FlavScents AInsights Entry: Geranium Oil Egypt (CAS: 8000-46-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Geranium oil Egypt is a natural complex material derived from the leaves and stems of the Pelargonium graveolens plant, commonly known as Egyptian geranium. It is classified under the CAS number 8000-46-2. This essential oil does not have a single IUPAC name due to its complex nature. It is recognized by FEMA with the number 2508. Other identifiers include its FL number 09.028 and its CoE number 206. As a natural complex material, geranium oil Egypt is composed of various constituents, including alcohols, esters, and hydrocarbons, which contribute to its characteristic scent and functional properties in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Geranium oil Egypt is renowned for its rich, rosy, and slightly minty aroma, often described as having a green and herbaceous undertone. The intensity of its scent is moderate to strong, with a high diffusion rate, making it a popular choice for imparting a fresh and floral character in both flavors and fragrances. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as an impact note or a modifier, providing a natural and uplifting floral nuance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Geranium oil Egypt is primarily sourced from the Pelargonium graveolens plant, which is cultivated extensively in Egypt. The oil is obtained through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and stems. It is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, aligning with "natural flavor" designations due to its direct derivation from plant sources. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions, harvest time, and distillation process.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the realm of flavors, geranium oil Egypt is utilized across various categories, including beverages, confectionery, and baked goods, to impart a floral and slightly fruity note. Its functional role in flavor systems is often as a top note or a modifier, enhancing the overall complexity and freshness of the flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, although care should be taken to avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures and oxidative environments.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Geranium oil Egypt is a staple in the fragrance industry, commonly used in floral, chypre, and fougère fragrance families. It serves as a middle note, providing a fresh, rosy, and slightly minty aroma that enhances the complexity and depth of the fragrance composition. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.5% to 5%, depending on the desired olfactory impact. Its volatility is moderate, contributing primarily to the middle phase of the fragrance's evaporation profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Geranium oil Egypt is composed of several key constituents, including citronellol, geraniol, linalool, and isomenthone. These compounds are primarily responsible for the oil's characteristic floral and minty aroma. The composition of these constituents can vary significantly based on the plant's origin, harvest conditions, and processing methods, which should be considered during formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, geranium oil Egypt is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) 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 regulatory guidelines post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR, the oil is generally accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, although specific regulations may vary. It is important to verify compliance with local regulations in each region.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Geranium oil Egypt is considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the oil's constituents are generally recognized as safe, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is typically well-tolerated, although some individuals may experience irritation or sensitization. IFRA provides guidelines for safe use concentrations in personal care products. Inhalation exposure is generally considered low risk, but occupational exposure should be managed to minimize potential respiratory irritation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Geranium oil Egypt is valued for its versatility and ability to impart a natural floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall complexity of the formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering or artificial scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should carefully balance its concentration to achieve the optimal sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on geranium oil Egypt is well-established, with extensive documentation available from authoritative sources. Industry practices are generally consistent, although specific composition and regulatory details may vary by region. Known data gaps include precise sensory thresholds and comprehensive toxicological profiles for all exposure routes.
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 13:14:16 GMT (p2)
