FlavScents AInsights Entry: Cedrat Peel Oil (CAS: 68991-25-3)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Cedrat peel oil, also known as citron peel oil, is a natural complex material derived from the peel of the Citrus medica fruit. It is classified under CAS number 68991-25-3. This essential oil does not have a specific IUPAC name as it is a mixture of various compounds rather than a single chemical entity. It is recognized by the FEMA number 2303. Other identifiers include its FL number 2820 and its CoE number 142. Cedrat peel oil is characterized by its complex mixture of terpenes, alcohols, and aldehydes, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and flavor profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Cedrat peel oil is renowned for its fresh, citrusy, and slightly sweet aroma, often described as a blend of lemon and lime with a hint of floral notes. The intensity of its scent is moderate to strong, making it a popular choice for both flavor and fragrance applications. The oil's diffusion is relatively high, allowing it to impart a bright and uplifting character to formulations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, cedrat peel oil is typically used as an impact note or a modifier in sensory applications, providing a zesty and refreshing quality.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Cedrat peel oil is naturally sourced from the peel of the Citrus medica fruit, commonly known as citron. The oil is extracted through cold pressing or steam distillation of the fruit's peel. As a natural product, it qualifies for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations, depending on the extraction method and intended use. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds is primarily due to the enzymatic degradation of terpenes and other volatile compounds present in the fruit peel.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Cedrat peel oil is widely used in the flavor industry, particularly in citrus-flavored beverages, candies, and baked goods. It serves as a key component in citrus flavor blends, providing a bright and authentic citrus note. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more intense citrus profiles. The oil is generally stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under prolonged heat exposure, necessitating careful formulation considerations to maintain its sensory integrity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, cedrat peel oil is utilized in a variety of product types, including perfumes, colognes, and personal care products. It is often incorporated into citrus, floral, and fresh fragrance families, acting as a top note due to its high volatility. The oil's role as a modifier or impact note enhances the freshness and brightness of fragrance compositions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired intensity and product type.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Cedrat peel oil is composed of several key constituents, including limonene, gamma-terpinene, and citral, which are responsible for its characteristic citrus aroma. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on factors such as the geographical origin of the fruit, harvest time, and extraction method. It is important for formulators to verify the specific composition of the oil they are using to ensure consistency and quality in their products.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, cedrat peel oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food flavors 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, with no significant divergence reported. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for natural flavorings, while ASEAN countries generally align with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have their own regulatory frameworks, often harmonized with international norms.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Cedrat peel oil is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the oil's components are evaluated under the threshold of toxicological concern (TTC) approach, with no adverse effects reported at typical use levels. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, although IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid potential sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to the oil's volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling and processing.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Cedrat peel oil is valued for its ability to impart a fresh and vibrant citrus note to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus oils and floral notes, enhancing the overall sensory profile. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for oxidation, which can affect product stability. It is often under-used in complex formulations where its bright character can provide a refreshing lift.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on cedrat peel oil is well-established, with comprehensive sensory and regulatory information available. Industry practices are well-documented, although specific composition data may vary due to natural variability. Known data gaps include precise taste and odor thresholds, which require further research for more accurate formulation guidance.

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 2026-01-27 14:50:01 GMT (p2)