FlavScents AInsights Entry for Phloretin (CAS: 60-82-2)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

• Common Name(s): Phloretin
• IUPAC Name: 3-(4-Hydroxyphenyl)-1-(2,4,6-trihydroxyphenyl)propan-1-one
• CAS Number: 60-82-2
• FEMA Number: Not applicable
• Other Identifiers: FL number not available; CoE number not available; IFRA reference not applicable
• Molecular Formula: C15H14O5
• Molecular Weight: 274.27 g/mol

Phloretin is a dihydrochalcone, a type of polyphenolic compound. Its structure includes multiple hydroxyl groups, which contribute to its antioxidant properties. The presence of these functional groups is also relevant to its potential odor and flavor characteristics, although phloretin is primarily recognized for its health-related benefits rather than its sensory attributes.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Phloretin is not typically used for its sensory properties in flavors or fragrances. It does not have a significant odor or flavor profile that contributes to its use in these industries. Instead, its role is more aligned with its functional properties, such as its antioxidant capacity. As such, specific odor and flavor descriptors, as well as taste and odor thresholds, are not well-documented for phloretin.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Phloretin is naturally found in apple tree leaves and the bark of apple trees (Malus species). It is a product of the hydrolysis of phloridzin, another dihydrochalcone found in apples. This compound is relevant to the designation of "natural flavor" due to its occurrence in natural sources, although its direct use in flavor formulations is limited.

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

4. Use in Flavors

Phloretin is not commonly used as a flavoring agent due to its lack of distinct sensory characteristics. However, its antioxidant properties can be beneficial in flavor systems to enhance the stability of other flavor compounds. Typical use levels in food and beverages are not well-documented, and its application is more likely to be as a functional ingredient rather than a flavoring agent.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Phloretin is not typically used in fragrance formulations. Its lack of a significant odor profile limits its application in this area. Instead, its potential use in personal care products may be attributed to its antioxidant properties, which can contribute to skin health rather than fragrance.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

• United States: Phloretin is not specifically listed as a GRAS substance by FEMA for flavor use. Its use in dietary supplements and cosmetics is more common.
• European Union: Not specifically listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use.
• United Kingdom: Follows EU regulations post-Brexit, with no specific divergence noted for phloretin.
• Asia: Limited specific regulatory information available; generally considered safe in cosmetics.
• Latin America: Specific regulatory status not well-documented; typically follows international safety assessments.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Phloretin is considered safe for use in dietary supplements and cosmetics, with a focus on its antioxidant properties.

• Oral Exposure: No specific ADI or MSDI values are established for phloretin in flavor use. It is generally recognized as safe in dietary supplements.
• Dermal Exposure: Phloretin is used in cosmetic formulations for its antioxidant benefits, with no significant reports of irritation or sensitization.
• Inhalation Exposure: Not typically relevant due to its limited volatility and use in fragrance applications.

Overall, phloretin's safety profile is favorable, with low toxicity reported in available literature.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Phloretin is valued for its antioxidant properties, which can enhance the stability of formulations. It is often used in conjunction with other antioxidants to provide synergistic effects. Formulators should be aware of its limited sensory impact and focus on its functional benefits. Overuse is unlikely due to its lack of sensory contribution, but underutilization may occur if its antioxidant potential is not fully leveraged.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on phloretin is well-established in terms of its chemical identity and antioxidant properties. However, its use in flavors and fragrances is limited, leading to gaps in sensory and regulatory data specific to these applications. Industry practices often rely on its functional benefits rather than sensory attributes.

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 (not applicable for phloretin)
• Toxicology section covers oral, dermal, inhalation
• Regulatory section mentions US, EU, UK, Asia, Latin America
• If complex natural material: includes section 5a (not applicable for phloretin)

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 2026-01-20 17:49:52 GMT (p2)