FlavScents AInsights Entry: Immortelle Flower Oil (CAS: 8023-95-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Immortelle flower oil, also known as Helichrysum italicum oil, is a complex natural material derived from the flowers of the Helichrysum italicum plant. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for immortelle flower oil is 8023-95-8. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in the fragrance and flavor industry for its unique properties. Other identifiers include its presence in various regulatory and industry databases, but specific numbers like FL or CoE are not universally assigned due to its complex nature.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Immortelle flower oil is renowned for its distinctive sensory profile, characterized by a warm, honey-like aroma with earthy, spicy, and slightly fruity undertones. The intensity of its odor is moderate to strong, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. It is often described as having a rich, complex scent that can add depth and warmth to both flavors and fragrances. The oil's sensory role typically includes acting as a modifier or an impact note, providing a unique character that enhances the overall profile of a product.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Immortelle flower oil is naturally sourced from the Helichrysum italicum plant, commonly found in the Mediterranean region. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's flowers. Its formation involves the natural biosynthesis of various terpenes and esters within the plant, contributing to its complex aroma. The oil is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its botanical origin and traditional extraction methods.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, immortelle flower oil is used to impart a warm, honey-like note to various food and beverage products. It is commonly applied in flavor categories such as confectionery, baked goods, and alcoholic beverages. The functional role of the oil in flavor systems includes acting as a background realism enhancer and a character modifier. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 10 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under typical processing conditions but may degrade under extreme heat or prolonged exposure to air.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Immortelle flower oil is a valued component in the fragrance industry, often used in oriental and chypre fragrance families. It serves as a trace realism note or a modifier, adding warmth and complexity to perfumes and personal care products. The oil is typically used in concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations. Its volatility is moderate, contributing primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Immortelle flower oil contains several key constituents, including neryl acetate, italidiones, and various sesquiterpenes. The composition of the oil can vary significantly based on the plant's origin, harvest time, and processing methods. These constituents are responsible for the oil's characteristic aroma and functional properties in formulations.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, immortelle flower oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors, although specific regulatory approvals may vary. In the European Union, it is subject to the regulations outlined in Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, with its use in flavors and fragrances being harmonized across member states. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR, the oil's use is generally accepted, but specific regulatory frameworks should be consulted for compliance.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, immortelle flower oil is considered safe within typical use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications is generally safe, but potential for irritation or sensitization exists, particularly in sensitive individuals. IFRA guidelines should be consulted for safe use levels. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to the oil's moderate volatility, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with no significant differences noted.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Immortelle flower oil is valued for its unique aroma and ability to enhance the complexity of both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and spicy notes, providing depth and warmth. Formulators should be cautious of its strong impact, which can easily overpower other components if used excessively. It is often under-used in formulations seeking a natural, warm character, but overuse can lead to an undesirable intensity.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on immortelle flower oil is well-established, with consistent sensory and compositional profiles documented across various sources. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability in composition due to natural factors remains. Regulatory frameworks are generally harmonized, but formulators should verify specific regional requirements.

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 2026-07-08 13:52:18 GMT (p2)