FlavScents AInsights Entry for Carrot Seed Oil (Fixed) (CAS: 8015-88-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Carrot seed oil (fixed) is a natural complex material derived from the seeds of Daucus carota, commonly known as wild carrot. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for carrot seed oil is 8015-88-1. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in IFRA standards and its presence in various flavor and fragrance compendiums. As a natural complex material, carrot seed oil's composition can vary significantly depending on its geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Carrot seed oil is characterized by its earthy, woody, and slightly sweet aroma, often described as having a warm, spicy undertone. It is known for its moderate intensity and diffusion, making it suitable for both impact and background roles in formulations. The oil's sensory profile is complex, with nuances that can vary based on its specific composition. Odor thresholds are not well-documented, but its distinctive aroma allows it to be used effectively in small quantities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Carrot seed oil is primarily obtained from the seeds of the Daucus carota plant, which is native to Europe and Southwest Asia. The oil is extracted through steam distillation, a process that preserves its aromatic compounds. It is considered a natural fragrance and flavoring agent, aligning with "natural flavor" designations due to its direct derivation from plant material. The formation of its aroma compounds involves enzymatic processes within the seeds, contributing to its unique scent profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs

4. Use in Flavors

Carrot seed oil is used in various flavor applications, particularly in savory and spice blends, where it imparts an earthy and slightly sweet note. It is also used in some beverage formulations to add depth and complexity. Typical use levels in food and beverages range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. These values are industry-typical estimates, as precise documentation is limited. The oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In perfumery, carrot seed oil is valued for its warm, earthy aroma, fitting well within the woody and spicy fragrance families. It is used in both fine fragrances and personal care products, often as a modifier or to add trace realism. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect. The oil contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance, offering moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Carrot seed oil typically contains a variety of constituents, including carotol, daucol, and beta-bisabolene, which contribute to its characteristic aroma. The exact composition can vary significantly based on factors such as origin and processing. These constituents are responsible for the oil's distinctive sensory properties and functional roles in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, carrot seed oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR, carrot seed oil is accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, though specific regulations may vary. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should verify country-specific requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Carrot seed oil is considered safe for oral exposure in flavor applications, with no specific ADI or MSDI established, but it is used within industry-typical levels. For dermal exposure in fragrances, it is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing, though IFRA guidelines should be consulted for specific use limits. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Carrot seed oil is valued for its unique aroma profile, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other earthy and spicy notes, providing depth and complexity. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering aroma, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its use carefully to achieve the intended sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on carrot seed oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical uses. However, specific numeric values for thresholds and regulatory limits are less documented, relying on industry-typical practices. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies and comprehensive regulatory reviews across all 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 2026-02-05 20:23:15 GMT (p2)