Camphor (Kapoor) Powder: Uses, Grades and Safety

Camphor is an organic compound with a sharp, cool, penetrating smell. In India it's simply kapoor, the same material that's burnt in aarti. It occurs in the camphor laurel tree, and much of the camphor sold today is made synthetically from turpentine oil.

• Formula: C10H16O
• CAS number: 76-22-2 (the mixed form; natural D-camphor is 464-49-3)
• Molar mass: about 152.2 g/mol
• Melting point: about 175–179 °C
• Solubility: barely soluble in water (about 1 g in 800 mL), but 1 g dissolves in about 1 mL of alcohol

It sublimes, meaning it slowly turns straight from solid to vapour. That's why an open pack shrinks and the smell fills a room.

Azlok lists Camphor Powder (NSA) in its cosmetic raw ingredients range. It's meant for people making cosmetic and personal care products, fragrances and craft items. The product name doesn't give a pack size, so check the listing before you order.

For today's rate, see today's price per kg.

• Puja and household: burnt in aarti and havan, and kept in cupboards and drawers for its smell.
• Personal care products: used for its cooling feel and scent in balms, rubs, hair oils and some creams.
• Fragrance: a sharp, camphoraceous note in some blends and incense.
• Industry: historically a plasticiser for celluloid, and still used in some lacquers and as a chemical intermediate.
• School demos: showing sublimation, since it goes from solid to vapour without melting at room temperature.

The powder form is easier to weigh and dissolve than pressed tablets, which is why formulators prefer it. Tablets sold for puja may contain binders, so don't swap them into a cosmetic recipe without checking.

Camphor is strong, so small amounts go a long way.

1. Dissolve before mixing: camphor dissolves easily in alcohol, essential oils and warm carrier oils, but hardly at all in water. In balms, stir it into the warm oil and wax phase once it's off the heat, then pour.
2. Keep the lid on hot batches: it evaporates quickly when warm, so cover the pot and don't overheat.
3. Use levels: check the limits for your product type. In India, camphor products making medical claims fall under drug rules, so get regulatory advice before selling such products.
4. Patch test: try any finished leave-on product on a small area of skin for 24 hours first.
5. Puja use: burn small amounts on a metal plate, never near curtains, and let it go out on its own.

Camphor is a flammable solid and it's toxic if swallowed. Small children are most at risk.

• Keep it locked away from children. Even a small amount swallowed can cause fits. If a child swallows camphor, get medical help straight away.
• Never put it in food, drinks or near the mouth or nose of infants.
• Don't use it on broken skin.
• Keep away from flames, sparks and heat. It catches fire easily.
• Avoid breathing heavy vapour in a closed room, and wear gloves when handling large amounts.
• Store it in an airtight glass or metal container in a cool place, or it evaporates and the smell spreads.
• Keep it away from strong oxidisers.

• Formulators and makers: the cosmetic listing suits balms, oils and fragrance trials. Ask for the supplier's specification if you need to know whether it's natural or synthetic.
• Small batches: buy only what you'll use in a few months, because camphor slowly evaporates even in a closed pack.
• Manufacturing quantities: for 25 kg or more, send a bulk inquiry.

If you're selling finished products, keep supplier documents ready, since cosmetics sold in India must meet BIS and CDSCO requirements.