FlavScents AInsights Entry: Osmanthus Flower Absolute (CAS: 68917-05-5)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Osmanthus flower absolute is a natural complex material derived from the flowers of the Osmanthus fragrans plant. It is known for its rich and multifaceted aroma, making it a valuable ingredient in both flavor and fragrance industries. The CAS number for osmanthus flower absolute is 68917-05-5. As a natural complex material, it does not have a single IUPAC name or molecular formula. Instead, it is composed of a variety of chemical constituents that contribute to its unique sensory profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Osmanthus flower absolute is renowned for its sweet, floral, and fruity aroma with notes reminiscent of apricot and leather. It is often described as having a rich, honeyed scent with a hint of green and woody undertones. The intensity of its aroma is moderate to strong, and it is known for its excellent diffusion properties. In flavor applications, it serves as an impact note, adding depth and complexity to compositions. The taste and odor thresholds for osmanthus flower absolute are not clearly reported, but its distinctive profile makes it a sought-after ingredient for creating unique sensory experiences.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Osmanthus flower absolute is primarily obtained from the flowers of Osmanthus fragrans, a plant native to Asia, particularly China. The flowers are harvested and subjected to solvent extraction to produce the absolute. This material is considered a natural fragrance and flavor due to its direct derivation from plant material. The formation of its complex aroma is attributed to the natural biosynthesis of volatile compounds within the flowers, which are preserved during the extraction process.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, osmanthus flower absolute is used to impart a floral and fruity character to various products, including teas, confectioneries, and alcoholic beverages. It functions as an impact note, providing a unique and exotic flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. It is important to consider its stability, as it may be sensitive to heat and oxidation, which can alter its sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Osmanthus flower absolute is a prized ingredient in the fragrance industry, often used in luxury perfumes and high-end personal care products. It is commonly found in floral, fruity, and oriental fragrance families. Its role can vary from a trace realism note to a prominent impact note, depending on the formulation. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance products are from 0.1% to 1%, contributing to the top and middle notes with its moderate volatility.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Osmanthus flower absolute contains several key constituents that define its aroma profile, including ionones, linalool, and various esters. The composition can vary significantly based on the origin, harvest time, and extraction method. These constituents contribute to the floral, fruity, and leathery notes characteristic of osmanthus flower absolute.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, osmanthus flower absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. 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, it is used in both flavors and fragrances, subject to local regulations. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, which generally align with international standards but may have specific requirements.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Osmanthus flower absolute is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not explicitly defined, but it is used at low ppm levels in food. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization, as per IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is considered safe under normal use conditions, though occupational exposure should be managed to minimize risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Osmanthus flower absolute is valued for its ability to impart a unique and luxurious aroma to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and fruity notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in mass-market products due to its cost, but its impact in premium formulations is significant.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on osmanthus flower absolute is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and use in high-end applications. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data, such as precise ADI values. Industry practices often rely on historical usage and expert judgment to guide formulation decisions.

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 2026-09-28 11:54:27 GMT (p2)