FlavScents AInsights Entry: Oat Oil (CAS: 106457-91-4)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Oat Oil
- CAS Number: 106457-91-4
- FEMA Number: Not applicable
- Other Identifiers: Not applicable
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from oats
- Key Constituents: Typically includes fatty acids such as linoleic acid, oleic acid, and palmitic acid. Composition may vary by origin, harvest, and processing.
Oat oil is a natural complex material extracted from the seeds of Avena sativa (oats). It is rich in unsaturated fatty acids, which contribute to its emollient properties and mild, pleasant aroma. The oil's composition can vary significantly depending on the oat variety, growing conditions, and extraction methods used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Oat oil is characterized by a mild, nutty aroma with subtle earthy undertones. Its sensory profile is gentle, making it suitable for use as a background note in both flavors and fragrances. The oil's intensity is low, and it is often used to impart a sense of naturalness and warmth to formulations. Specific odor and taste thresholds are not well-documented, but its mild nature suggests it functions primarily as a modifier rather than an impact note.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Oat oil is naturally sourced from the seeds of the oat plant, Avena sativa. The oil is typically obtained through cold pressing or solvent extraction methods. As a natural product, it is often used in formulations labeled as "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance." The oil's composition is influenced by the oat variety, environmental conditions, and processing techniques, which can affect its sensory and functional properties.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Oat oil is used in flavor formulations to provide a creamy, nutty background note that enhances the overall profile of food products. It is commonly used in bakery, dairy, and cereal applications. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 10 to 100 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Oat oil is stable under moderate heat and neutral pH conditions but may oxidize if exposed to air and light for extended periods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In fragrances, oat oil is valued for its ability to impart a soft, natural aroma that complements a wide range of fragrance families, including woody, gourmand, and floral compositions. It is typically used as a base note due to its low volatility and ability to provide lasting warmth and depth. Concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are generally qualitative, with oat oil serving as a trace realism or modifier component.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Linoleic Acid: A major component contributing to the oil's emollient properties.
- Oleic Acid: Provides stability and a smooth texture.
- Palmitic Acid: Adds to the oil's creamy consistency.
Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing, affecting the oil's sensory and functional characteristics.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Oat oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food and fragrance applications.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Recognized in Japan and China for use in food and cosmetics, with specific regulations varying by country.
- Latin America: Approved in Brazil and other MERCOSUR countries, with harmonized standards for food and cosmetic use.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Oat oil is considered safe for use in both food and fragrance applications. Oral exposure through food use is supported by its GRAS status, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in cosmetics and fragrances is generally well-tolerated, with low potential for irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to the oil's low volatility, reducing occupational risks.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Oat oil is valued for its mild, natural aroma and emollient properties, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other natural oils and extracts, enhancing creamy and nutty profiles. Formulators should be mindful of its oxidation potential and consider using antioxidants to preserve its quality. Oat oil is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural label claim.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
Data on oat oil is well-established in terms of its composition and sensory properties. Industry practices are documented but may vary due to the natural variability of the oil. Regulatory information is clear, though specific numeric thresholds for use are not always available, requiring formulators to rely on industry-typical practices.
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 2026-01-22 14:19:43 GMT (p2)