FlavScents AInsights Entry: Tagete Oil South Africa (CAS: 8016-84-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Tagete oil, commonly referred to as Tagetes oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Tagetes plant, specifically Tagetes minuta, which is native to South Africa. This essential oil is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for Tagete oil is 8016-84-0. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in fragrance and flavor industries, but specific FL or CoE numbers are not typically assigned to complex natural materials like essential oils. The composition of Tagete oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Tagete oil is characterized by its strong, herbaceous, and slightly fruity odor with a hint of citrus and a floral undertone. The intensity of its aroma is quite pronounced, making it a potent impact note in both flavors and fragrances. The oil is often described as having a green, fresh scent that can be both uplifting and grounding. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its powerful aroma suggests that only small amounts are needed to achieve the desired sensory effect. In formulations, it is typically used as a modifier or an impact note to add complexity and depth.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Tagete oil is primarily obtained from the aerial parts of the Tagetes minuta plant, which is native to South Africa and other regions with similar climates. The oil is extracted through steam distillation. The plant is known for its vibrant yellow-orange flowers and is often used in traditional medicine and rituals. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds is largely due to the plant's secondary metabolites, which develop as a defense mechanism against herbivores and pathogens. Tagete oil is considered a natural fragrance and flavoring agent, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, Tagete oil is used to impart a unique, herbaceous note to various products. It is commonly found in flavor formulations for beverages, confectionery, and savory products. The 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. These values are industry-typical estimates, as precise documentation is limited. Tagete oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or prolonged exposure to air, leading to a loss of its characteristic aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Tagete oil is a versatile component in the fragrance industry, used in various fragrance families, including floral, green, and citrus compositions. It serves as a modifier or impact note, providing a fresh, green character that enhances the overall complexity of a fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Due to its volatility, Tagete oil is often used as a top or middle note, contributing to the initial impression and the heart of the fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Tagete oil is composed of several key constituents, including limonene, ocimene, tagetone, and dihydrotagetone. These compounds contribute to its distinctive aroma profile. The composition of Tagete oil can vary significantly based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions and the distillation process. It is important for formulators to consider these variations when using Tagete oil in their products.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, Tagete oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors, although specific regulatory documentation may be limited. In the European Union, it is subject to the regulations outlined in Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, but specific FL numbers may not be assigned. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR, the regulatory status may vary, and it is advisable to consult local regulations for specific guidance. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but country-specific variability should be considered.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, Tagete oil's safety is generally supported by its GRAS status, but specific ADI or MSDI values are not well-documented. Dermal exposure considerations include potential irritation or sensitization, and formulators should adhere to IFRA guidelines to ensure safe use in fragrances. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its use in small quantities, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation and protective measures. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications may differ, with fragrance use requiring more stringent dermal safety assessments.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Tagete oil is valued for its unique, fresh aroma that can enhance both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, providing a complex and appealing profile. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent or flavor, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should carefully balance its use to achieve the optimal sensory effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on Tagete oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical uses. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data may be less documented, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and informed estimates. Known data gaps include precise ppm ranges for all applications and comprehensive toxicological assessments.

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
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a

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 2026-08-11 12:37:58 GMT (p2)