct undiluted contact with skin), to avoid skin redness, itching and irritation; a skin patch test is recommended before first use.
- Special Groups: Not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, infants under 6 months old, and people with severe asthma/respiratory allergies (use under professional guidance if necessary); avoid use for people with pine plant allergies.
- Inhalation: Do not use in a closed space for a long time at high concentration to avoid respiratory tract irritation; keep well-ventilated during use.
- Flammability: Keep away from open flames, smoking and high-temperature equipment during storage and use; do not store in large quantities in residential areas.
3. Handling: Avoid contact with eyes and mucous membranes; if accidentally splashed into eyes, rinse with plenty of clean water for 10–15 minutes and seek medical attention if discomfort persists.
Post time: Jan-31-2026