FlavScents AInsights Entry for Spike Lavender Oil (CAS: 8016-78-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Spike lavender oil, also known as Lavandula latifolia oil, is a natural complex material derived from the flowering tops of the Lavandula latifolia plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for spike lavender oil is 8016-78-2. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its presence in various fragrance and flavor compendiums, but specific FL or CoE numbers are not typically assigned to complex oils. The oil is characterized by its rich composition of terpenes and esters, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and functional properties in formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Spike lavender oil is renowned for its strong, camphoraceous aroma with floral and herbaceous undertones. The intensity of its scent is moderate to strong, making it a prominent impact note in both fragrance and flavor applications. The oil's diffusion is relatively high, allowing it to permeate spaces effectively. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is often as a modifier or impact note, providing a fresh, clean character to formulations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Spike lavender oil is primarily sourced from the Lavandula latifolia plant, native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the flowering tops. Its formation involves the natural biosynthesis of terpenes and esters within the plant, contributing to its complex aroma profile. The oil is often designated as a "natural fragrance" due to its direct derivation from plant material, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, spike lavender oil is used to impart a fresh, herbal note to a variety of products, including confections, beverages, and culinary dishes. Its functional role is often as a background realism enhancer or a subtle modifier. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air, necessitating careful formulation considerations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Spike lavender oil is a versatile component in fragrance formulations, commonly used in fougère, chypre, and herbal fragrance families. It serves as a top to middle note, providing a fresh, camphoraceous quality that enhances the overall complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 5%, depending on the desired olfactory impact. Its volatility is moderate, contributing to its role as a bridging note between top and middle layers in fragrance compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Spike lavender oil typically contains major constituents such as linalool, camphor, and 1,8-cineole. These compounds are responsible for its characteristic aroma and functional properties. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method, which should be considered during formulation.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, spike lavender 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, with specific considerations for its natural origin. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have specific guidelines for natural oils, emphasizing safety and quality.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, spike lavender oil is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose risks of irritation or sensitization, particularly in sensitive individuals, and is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with primary concerns related to dermal sensitization.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Spike lavender oil is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, herbal character to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and herbal notes, enhancing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions and consider its stability under various processing conditions. It is often under-used in complex fragrance blends where its camphoraceous quality can add a unique dimension.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on spike lavender oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and typical uses. However, industry practices often rely on undocumented experiential knowledge, especially concerning optimal use levels and synergies. Regulatory ambiguities may exist due to varying interpretations of natural product guidelines across 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 2026-08-25 04:42:57 GMT (p2)