FlavScents AInsights Entry: Clementine Mandarin Peel Oil

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Clementine Mandarin Peel Oil
• CAS Number: N/A
• FEMA Number: Not available
• Other Identifiers: Not available
• Material Type: Natural complex material (essential oil)
• Source: Extracted from the peel of the clementine mandarin (Citrus clementina)

Clementine mandarin peel oil is a natural complex material derived from the peel of the clementine mandarin fruit. As an essential oil, it is composed of a variety of volatile compounds, primarily terpenes, which contribute to its characteristic aroma and flavor. The composition of this oil can vary significantly depending on factors such as the geographical origin of the fruit, the harvest season, and the extraction method used.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Clementine mandarin peel oil is renowned for its fresh, sweet, and citrusy aroma, reminiscent of the fruit itself. The oil exhibits a bright and uplifting scent profile, with a moderate to high intensity and excellent diffusion properties. It is often described as having a juicy, tangy character with subtle floral undertones. In flavor applications, it provides a zesty and refreshing note, often used to impart a natural citrus taste.

The sensory role of clementine mandarin peel oil is typically as an impact note, providing a burst of freshness and realism to both flavor and fragrance formulations. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its potent aroma suggests that it is effective at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Clementine mandarin peel oil is naturally sourced from the peel of the clementine mandarin fruit, a hybrid between a sweet orange and a mandarin. The oil is obtained through cold pressing or steam distillation of the fruit's peel. This process captures the volatile compounds responsible for the oil's distinctive aroma and flavor.

The oil's natural origin and extraction method qualify it for use in products labeled as containing "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance." Its formation does not involve synthetic processes, aligning with consumer preferences for natural ingredients.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Clementine mandarin peel oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in the beverage, confectionery, and bakery sectors. It is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, citrusy note that enhances the overall flavor profile of a product. The oil functions as both an impact note and a background realism enhancer, providing authenticity to citrus-flavored products.

Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. These values are industry-typical estimates, as precise documentation is limited. The oil is generally stable under acidic conditions but may degrade with prolonged exposure to heat and light, necessitating careful formulation and storage considerations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, clementine mandarin peel oil is used across various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and gourmand. It serves as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and brightness. The oil's volatility makes it ideal for use in products such as perfumes, colognes, and personal care items.

Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, with qualitative use often preferred to maintain the desired scent profile. The oil's role as a modifier and impact note is crucial in creating balanced and appealing fragrances.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

• Limonene: 60-90%
• γ-Terpinene: 5-15%
• Myrcene: 1-5%
• Linalool: 1-3%
• α-Pinene: 1-2%

The composition of clementine mandarin peel oil can vary based on factors such as origin, harvest time, and processing methods. These constituents are typical but not fixed, and variations are common.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

United States

• Flavor Use: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by FEMA.
• Fragrance Use: No specific restrictions noted.

European Union

• Flavor Use: Regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008.
• Fragrance Use: Subject to IFRA standards.

United Kingdom

• Post-Brexit regulations align closely with EU standards.

Asia

• Japan: Permitted for use in flavors and fragrances.
• China and ASEAN: High-level regulatory alignment with international standards.

Latin America

• Brazil and MERCOSUR: Generally permitted, with specific regulations varying by country.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Oral Exposure

Clementine mandarin peel oil is considered safe for oral consumption within the typical use levels in food products. The absence of specific ADI or MSDI values necessitates adherence to industry best practices and regulatory guidelines.

Dermal Exposure

The oil is generally non-irritating and non-sensitizing at typical fragrance concentrations. However, it is subject to IFRA guidelines to prevent potential sensitization.

Inhalation Exposure

As a volatile compound, inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings. Proper ventilation and handling procedures are recommended to minimize risks.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Clementine mandarin peel oil is prized for its vibrant and authentic citrus profile, making it a valuable addition to both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus oils and can enhance the freshness of floral and fruity compositions. Formulators should be mindful of its volatility and potential for oxidation, which can affect stability and shelf life. Overuse can lead to overpowering citrus notes, while underuse may result in a lack of desired impact.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on clementine mandarin peel oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical constituents. However, specific regulatory and toxicological data may be less documented, requiring reliance on industry-typical practices and informed estimates. Known data gaps include precise ppm ranges for certain applications and comprehensive toxicological evaluations.

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 19:50:50 GMT (p2)