FlavScents AInsights Entry for Cornmint Oil (CAS: 68917-18-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Cornmint oil, also known as Japanese mint oil or Mentha arvensis oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Mentha arvensis plant. It is primarily composed of menthol, menthone, and other terpenes. The CAS number for cornmint oil is 68917-18-0. While it does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature, its constituents like menthol are individually recognized. Cornmint oil is often used in both flavor and fragrance applications due to its refreshing minty aroma and cooling sensation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Cornmint oil is characterized by its strong, fresh, and cooling minty aroma, which is primarily due to its high menthol content. The oil has a sharp, penetrating scent with a sweet undertone. It is often used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a refreshing and invigorating quality. The intensity of cornmint oil can vary, but it is generally considered to have a high diffusion rate, making it effective in small quantities.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Cornmint oil is naturally sourced from the Mentha arvensis plant, which is widely cultivated in regions such as India, China, and Brazil. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and flowering tops. As a natural product, cornmint oil is often labeled as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance," depending on its application. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Cornmint oil is extensively used in flavor applications, particularly in confectionery, chewing gum, oral care products, and beverages. It serves as a cooling agent and flavor enhancer, providing a refreshing minty taste. Typical use levels in finished products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Cornmint oil is generally stable under normal processing conditions but can degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, cornmint oil is used in a variety of products, including perfumes, personal care items, and household products. It is valued for its fresh, clean scent and is often used as a top note to impart a cooling and invigorating effect. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 3%, depending on the product type and desired effect. Cornmint oil is highly volatile, contributing primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Cornmint oil is primarily composed of menthol (up to 70%), menthone, isomenthone, and other minor terpenes. The exact composition can vary significantly based on the source and processing methods. Menthol is the key character-impact constituent, responsible for the oil's cooling sensation and minty aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, cornmint oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and is assigned an FL number. 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 the use of essential oils in food and cosmetics.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Cornmint oil is considered safe for use in food and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not explicitly defined, but typical use levels are considered safe. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, and it is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally safe, but occupational exposure limits should be observed in manufacturing settings.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Cornmint oil is valued for its strong minty aroma and cooling properties, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other mint oils and citrus notes. Formulators should be cautious of its high volatility and potential for overpowering other components if used excessively. It is often under-used in complex fragrance compositions where a subtle minty freshness is desired.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on cornmint oil is well-established, with extensive documentation on its sensory properties and regulatory status. However, variations in composition due to natural sourcing can lead to inconsistencies in sensory profiles. Industry practices are generally well-documented, but some regional regulatory nuances may require further clarification.
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 2026-06-14 00:21:38 GMT (p2)
