FlavScents AInsights Entry: Geranium Concrete (CAS: 8000-46-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Geranium concrete is a natural complex material derived from the leaves and stems of the Pelargonium species, primarily Pelargonium graveolens. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for geranium concrete is 8000-46-2. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture rather than a single compound. Other identifiers include its use in IFRA standards and its recognition in various fragrance and flavor compendiums. The composition of geranium concrete can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and extraction process.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Geranium concrete is characterized by its rich, rosy, and green aroma with minty and citrus undertones. It is often described as having a fresh, floral scent that is both sweet and slightly herbaceous. The intensity of its odor is moderate to strong, making it a prominent note in fragrance compositions. It is typically used as an impact note or a modifier in both flavors and fragrances, providing a natural and fresh quality to the formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Geranium concrete is naturally sourced from the leaves and stems of Pelargonium species, particularly Pelargonium graveolens. The formation of geranium concrete involves the extraction of essential oils through solvent extraction, which is then concentrated to produce the concrete. This material is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its plant-derived origin. The composition of geranium concrete can vary based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions and the extraction method used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, geranium concrete is used to impart floral and green notes, often in conjunction with other floral or citrus flavors. It is commonly used in categories such as beverages, confectionery, and baked goods. The typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 10 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Geranium concrete is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures and acidic environments, which can degrade its aromatic profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Geranium concrete is widely used in the fragrance industry, particularly in floral, chypre, and fougère fragrance families. It serves as a key component in creating rose-like scents and is often used as a modifier or impact note. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Geranium concrete contributes primarily to the top and middle notes of a fragrance due to its moderate volatility.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Geranium concrete typically contains a variety of constituents, including citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and isomenthone. These components contribute to its characteristic aroma profile. The exact composition can vary based on the source and extraction method, and it is important for formulators to verify the specific profile of the material they are using.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, geranium concrete 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 and is included in the list of flavoring substances. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, which generally align with international standards. In Latin America, countries such as Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have specific regulations for natural flavoring substances, which include geranium concrete.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Geranium concrete is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the material is generally recognized as safe by FEMA, with typical use levels well below any established thresholds of concern. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is subject to IFRA guidelines, which recommend specific concentration limits to prevent irritation and sensitization. Inhalation exposure is generally considered low risk, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation and protective equipment.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Geranium concrete is valued for its ability to impart a natural, floral aroma to both flavors and fragrances. It blends well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be aware of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively, and it is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a subtle floral nuance. Care should be taken to ensure consistency in the material's profile, given its variability based on source and extraction.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on geranium concrete is well-established, with extensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, although some variability exists due to the natural origin of the material. Known data gaps include specific quantitative thresholds for certain applications, which formulators typically address through empirical testing and industry norms.
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 2026-02-18 13:13:03 GMT (p2)
