FlavScents AInsights Entry for Lippia Citriodora Flower/Leaf/Stem Water (CAS: 85116-63-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Lippia citriodora flower/leaf/stem water, commonly known as lemon verbena hydrosol, is a natural complex material derived from the distillation of the Lippia citriodora plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for this material is 85116-63-8. It does not have a specific FEMA number or IUPAC name due to its complex nature. This hydrosol is primarily used in flavor and fragrance applications due to its refreshing lemon-like aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Lippia citriodora hydrosol is characterized by its fresh, lemony, and slightly sweet aroma, which is often described as invigorating and uplifting. The intensity of the scent is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note or a modifier in both flavors and fragrances. The hydrosol's diffusion is gentle, providing a subtle yet persistent citrus note. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as a refreshing and natural citrus enhancer.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Lippia citriodora, commonly known as lemon verbena, is native to South America but is now cultivated in various regions worldwide. The hydrosol is produced through steam distillation of the plant's flowers, leaves, and stems. This process captures the volatile compounds responsible for its characteristic aroma. The material is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its plant-based origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, Lippia citriodora hydrosol is used to impart a fresh, lemony note to a variety of products, including beverages, desserts, and confectionery. It serves as a natural flavor enhancer and is often used in combination with other citrus flavors to create a balanced profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the product matrix. The hydrosol is generally stable under typical food processing conditions but may lose some intensity with prolonged heat exposure.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Lippia citriodora hydrosol is utilized in fragrance formulations for its fresh and uplifting citrus aroma. It is commonly found in fragrance families such as citrus, herbal, and green. The hydrosol acts as a modifier or impact note, providing a natural and refreshing quality to personal care products, home fragrances, and cosmetics. Typical concentration ranges in formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the product type and desired scent profile. Its volatility contributes primarily to the top notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of Lippia citriodora hydrosol include citral, limonene, and geraniol, which are responsible for its characteristic lemony aroma. The composition of these constituents can vary based on factors such as the plant's origin, harvest time, and distillation process. It is important for formulators to consider these variations when using the hydrosol in products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, Lippia citriodora hydrosol is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, and its use in food and fragrance products is permitted. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, the hydrosol is accepted for use in flavors and fragrances, although specific regulations may vary. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR also allow its use, but formulators should verify compliance with local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, Lippia citriodora hydrosol is considered safe at typical use levels in food products, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but formulators should consider potential sensitization in sensitive individuals. The hydrosol's volatility poses minimal inhalation risk under normal use conditions. Overall, the risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant safety concerns reported.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Lippia citriodora hydrosol is valued for its natural and refreshing lemony aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes, enhancing the overall freshness of a formulation. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of impact. Formulators should carefully balance its concentration to achieve the desired sensory effect.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on Lippia citriodora hydrosol is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and typical applications. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability in constituent composition and regulatory nuances may exist. Formulators should remain informed about regional regulatory updates and consider potential data gaps in specific applications.
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 2026-01-27 10:16:59 GMT (p2)