FlavScents AInsights Entry: Civet Absolute (CAS: 68916-26-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Civet absolute is a complex natural material derived from the glandular secretions of the African civet cat. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for civet absolute is 68916-26-7. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Civet absolute is often used in perfumery for its unique scent profile, which is difficult to replicate synthetically.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Civet absolute is renowned for its musky, animalic odor with a slightly sweet undertone. It is highly diffusive and can be quite intense, often used in trace amounts to add depth and warmth to fragrance compositions. The material is primarily used as an impact note in perfumery, providing a naturalistic and sensual character that is difficult to achieve with synthetic musks alone.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Civet absolute is naturally sourced from the perineal glands of the African civet cat. The secretion is collected and then processed to produce the absolute. This material is considered a natural fragrance ingredient, although ethical and sustainability concerns have led to the development of synthetic alternatives. The formation of civet absolute involves extraction and purification processes that preserve its complex scent profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Civet absolute is rarely used in flavor applications due to its intense and animalic odor, which can be overpowering in food products. When used, it is typically at very low concentrations, often below 1 ppm, to provide a subtle background note that enhances the complexity of certain flavor profiles. Its stability in flavor systems is generally good, although it can be sensitive to high heat and acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, civet absolute is a valuable component in creating oriental and chypre fragrance families. It serves as a base note, providing longevity and a rich, warm depth to perfumes. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from trace amounts up to 0.5%, depending on the desired intensity and character. Civet absolute is known for its excellent fixative properties, enhancing the longevity of other fragrance components.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Civet absolute contains a variety of constituents, including civetone, indole, and skatole, which contribute to its characteristic musky and animalic scent. The composition can vary significantly depending on the extraction method and the individual animal's diet and health. These variations can affect the scent profile and intensity of the absolute.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, civet absolute is not specifically listed as GRAS by FEMA, and its use in food is limited. In the European Union, it is subject to the regulations under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, primarily for fragrance use. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, particularly Japan and China, civet absolute is used cautiously, with specific restrictions on its use in cosmetics and fragrances. In Latin America, regulations vary, with some countries allowing its use under strict guidelines.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Civet absolute's safety profile is primarily evaluated in the context of dermal exposure in fragrances. It can cause irritation and sensitization in some individuals, and its use is regulated by IFRA standards. Oral exposure is not typical due to its limited use in flavors. Inhalation exposure is generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations, although occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent sensitization.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Civet absolute is prized for its ability to add depth and warmth to fragrance compositions. It synergizes well with floral and woody notes, enhancing their richness and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity and potential for sensitization, using it sparingly to avoid overpowering the fragrance. It is often under-used due to ethical concerns, but synthetic alternatives can provide similar effects.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on civet absolute is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and use in fragrances. However, there are gaps in toxicological data, particularly concerning oral exposure. Regulatory ambiguities exist due to varying international standards and ethical considerations regarding its natural sourcing.
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 2026-02-04 16:05:22 GMT (p2)