FlavScents AInsights Entry: Rosemary Oil (CAS: 8000-25-7)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Rosemary oil is a natural complex material derived from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis. It is commonly known as rosemary essential oil. The CAS number for rosemary oil is 8000-25-7. While it does not have a single molecular structure due to its complex nature, it is recognized by various identifiers such as FEMA number 2992 and FL number 283. Rosemary oil is characterized by its rich composition of terpenes, which contribute to its aromatic properties.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Rosemary oil is renowned for its fresh, herbaceous, and woody aroma with a camphoraceous undertone. It is often described as having a strong, penetrating scent that can be both invigorating and calming. The oil's sensory role is typically as an impact note or a modifier in both flavor and fragrance applications. Its odor threshold is relatively low, making it a potent component in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Rosemary oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the rosemary plant, Rosmarinus officinalis, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is primarily obtained through steam distillation of the plant's flowering tops. Rosemary oil's designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is supported by its direct extraction from plant material without synthetic modification.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, rosemary oil is used across various categories, including savory dishes, baked goods, and beverages. It serves as a functional flavoring agent, providing a characteristic herbal note. Typical use levels in food range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially overpowering other flavors. Rosemary oil is relatively stable under heat but can be susceptible to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation and storage.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Rosemary oil is a versatile component in fragrance formulations, contributing to aromatic, herbal, and fresh fragrance families. It is often used as a top or middle note, providing freshness and complexity. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for enhancing the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Rosemary oil's composition includes major constituents such as 1,8-cineole, camphor, α-pinene, and borneol. These compounds contribute significantly to its sensory and functional properties. The composition of rosemary oil can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and distillation method.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, rosemary oil 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. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, rosemary oil is accepted in Japan and China, with specific guidelines in ASEAN countries. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR recognize its use with certain restrictions.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, rosemary oil is considered safe within established use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe in typical food applications. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is subject to IFRA guidelines, which address potential sensitization and irritation risks. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Rosemary oil is valued for its robust and versatile aromatic profile. It synergizes well with other herbal and citrus notes, enhancing complexity in formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering camphoraceous scent. It is often underutilized in subtle applications where its fresh note can add depth without dominating.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on rosemary oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in composition due to natural factors remains. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, with harmonized guidelines across major 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 2026-11-02 22:05:46 GMT (p2)