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

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Tagete oil, also known as Tagetes minuta oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Tagetes plant, commonly found in South Africa. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for tagete oil is 8016-84-0. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in the fragrance and flavor industry for its unique properties. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory contexts. The oil is characterized by its complex mixture of terpenes and other aromatic compounds, which contribute to its distinctive odor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Tagete oil is known for its strong, herbaceous, and slightly fruity aroma with a hint of citrus and a touch of spice. The intensity of its scent makes it a potent impact note in both flavors and fragrances. It is often described as having a green, floral character with a balsamic undertone. The oil's diffusion is moderate, allowing it to blend well with other aromatic compounds. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as a modifier or enhancer, adding complexity and depth to formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Tagete oil is primarily obtained from the Tagetes minuta plant, which is native to South America but widely cultivated in South Africa. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's aerial parts. The formation of its aromatic compounds is influenced by the plant's growth conditions, including soil type, climate, and altitude. Tagete oil is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its plant-derived origin.

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 herbal and citrusy note to various products. It is commonly found in flavor categories such as herbal teas, citrus blends, and exotic fruit flavors. The oil's functional role in flavor systems is as a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and providing a fresh, green note. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under normal storage conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Tagete oil is a valuable component in the fragrance industry, particularly in the creation of floral, green, and citrus fragrance families. It serves as a trace realism note, adding authenticity and depth to compositions. The oil is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Its volatility allows it to contribute primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance, providing an initial burst of freshness followed by a lingering floral aroma.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Tagete oil is composed of several key constituents, including limonene, ocimene, and tagetone, which are responsible for its characteristic aroma. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method. These constituents contribute to the oil's overall sensory profile and functional properties in both flavors and fragrances.

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 approvals may vary. In the European Union, it is subject to Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with its FL number indicating its approved status for flavor use. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulatory acceptance varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavor materials. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Tagete oil's safety profile is generally favorable when used within recommended limits. For oral exposure in flavor applications, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not clearly reported, but industry practices suggest conservative use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, particularly in sensitive individuals, and is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to the oil's moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Tagete oil is valued for its ability to impart a unique, fresh, and complex aroma to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall sensory experience. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily overpower other components if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural, green character, providing an opportunity for innovation.

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, there are gaps in specific toxicological data and regulatory nuances across different regions. Industry practices often rely on historical usage patterns 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
• 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 2026-10-16 19:28:39 GMT (p2)