FlavScents AInsights Entry for Helichrysum Italicum Flower Absolute (CAS: 90045-56-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute, commonly known as Immortelle or Everlasting, is a complex natural material derived from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this material is 90045-56-0. While it does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature, it is recognized in the fragrance and flavor industry for its unique aromatic profile. The material is often used in both flavor and fragrance applications due to its distinctive scent and flavor characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is renowned for its rich, warm, and honey-like aroma with earthy, spicy, and slightly fruity undertones. It is often described as having a strong intensity and moderate diffusion, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The absolute is used to impart a natural, complex character to both flavors and fragrances, often serving as a background realism enhancer or a modifier to add depth and warmth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Helichrysum italicum is native to the Mediterranean region, where it grows in dry, rocky, and sandy soils. The absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of the flowers, capturing the full spectrum of aromatic compounds. This material is considered a natural fragrance and flavor due to its direct derivation from plant sources without synthetic alteration. The composition of the absolute can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, climate, and harvesting conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is used to impart a warm, honey-like note with subtle spicy and fruity nuances. It is commonly used in herbal, honey, and spice flavor categories. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The absolute is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is a valued component in fragrance formulations, particularly within the oriental, chypre, and floral fragrance families. It serves as a middle to base note, providing warmth and depth. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from trace amounts to 2%, depending on the formulation. The absolute's moderate volatility allows it to contribute to the fragrance's longevity and complexity.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of Helichrysum italicum flower absolute include neryl acetate, α-pinene, γ-curcumene, and italidione. These compounds contribute to its characteristic aroma and flavor profile. The composition can vary based on factors such as origin and processing methods, which should be considered during formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. Post-Brexit, the UK aligns closely with EU regulations. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR, the absolute is subject to regional flavor and fragrance regulations, which may vary.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines for safe use in fragrances. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is prized for its ability to add warmth and complexity to formulations. It synergizes well with other floral, spicy, and woody notes. Formulators should be cautious of its strong intensity, which can easily overpower other components if not balanced properly. It is often under-used in flavor applications due to its complex profile, which can be challenging to integrate.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on Helichrysum italicum flower absolute is well-established in terms of sensory and compositional characteristics. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and regulatory status may not always be fully documented. There are known data gaps in specific toxicological endpoints, which require cautious interpretation.
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 2026-02-13 14:40:52 GMT (p2)