Camphor

Camphor is a white, waxy, crystalline substance with a strong, cooling, medicinal smell. Known in India as kapoor or karpooram, it is burned during aarti in temples and homes, used in balms and ointments, and placed in cupboards to keep insects away. It is one of the most recognisable aromatic materials in the world.

Arizone International supplies Camphor in blocks, tablets and powder, in natural and refined grades, for pharmaceutical and cosmetic manufacturers, pooja product brands, wholesalers and exporters.

Three Kinds of Camphor

• Natural CamphorObtained by steam distillation of the wood, leaves and twigs of the camphor laurel tree, Cinnamomum camphora, native to China, Japan and Taiwan.
• Bhimseni or Borneo CamphorMainly borneol, a related compound from Dryobalanops aromatica trees of Borneo and Sumatra. In South India it is known as pachai karpooram or edible camphor, and a tiny pinch is used to flavour some sweets and temple prasadam.
• Synthetic (Refined) CamphorMade from turpentine obtained from pine trees. It is chemically the same as natural camphor and is the most widely used type in industry. India is a major producer of refined camphor.

Buyers should specify which type they need, as they differ in origin, composition and permitted uses.

Properties

Camphor sublimes, which means it slowly turns directly from a solid into a vapour without melting. This is why camphor tablets gradually shrink when left in the open, and why camphor works as a room freshener and insect repellent. On the skin, camphor gives a cooling sensation followed by mild warmth, and it is used in low concentrations in rubs for minor aches and in chest rubs.

Applications

• Pooja and aarti camphor tablets and blocks
• Pain balms, chest rubs and ointments
• Cosmetic and personal-care products in permitted concentrations
• Moth and insect repellents
• Room fresheners and aromatic products
• Industrial uses, including plastics and fireworks

Important Safety Notes

Camphor is toxic if swallowed in more than tiny amounts and can cause seizures, especially in young children. Camphor products must be kept out of reach of children and should not be applied to broken skin or used on infants. Regulators limit camphor levels in over-the-counter topical products; for example, the United States restricts concentrations in such products. Only specified edible grades should ever be used in food, and only in very small amounts under local food rules.

Quality Parameters

• Camphor type and purity (assay)
• Melting point and optical rotation (natural vs synthetic)
• Appearance, colour and odour
• Residue on evaporation and non-volatile matter
• Pharmacopoeial compliance (IP, BP, USP) where required

Packaging and Storage

Camphor is packed in airtight, sealed containers such as HDPE drums or lined cartons, because it evaporates in open air. Store in a cool place away from flames and heat, as camphor is flammable.

Why Choose Arizone International?

We are an India-based supplier and exporter of natural and aromatic raw materials. We supply Camphor in the grade and form you need, with test reports and full export documentation, including the requirements for shipping flammable solids.

Share your camphor type, form, quantity and destination to receive a quotation for Camphor.