FlavScents AInsights Entry: Lemongrass Oil Morocco (CAS: 89998-14-1)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Lemongrass oil Morocco is a natural complex material derived from the Cymbopogon species, primarily Cymbopogon citratus or Cymbopogon flexuosus. It is an essential oil characterized by its fresh, lemony aroma. The CAS number for lemongrass oil is 89998-14-1. It does not have a specific FEMA number as it is a complex mixture rather than a single compound. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in flavor and fragrance regulatory contexts. The composition of lemongrass oil can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Lemongrass oil Morocco is renowned for its vibrant, citrusy aroma with grassy undertones. It is often described as having a fresh, lemon-like scent with a hint of earthiness. The intensity of the odor is moderate to strong, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The oil is used to impart a fresh, clean, and uplifting character to both flavors and fragrances. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as an impact note or modifier, adding brightness and freshness to compositions.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Lemongrass oil is naturally sourced from the leaves and stalks of the Cymbopogon species. The oil is extracted through steam distillation, a process that captures the volatile aromatic compounds. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products. The primary constituents responsible for its characteristic aroma are citral, geraniol, and citronellal, among others. These compounds are biosynthesized in the plant and are responsible for the oil's distinctive lemony scent.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, lemongrass oil Morocco is used to impart a fresh, citrusy note to a variety of products, including beverages, confectionery, and culinary applications. It serves as a functional ingredient in flavor systems, providing a bright, lemon-like character. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and application. The oil is generally stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under prolonged exposure to heat and light.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Lemongrass oil is a versatile ingredient in the fragrance industry, commonly used in citrus, herbal, and fresh fragrance families. It acts as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and clarity. The oil is used in a variety of product types, including perfumes, soaps, and household cleaners. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the product type and desired effect. Its volatility makes it an excellent choice for top note applications, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Lemongrass oil Morocco is composed of several key constituents, including citral (geranial and neral), which is the primary component responsible for its lemony aroma. Other significant constituents include geraniol, citronellal, and limonene. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as the plant's geographical origin and the distillation process used. It is important for formulators to verify the specific composition of the oil they are using, as this can impact both the sensory profile and regulatory compliance.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, lemongrass 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 has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, which typically align with international standards. In Latin America, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have specific regulations for natural flavoring substances. It is crucial for formulators to be aware of regional regulatory differences and ensure compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Lemongrass oil is generally considered safe for use in both flavor and fragrance applications when used within recommended levels. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not specifically established, but it is used within industry-typical levels. Dermal exposure considerations include potential irritation and sensitization, particularly in leave-on products. The oil's volatility also necessitates consideration of inhalation exposure, especially in occupational settings. Risk profiles may differ between food and fragrance applications, with fragrance use requiring careful attention to dermal and inhalation safety.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Lemongrass oil Morocco is valued for its fresh, lemony aroma, making it a popular choice in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes, enhancing the overall freshness of a composition. Common formulation pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of impact. Formulators should consider the oil's volatility and potential for oxidation, using antioxidants or stabilizers as needed to maintain product integrity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on lemongrass oil Morocco is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance contexts. Industry practices are generally consistent, although specific composition data may vary due to natural variability. Known data gaps include precise sensory thresholds and comprehensive toxicological profiles for all potential exposure routes. Regulatory ambiguities may arise from regional differences in natural flavor and fragrance definitions.

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
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a

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 2026-03-16 08:17:04 GMT (p2)