Commercial cigarette tobacco is not simply dried leaf. Manufacturers blend many tobacco types, then process them with extra ingredients — flavour chemicals, humectants, preservatives, and processing aids — so every carton tastes the same, stays moist in the packet, and survives long storage and shipping.
Regulators in several countries publish inventories of substances that may legally be used in cigarette manufacture. The list below is drawn from those public records. It is here for education only: to show how far factory-made products differ from plain home-grown leaf. We do not encourage tobacco use, and this is not a recipe list or a reason to grow tobacco for smoking.
Many entries are ordinary food-grade or industrial chemicals you might recognise; others are specialist aroma compounds. A name on an approved list does not mean every brand uses it — only that it has been permitted for use in manufacturing.
For context on health and home cultivation, see Is Home Grown Tobacco Safer? and our curing guides for horticultural interest.
Browse by letter628 ingredients · select a letter to view that group
A
- Acetanisole
- Acetic Acid (Vinegar)
- Acetone (Nail Polish Remover)
- Acetophenone
- 6-Acetoxydihydrotheaspirane
- 2-Acetyl-3- Ethylpyrazine
- 2-Acetyl-5-Methylfuran
- Acetylpyrazine
- 2-Acetylpyridine
- 3-Acetylpyridine
- 2-Acetylthiazole
- Aconitic Acid
- Alfalfa Extract
- Allspice Extract
- Allyl Hexanoate
- Allyl Ionone
- Almond Bitter Oil
- alpha-Amylcinnamaldehyde
- alpha-Ionone
- alpha-Irone
- alpha-Isobutylphenethyl Alcohol
- alpha-Isomethylionone
- alpha-Methylbenzyl Acetate
- alpha-Methylbenzyl Alcohol
- alpha-Methylcinnamaldehyde
- alpha-Phellandrene
- alpha-Pinene beta-Pinene
- alpha-Terpineol
- alphaalpha Dimethylphenethyl Butyrate
- alphaalpha-Dimethylphenethyl Acetate
- alphapara-Dimethylbenzyl Alcohol
- Aluminum (Metal)
- Ambergris Tincture
- Ammonia (Floor/Toilet Cleaner)
- Ammonium Bicarbonate
- Ammonium Hydroxide
- Ammonium Phosphate Dibasic
- Ammonium Sulfide
- Amyl Alcohol
- Amyl Butyrate
- Amyl Formate
- Amyl Octanoate
- Amyris Oil
- 2345 and 3456-Tetramethylethyl-Cyclohexanone
- And Oil
- Angelica Root Extract Oil and Seed Oil
- Anise
- Anise Star Extract and Oils
- Anisyl Acetate
- Anisyl Alcohol
- Anisyl Formate
- Anisyl Phenylacetate
- Apple Juice Concentrate Extract and Skins
- Apricot Extract and Juice Concentrate
- 1-Arginine
- Arsenic (Rat Poison)
- Asafetida Fluid Extract And Oil
- Ascorbic Acid
- 1-Asparagine Monohydrate
- 1-Aspartic Acid
B
- Balsam Peru and Oil
- Basil Oil
- Bay Leaf Oil and Sweet Oil
- Beeswax White
- Beet Juice Concentrate
- Benzaldehyde
- Benzaldehyde Glyceryl Acetal
- Benzoic Acid Benzoin
- Benzoin Resin
- Benzophenone
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Benzyl Benzoate
- Benzyl Butyrate
- Benzyl Cinnamate
- Benzyl Propionate
- Benzyl Salicylate
- Bergamot Oil
- Beryllium (Metal)
- beta-Carotene
- beta-Caryophyllene
- beta-Caryophyllene Oxide
- beta-Ionone
- beta-Napthyl Ethyl Ether
- Bisabolene
- Black Currant Buds Absolute
- Borneol
- Bornyl Acetate
- Buchu Leaf Oil
- Butane (Lighter Fluid)
- 13-Butanediol
- 23-Butanedione
- 1-Butanol
- 2-Butanone
- Butter Butter Esters and Butter Oil
- Butyl Acetate
- Butyl Butyrate
- Butyl Butyryl Lactate
- Butyl Isovalerate
- Butyl Phenylacetate
- Butyl Undecylenate
- 3-Butylidenephthalide
- Butyric Acid
C
- Cadinene
- Cadmium (NiCad Batteries)
- Caffeine
- Calcium Carbonate
- Camphene
- Cananga Oil
- Capsicum Oleoresin
- Caramel Color
- Caraway Oil
- Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide (Car Exhaust Fumes)
- Cardamom Oleoresin Extract Seed Oil and Powder
- Carob Bean and Extract
- Carrot Oil
- Carvacrol
- 4-Carvomenthenol
- 1-Carvone
- Cascarilla Oil and Bark Extract
- Cassia Bark Oil
- Cassie Absolute and Oil
- Castoreum Extract Tincture and Absolute
- Cedar Leaf Oil
- Cedarwood Oil Terpenes and Virginiana
- Cedrol
- Celery Seed Extract Solid Oil And Oleoresin
- Cellulose Fiber
- Chamomile Flower Oil And Extract
- Chicory Extract
- Chocolate
- Cinnamaldehyde
- Cinnamic Acid
- Cinnamon Leaf Oil Bark Oil and Extract
- Cinnamyl Acetate
- Cinnamyl Alcohol
- Cinnamyl Cinnamate
- Cinnamyl Isovalerate
- Cinnamyl Propionate
- cis-3-Hexen-1-Yl Acetate
- cis-3-Hexenyl Formate
- Citral
- Citric Acid
- Citronella Oil
- Citronellyl Butyrate
- Citronellyl Isobutyrate
- Civet Absolute
- Clary Oil
- Cloroform (Anasthetic)
- Clover Tops Red Solid Extract
- Cocoa
- Cocoa Shells Extract Distillate And Powder
- Coconut Oil
- Coffee
- Cognac White and Green Oil
- Copaiba Oil
- Copper (Metal)
- Coriander Extract and Oil
- Corn Oil
- Corn Silk
- Costus Root Oil
- Cubeb Oil
- Cuminaldehyde
- Cyanide (Posion)
- 1-Cysteine
D
- D-Fenchone
- D-Piperitone
- Dandelion Root Solid Extract
- Davana Oil
- DDT/Dieldrin (Insecticide)
- Decanal
- Decanoic Acid
- 1-Decanol
- 2-Decenal
- Dehydromenthofurolactone
- delta-Decalactone
- delta-Dodecalactone
- delta-Octalactone
- delta-Undercalactone
- Diethyl Malonate
- Diethyl Sebacate
- 23-Diethylpyrazine
- Dihydro Anethole
- 57-Dihydro-2-Methylthieno(34-D) Pyrimidine
- Dill Seed Oil and Extract
- 26-Dimethoxyphenol
- Dimethyl Succinate
- 34-Dimethyl-12-Cyclopentanedione
- 35- Dimethyl-12-Cyclopentanedione
- 37-Dimethyl-136-Octatriene
- 45-Dimethyl-3-Hydroxy-25-Dihydrofuran-2-One
- 610-Dimethyl-59-Undecadien-2-One
- 37-Dimethyl-6-Octenoic Acid
- 24-Dimethylacetophenone
- 23-Dimethylpyrazine
- 25-Dimethylpyrazine
- 26-Dimethylpyrazine
- Dimethyltetrahydrobenzofuranone
- dl-Alanine
- dl-Citronellol
- dl-Isoleucine
- dl-Methionine
E
- 2-Ethyl (or Methyl)-(35 and 6)-Methoxypyrazine
- Ethyl 10-Undecenoate
- Ethyl 2-Methylbutyrate
- Ethyl Acetate
- Ethyl Acetoacetate
- Ethyl Alcohol
- Ethyl Benzoate
- Ethyl Butyrate
- Ethyl Cinnamate
- Ethyl Decanoate
- Ethyl Fenchol
- Ethyl Furoate
- Ethyl Heptanoate
- Ethyl Hexanoate
- Ethyl Isovalerate
- Ethyl Lactate
- Ethyl Laurate
- Ethyl Levulinate
- Ethyl Maltol
- Ethyl Methyl Phenylglycidate
- Ethyl Myristate
- Ethyl Nonanoate
- Ethyl Octadecanoate
- Ethyl Octanoate
- Ethyl Oleate
- Ethyl Palmitate
- Ethyl Phenylacetate
- Ethyl Propionate
- Ethyl Salicylate
- Ethyl trans-2-Butenoate
- Ethyl Valerate
- Ethyl Vanillin
- 2-Ethyl-1-Hexanol 3-Ethyl -2 -Hydroxy-2-Cyclopenten-1-One
- 2-Ethyl-3 (5 or 6)-Dimethylpyrazine
- 5-Ethyl-3-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2(5H)-Furanone
- 2-Ethyl-3-Methylpyrazine
- 4-Ethylbenzaldehyde
- 4-Ethylguaiacol
- 3-Ethylpyridine
- Eucalyptol
F
- Farnesol
- Fennel Sweet Oil
- Fenugreek Extract Resin and Absolute
- Fig Juice Concentrate
- Food Starch Modified
- Formaldehyde (Preserver of bodies, tissue, and fabric)
- Furfuryl Mercaptan
G
- Galbanum Oil
- gamma-Decalactone
- gamma-Dodecalactone
- gamma-Heptalactone
- gamma-Hexalactone
- gamma-Nonalactone
- gamma-Octalactone
- gamma-Undecalactone
- gamma-Valerolactone
- Genet Absolute
- Gentian Root Extract
- Geraniol
- Geranium Rose Oil
- Geranyl Acetate
- Geranyl Butyrate
- Geranyl Formate
- Geranyl Isovalerate
- Geranyl Phenylacetate
- Ginger Oil and Oleoresin
- 1-Glutamic Acid
- 1-Glutamine
- Glycerol
- Glycyrrhizin Ammoniated
- Gold (Metal)
- Grape Juice Concentrate
- Guaiac Wood Oil
- Guaiacol
- Guar Gum
H
- 24-Heptadienal
- Heptanoic Acid
- 2-Heptanone
- 3-Hepten-2-One
- 2-Hepten-4-One
- 4-Heptenal
- Heptyl Acetate
- Hexamine (Barbecue Lighter)
- Hexanal
- Hexanoic Acid
- 2-Hexen-1-Ol
- 3-Hexen-1-Ol
- 2-Hexenal
- 3-Hexenoic Acid
- Hexyl 2-Methylbutyrate
- Hexyl Acetate
- Hexyl Alcohol
- Hexyl Phenylacetate
- 1-Histidine
- Honey
- Hops Oil
- Hydrolyzed Milk Solids
- Hydrolyzed Plant Proteins
- 4-Hydroxy -3-Pentenoic Acid Lactone
- 5-Hydroxy-24-Decadienoic Acid delta- Lactone
- 4-Hydroxy-25-Dimethyl-3(2H)-Furanone
- 2-Hydroxy-355-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One
- 2-Hydroxy-4-Methylbenzaldehyde
- 4-Hydroxybutanoic Acid Lactone
- Hydroxycitronellal
- 6-Hydroxydihydrotheaspirane
- Hyssop Oil
I
- Immortelle Absolute and Extract
- Isoamyl Acetate
- Isoamyl Benzoate
- Isoamyl Butyrate
- Isoamyl Cinnamate
- Isoamyl Formate Isoamyl Hexanoate
- Isoamyl Isovalerate
- Isoamyl Octanoate
- Isoamyl Phenylacetate
- Isobornyl Acetate
- Isobutyl Acetate
- Isobutyl Alcohol
- Isobutyl Cinnamate
- Isobutyl Phenylacetate
- Isobutyl Salicylate
- 2-Isobutyl-3-Methoxypyrazine
- Isobutyraldehyde
- Isobutyric Acid
- 2-Isopropylphenol
- Isovaleric Acid
J
- Jasmine Absolute Concrete and Oil
K
- Kola Nut Extract
L
- Labdanum Absolute and Oleoresin
- Lactic Acid
- Lauric Acid
- Lauric Aldehyde
- Lavandin Oil
- Lavender Oil
- Lead (Metal)
- Lemon Oil and Extract
- Lemongrass Oil
- 1-Leucine
- Levulinic Acid
- Licorice Root Fluid Extract and Powder
- Lime Oil
- Linalool
- Linalool Oxide
- Linalyl Acetate
- Linden Flowers
- Lovage Oil And Extract
- 1-Lysine
M
- Mace Powder Extract and Oil
- Magnesium (Metal)
- Magnesium Carbonate
- Malic Acid
- Malt and Malt Extract
- Maltodextrin
- Maltol
- Maltyl Isobutyrate
- Mandarin Oil
- Maple Syrup and Concentrate
- Mate Leaf Absolute and Oil
- Menthol
- Menthone
- Menthyl Acetate
- Mercury (Metal)
- meta-Dimethoxybenzene
- Methane (Swamp Gas)
- Methanol (Rocket Fuel)
- Methoprene
- 2-Methoxy-4-Methylphenol
- 2-Methoxy-4-Vinylphenol
- Methoxypyrazine
- Methyl 2-Furoate
- Methyl 2-Octynoate
- Methyl 2-Pyrrolyl Ketone
- Methyl 3-Methylthiopropionate
- Methyl Anisate
- Methyl Anthranilate
- Methyl Benzoate
- Methyl Cinnamate
- Methyl Dihydrojasmonate
- Methyl Ester of Rosin Partially Hydrogenated
- Methyl Isovalerate
- Methyl Linoleate (48%)
- Methyl Linolenate (52%) Mixture
- Methyl Naphthyl Ketone
- Methyl Nicotinate
- Methyl Phenylacetate
- Methyl Salicylate
- Methyl Sulfide
- 3-Methyl-1-Cyclopentadecanone
- 4-Methyl-1-Phenyl-2-Pentanone
- 5-Methyl-2-Phenyl-2-Hexenal
- 5-Methyl-2-Thiophenecarboxaldehyde
- 2-Methyl-3-(para-Isopropylphenyl) Propionaldehyde
- 6-Methyl-3-5-Heptadien-2-One
- 5-Methyl-3-Hexen-2-One
- 4-Methyl-3-Pentene-2-One
- 1-Methyl-3Methoxy-4-Isopropylbenzene
- 2-Methyl-4-Phenylbutyraldehyde
- 6-Methyl-5-Hepten-2-One
- 4-Methyl-5-Thiazoleethanol
- 4-Methyl-5-Vinylthiazole
- Methyl-alpha-Ionone
- Methyl-trans-2-Butenoic Acid
- 4-Methylacetophenone
- 2-Methylbutyraldehyde
- 3-Methylbutyraldehyde
- 2-Methylbutyric Acid
- Methylcyclopentenolone
- 2-Methylheptanoic Acid
- 2-Methylhexanoic Acid
- 3-Methylpentanoic Acid
- 4-Methylpentanoic Acid
- 2-Methylpyrazine
- 5-Methylquinoxaline
- 2-Methyltetrahydrofuran-3-One
- (Methylthio)Methylpyrazine (Mixture Of Isomers)
- 3-Methylthiopropionaldehyde
- 2-Methylvaleric Acid
- Mimosa Absolute and Extract
- Molasses Extract and Tincture
- Mountain Maple Solid Extract
- Mullein Flowers
- Myristaldehyde
- Myristic Acid
- Myrrh Oil
N
- Napthalene (Moth Balls)
- Nerol
- Neroli Bigarde Oil
- Nerolidol
- Nicotine (naturally occurring plant alkaloid)
- Nitrobenzene (Gasoline Additive)
- Nitrous Oxide Phenols (Disinfectant)
- Nona-2-trans6-cis-Dienal
- 26-Nonadien-1-Ol
- Nonanal
- Nonanoic Acid
- Nonanone
- 2-Nonenal
- Nonyl Acetate
- Nutmeg Powder and Oil
O
- Oak Chips Extract and Oil
- Oak Moss Absolute
- 912-Octadecadienoic Acid (48%) And 91215-Octadecatrienoic Acid (52%)
- Octanal
- Octanoic Acid
- 1-Octanol
- 2-Octanone
- 3-Octen-2-One
- 1-Octen-3-Ol
- 1-Octen-3-Yl Acetate
- 2-Octenal
- Octyl Isobutyrate
- Oleic Acid
- Oleoresin
- Olibanum Oil
- omega-6-Hexadecenlactone
- omega-Pentadecalactone
- Opoponax Oil And Gum
- Orange Blossoms Water Absolute and Leaf Absolute
- Orange Oil and Extract
- Origanum Oil
- Orris Concrete Oil and Root Extract
P
- Palmarosa Oil
- Palmitic Acid
- para-Cymene
- para-Dimethoxybenzene
- para-Ethoxybenzaldehyde
- para-Ethylphenol
- 4-(para-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Butanone
- para-Mentha-8-Thiol-3-One
- para-Methoxybenzaldehyde
- 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-1-Penten-3-One
- 4-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Butanone
- 1-(para-Methoxyphenyl)-2-Propanone
- para-Methylanisole
- para-Tolyl 3-Methylbutyrate
- para-Tolyl Acetaldehyde
- para-Tolyl Acetate
- para-Tolyl Isobutyrate
- para-Tolyl Phenylacetate
- paraalphaalpha-Trimethylbenzyl Alcohol
- Parsley Seed Oil
- Patchouli Oil
- 23-Pentanedione
- 2-Pentanone
- 4-Pentenoic Acid
- 2-Pentylpyridine
- Pepper Oil Black And White
- Peppermint Oil
- Peruvian (Bois De Rose) Oil
- Petitgrain Absolute Mandarin Oil and Terpeneless Oil
- 2-Phenenthyl Acetate
- Phenenthyl Alcohol
- Phenethyl Butyrate
- Phenethyl Cinnamate
- Phenethyl Isobutyrate
- Phenethyl Isovalerate
- Phenethyl Phenylacetate
- Phenethyl Salicylate
- 1-Phenyl-1-Propanol
- 3-Phenyl-1-Propanol
- 2-Phenyl-2-Butenal
- 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-Ol
- 4-Phenyl-3-Buten-2-One
- Phenylacetaldehyde
- Phenylacetic Acid
- 1-Phenylalanine
- 3-Phenylpropionaldehyde
- 3-Phenylpropionic Acid
- 3-Phenylpropyl Acetate
- 3-Phenylpropyl Cinnamate
- Phosphoric Acid
- Pimenta Leaf Oil
- Pine Needle Oil Pine Oil Scotch
- Pineapple Juice Concentrate
- Piperonal
- Pipsissewa Leaf Extract
- Plum Juice
- Potassium Sorbate
- 1-Proline
- Propenylguaethol
- Propionic Acid
- Propyl Acetate
- Propyl para-Hydroxybenzoate
- Propylene Glycol
- 3-Propylidenephthalide
- Prune Juice and Concentrate
- Pyridine
- Pyroligneous Acid And Extract
- Pyrrole
- Pyruvic Acid
R
- Raisin Juice Concentrate
- Rhodinol
- Rose Absolute and Oil
- Rosemary Oil
- Rum
- Rum Ether
- Rye Extract
S
- Sage Sage Oil and Sage Oleoresin
- Salicylaldehyde
- Sandalwood Oil Yellow
- Sclareolide
- Silicon (Metal)
- Silver (Metal)
- Skatole
- Smoke Flavor
- Snakeroot Oil
- Sodium Acetate
- Sodium Benzoate
- Sodium Bicarbonate
- Sodium Carbonate
- Sodium Chloride
- Sodium Citrate
- Sodium Hydroxide
- Solanone
- Spearmint Oil
- Stearic Acid (Candle Wax)
- Styrax Extract Gum and Oil
- Sucrose Octaacetate
- Sugar Alcohols
- Sugars
T
- Tagetes Oil
- Tannic Acid
- Tartaric Acid
- Tea Leaf and Absolute
- Terpinolene
- Terpinyl Acetate
- 5678-Tetrahydroquinoxaline
- 1559-Tetramethyl-13- Oxatricyclo(8.3.0.0(49))Tridecane
- 2356-Tetramethylpyrazine
- Thiamine Hydrochloride
- Thiazole
- 1-Threonine
- Thyme Oil White and Red
- Thymol
- Titanium (Metal)
- Tobacco Extracts
- Tochopherols (mixed)
- Tolu Balsam Gum and Extract
- Tolualdehydes
- Tolulene (Industrial Solvent)
- trans -2-Heptenal
- 2-trans 4-trans-Decadienal
- trans-2-Hexenoic Acid
- trans-2-Nonen-1-Ol
- trans-Anethole
- Triacetin
- 2-Tridecanone
- 2-Tridecenal
- Triethyl Citrate
- 355-Trimethyl -1-Hexanol
- 266-Trimethylcyclohex-2-Ene-14-Dione
- 266-Trimethylcyclohexa-13-Dienyl Methan
- 226-Trimethylcyclohexanone
- 235-Trimethylpyrazine
- 1-Tyrosine
U
- Undecanal
- 2-Undecanone 1
- 0-Undecenal
- Urea
V
- Valencene
- Valeraldehyde
- Valerian Root Extract Oil and Powder
- Valeric Acid
- Valine
- Vanilla Extract And Oleoresin
- Vanillin
- Veratraldehyde
- Vetiver Oil
- Vinegar
- Vinyl Chloride (Makes PVC)
- Violet Leaf Absolute
W
- Walnut Hull Extract
- Water
- Wheat Extract And Flour
- Wild Cherry Bark Extract
- Wine and Wine Sherry
X
- Xanthan Gum
- 34-Xylenol
Y
- Yeast
Z
- Zinc (Metal)
# (numbers & symbols)
- 4(2-Butenylidene)-355-Trimethyl-2-Cyclohexen-1-One
- 4-(2-Furyl)-3-Buten-2-One
- 4-(266-Trimethylcyclohex-1-Enyl)But-2-En-4-One
- 4-(266-Trimethylcyclohexa-13-Dienyl)But-2-En-4-One
- 2-(3-Phenylpropyl)Tetrahydrofuran
Source: based mainly on the UK Department of Health, Permitted Additives to Tobacco Products in the United Kingdom (October 2003), and the 1994 US cigarette-additives disclosure to the Department of Health and Human Services. Bracketed notes in some entries are editorial. For background only — rules and permitted ingredients have changed since these lists were published.