FlavScents AInsights Entry: Champaca Absolute (CAS: 94333-99-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Champaca absolute is a natural complex material derived from the flowers of the Michelia champaca tree, commonly known as champaca or champak. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for champaca absolute is 94333-99-0. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in perfumery and flavoring, but specific FL or CoE numbers are not typically assigned to such complex materials. The composition of champaca absolute can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and extraction process.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Champaca absolute is renowned for its rich, floral aroma with notes reminiscent of magnolia and ylang-ylang. It is characterized by a sweet, exotic scent with hints of spice and fruitiness, making it a popular choice in high-end perfumery. The intensity of its fragrance is moderate to strong, and it serves as an impact note in formulations, providing a luxurious and opulent character. While specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, its potent aroma suggests that only small amounts are needed to achieve the desired sensory effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Champaca absolute is obtained from the flowers of the Michelia champaca tree, native to South and Southeast Asia. The absolute is typically produced through solvent extraction, which captures the delicate floral notes that are often lost in steam distillation. This material is considered a natural fragrance and flavor component, aligning with the "natural" designation in both industries. The formation of its complex aroma profile is primarily due to the presence of various terpenes, esters, and alcohols naturally occurring in the flowers.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, champaca absolute is used sparingly due to its intense aroma and potential cost. It is primarily utilized in luxury food products and beverages where a floral note is desired. Typical use levels in finished products are low, often in the range of 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the application and desired intensity. It is valued for its ability to impart a unique floral character, often used in conjunction with other floral or fruity notes. Stability can be a concern, as it may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Champaca absolute is a prized ingredient in the fragrance industry, particularly in the creation of oriental and floral perfumes. It acts as a middle to base note, providing depth and richness to compositions. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired intensity and the complexity of the fragrance. Its volatility is moderate, allowing it to linger on the skin and blend well with other floral and woody notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Champaca absolute contains a variety of constituents, including linalool, methyl anthranilate, and indole, which contribute to its distinctive aroma. The composition can vary based on factors such as origin and extraction method. These constituents are responsible for the floral, fruity, and slightly spicy notes characteristic of champaca absolute.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, champaca absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors, although specific regulatory approvals may vary. In the European Union, it is subject to the regulations outlined in Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, with its use in flavors and fragrances being generally accepted. The United Kingdom follows similar guidelines post-Brexit. In Asia, regulations can vary, with Japan and China having specific requirements for natural flavorings. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Champaca absolute is generally considered safe for use in both flavors and fragrances when used within recommended levels. Oral exposure through flavor use is minimal, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, but it is used at low ppm levels. Dermal exposure in fragrances is more common, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization, although IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific restrictions. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling and formulation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Champaca absolute is valued for its unique and luxurious floral aroma, making it a sought-after ingredient in high-end products. It blends well with other floral, fruity, and woody notes, enhancing the complexity of formulations. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can overwhelm other components. It is often underutilized in mass-market products due to cost, but its impact in luxury items is significant.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on champaca absolute is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical use in fragrances. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data may be less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and guidelines. Known data gaps include precise odor thresholds and comprehensive regulatory approvals in certain regions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents
QA Check
- All required sections 1–9 are present
- "Citation hooks:" line is present under each section
- Flavor section includes ppm ranges
- Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
- Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
- Includes section 5a for complex natural material
About FlavScents AInsights (Disclosure)
FlavScents AInsights integrates information from authoritative government, scientific, academic, and industry sources to provide applied, exposure-aware insight into flavor and fragrance materials. Data are drawn from regulatory bodies, expert safety panels, peer-reviewed literature, public chemical databases, and long-standing professional practice within the flavor and fragrance community. Where explicit published values exist, they are reported directly; where gaps remain, AInsights reflects widely accepted industry-typical practice derived from convergent sensory behavior, historical commercial use, regulatory non-objection, and expert consensus. All such information is clearly labeled to distinguish documented data from professional guidance or informed estimation, with the goal of offering transparent, practical, and scientifically responsible context for researchers, formulators, and regulatory specialists. This section is generated using advanced computational language modeling to synthesize and structure information from established scientific and regulatory knowledge bases, with the intent of supporting—not replacing—expert review and judgment.
Generated 2026-10-31 11:38:53 GMT (p2)