Ultimate List of Terpenes

Discover the aromas, flavors, and sources of some of the most common isolates in our Ultimate List of Terpenes

There are a LOT of terpenes. We would know since we pretty much spend all day every day studying them. But they’re just so fascinating! These special little hydrocarbons are what give most plants their unique smells, tastes, and even their effects. That’s why we thought it was high time we put together an Ultimate List of Terpenes.

That’s right! We’re giving you a breakdown of different terpene isolates. We’ll dive into their common sources, flavors, aromas, and maybe even some of their unique properties and effects. Let’s get started!

SHOP ALPHA-BISABOLOL

Alpha-Bisabolol Terpene Isolate

If you’re a fan of chamomile tea, you’ll love this isolate. Alpha-Bisabolol can be found in plants like German Chamomile or certain types of shrubs. Its taste and aroma are slightly woody, floral, and a bit on the earthy side.

It’s quite popular in topical products because of a host of beneficial properties. Its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties make it an excellent addition to many personal care products. 

Want more? Check out 5 Powerful Bisabolol Benefits You SHOULD Be Getting

Alpha-Caryophyllene Terpene Isolate

Also known as humulene, Alpha-Caryophyllene is one of the main reasons beer tastes and smells the way that it does. That’s because it’s found plentifully in the hops plant (also in sage, ginseng, coriander, etc.). As such, it has a distinctly woody and piney flavor. 

It’s also a sesquiterpene similar to Beta-Caryophyllene (same molecular formula but with a different chemical structure). This allows it to bind with some of the same ECS receptors that Beta-Caryophyllene binds to. That makes its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and other properties quite powerful.

Need more info? Check out Celebrate National Beer Day With Alpha-Caryophyllene

Alpha-Phellandrene Terpene Isolate

This isolate is found in a surprisingly large number of plants (turmeric, eucalyptus, dill, garlic, cinnamon, parsley, etc.). Plus, if you were to try and guess its flavor and aroma from that list, you might be surprised. On its own, Alpha-Phellandrene has a mild green citrusy smell with a hint of mint, wood, and pepper. 

Plants with this isolate have been used for centuries in traditional healing practices. It’s no wonder, considering how alpha-phellandrene influences immune cells, is an anti-inflammatory, has analgesic properties, and more.

Still curious? Read Is Your Brand Using These 5 Alpha Phellandrene Benefits?

Alpha-Pinene Terpene Isolate

Do you feel sharper and refreshed after a walk in the woods? Part of that feeling probably comes from all the Alpha-Pinene found in conifer trees! It’s also found in rosemary, eucalyptus, and orange peel. Not surprisingly, its scent is herbal and woody with a slight cooling camphoraceous effect. 

Just a few of its many effects include having anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, anti-ulcerogenic, memory-boosting, and gastroprotective properties.

Need ALL the details? Take a look at What is Pinene?

Alpha-Terpinene Terpene Isolate

Also found in conifers, marjoram, cardamom, and rosemary, Alpha-Terpinene has a fresh and herbal aroma with hints of balsam. You’ll likely also notice a certain spicy, citrusy element to its flavor. But considering its aromatic sources, that’s not all that surprising. 

While it may not be as well known as other isolates, it does have antibacterial (1), antifungal (2), sedative (3), and antioxidant (4) properties.

SHOP ALPHA-TERPINEOL

Alpha-Terpineol Terpene Isolate

It might sound similar to our previous isolate, but its differences are important. Found in cajeput, pine, bitter orange trees, and myrtaceous trees, Alpha-Terpineol is commonly used in perfumes, deodorants, and household cleaners. 

This is partially because of its scent (flowers, limes, and a hint of pine), but also because of its innate properties. Its antibacterial effects make it great for treating acne, but also for cleaning surfaces. Certain cannabis strains with lots of terpineol are also prized for their ability to help users fall into a blissful night's sleep.

Beta-Caryophyllene Terpene Isolate

This spicy isolate can be found in black caraway, cloves, hops, lavender, basil, oregano, black pepper, and even rosemary. While those plants all have distinct flavors and aromas, on its own, Beta-Caryophyllene is spicy, woody, and subtly sweet. 

Beta-caryophyllene is particularly powerful because it acts as a dietary cannabinoid. In the simplest sense, it binds to CB2 receptors to help provide effects like anti-inflammation, analgesia, and it may even act as an anxiolytic.

There’s MORE! Read 7 Powerful Beta-Caryophyllene Benefits You SHOULD Be Getting

Beta-Pinene Terpene Isolate

Alpha-Pinene and Beta-Pinene have chemical structures that mirror each other (also known as enantiomers). Their similarities don’t stop there though. Beta-Pinene is also found in conifer trees like pine, but also in herbs like cumin and hops. 

The aromas are also slightly similar, but with key differences. Both have that innate “piney” scent, but beta-pinene has a fresher, spicier aroma (think nutmeg).

Camphene Terpene Isolate

Found in pine, cumin, hops, and camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) trees, this isolate is popular in a variety of products for both its scent and effects. Calling Camphene “woody” might be an oversimplification, but it definitely falls into that category. However, it would be more accurate to say it smells of damp wood with hints of fir needles.

Aside from its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, this terpene has big potential when it comes to controlling and reducing issues associated with cardiovascular diseases because of its hypolipidemic effects. 

Want all the details? Check out Can Terpenes Provide Metabolism Support?

Citral Terpene Isolate

You’ve probably already guessed it, but Citral has a prominent citrusy aroma and flavor. Considering you can find it in citrus, lemongrass, and lemon myrtle, that’s not that much of a surprise. 

What IS surprising, however, is that it has powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antibacterial properties (5). That, combined with its fresh citrus flavor, makes it popular in perfumes, food and beverages, and soaps. 

SHOP D-LIMONENE

D-Limonene Terpene Isolate

One of the most widely known terpenes, D-Limonene is prominently found in the rinds of citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, limes, and grapefruits. It should be fairly obvious that this isolate has a loud citrus flavor and smell that’s also a bit sweet.

When it comes to effects, D-Limonene is one of the most well-studied isolates. It’s energizing, elevates mood, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, it may ease metabolic disorders and aid in weight loss, plus MORE. Seriously, that’s just the tip of the iceberg. 

Get ALL the details! Read 7 Powerful D-Limonene Benefits You SHOULD Be Getting!

Farnesene Terpene Isolate

If you’re a fan of Granny Smith apples, Farnesene might just be your new favorite terpene isolate. Most information on this terpene comes from scientific research conducted on the terpene composition of granny smith apple skins. Unfortunately, it corrodes quickly, as it exists only on the outermost layers of produce.

While other sources of Farnesene aren’t well known, its overall aroma and flavor are quite complex. This isolate manages to be floral, woody, citrus, and herbal all at once.

Geraniol Terpene Isolate

For those who prefer more delicate aromas, Geraniol delivers. Found in roses, sandalwood, and geraniums, this isolate has a floral and citrus aroma with a hint of sweetness.

Its floral aroma makes it popular in several self-care products, but it’s also a powerful insect repellent, antimicrobial, antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory. It may seem soft and gentle, but Geraniol packs one heck of a punch when it comes to effects.

Learn more! Read What is Geraniol?

Linalool Terpene Isolate

Speaking of terpenes with floral aromas, Linalool is found in plants like lavender, basil, hops, certain varieties of bay leaf, and more. Its aroma is distinctly floral and sweet with hints of citrus and rose.

Linalool is another terpene with LOTS of well-known effects (anti-inflammatory, analgesic, sedative, insect repellent, anticonvulsant, and more). If you’ve ever wondered why the scent of lavender is so calming, linalool plays a big role!

Still curious? Read 6 Amazing Linalool Benefits You Need to Know About

Myrcene Terpene Isolate

Myrcene is commonly found in lemongrass, thyme, basil, and mangos. You can also find it in tons of beer. Out of the hundreds of oils that are found in hops used to make beer, it’s usually the most dominant. It also smells profoundly earthy, woody, and you’ll get distinct notes of cloves, cardamom, fruit, and musk.

It’s a widely known terpene, mainly because of its association with Indica-leaning cannabis strains. Myrcene is also a powerful sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, and more.

Need more info? Read You Can’t Mention Myrcene Without Mentioning Mangos

Didn’t See Your Favorite on Our Ultimate List of Terpenes?

First, you must know a lot about terpenes! These are some of the most commonly known terpenes, so you must have niche taste. Second, feel free to check out our Terpene Isolate Collection to hunt down the one you're looking for!

We would love nothing more than to discuss terpenes all day, so contact us today if you have any questions about adding terpenes to your products.

READ NEXT → Types of Terpenes

Forest Bathing and Terpenes

While a calming walk through the woods has been a common practice for thousands of years, today we’re using advanced technology to understand more about the profound impact that natural compounds have on us. Obviously, we’re talking about terpenes!

Be sure to follow us for all the latest updates on terpene science and contact us if you have any questions.