Overview
ISO 3526:2005 defines standardized quality characteristics for Oil of sage, Spanish (Salvia lavandulifolia Vahl) to facilitate assessment of authenticity and quality. The standard specifies physical properties, chromatographic profile requirements and test methods or references for laboratory determination. It is intended for use by producers, laboratories, traders and regulatory bodies involved with essential oils, aromatics, cosmetics and related industries.
Key topics and requirements
- Physical characteristics
- Appearance: liquid; colour: colourless to pale yellow; odor: characteristic, camphoraceous/herbaceous.
- Relative density (20 °C): 0.907 – 0.932 (see ISO 279).
- Refractive index (20 °C): 1.4650 – 1.4730 (see ISO 280).
- Optical rotation (20 °C): +7° to +17° (see ISO 592).
- Acid value (max): 1.0 (see ISO 1242).
- Miscibility in 80% ethanol (v/v): one volume of oil should give a clear solution with no more than two volumes of 80% ethanol (see ISO 875).
- Chromatographic profile (normative)
- Gas chromatography (GC) is required to establish the oil’s fingerprint. The standard lists representative constituents and acceptable percentage ranges (integrator values). Key components and typical ranges include:
- α-Pinene: 4–11%
- Sabinene: 0.1–3.5%
- Limonene: 2–6%
- 1,8‑Cineole: 10–30%
- Linalool: 0.3–4%
- Camphor: 11–36%
- Borneol: 1–7%
- Terpinen-4-ol: up to 2%
- Linalyl acetate, α‑terpinyl acetate, sabinyl acetate: specified ranges
- Annex A provides example chromatograms and GC operating conditions (apolar and polar columns) to support identification.
- Flash point (informative)
- Annex B gives an average flash point of about +49 °C (Setaflash method) for information and safety planning.
- Sampling and minimum sample
- Sampling per ISO 212; minimum sample volume for testing: 25 mL.
Applications and users
- Quality control and specification drafting for essential oil manufacturers, distillers and packers.
- Authenticity and adulteration screening in analytical laboratories using GC fingerprinting.
- Procurement, compliance and product labeling for perfume, cosmetic, aromatherapy and flavour suppliers.
- Safety data and transport classification support for logistics, insurance and regulatory authorities.
Related standards
Keywords: ISO 3526:2005, Oil of sage Spanish, Salvia lavandulifolia, essential oil specification, GC profile, chromatographic fingerprint, essential oil quality.
