FlavScents AInsights Entry: Tagete Oil South Africa (CAS: 8016-84-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Tagete oil, commonly referred to as South African tagete oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Tagetes plant species, primarily Tagetes minuta. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for tagete oil is 8016-84-0. 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 FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory contexts. The oil's composition can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Tagete oil is characterized by a strong, herbaceous, and slightly fruity aroma with hints of citrus and a floral undertone. Its intensity is moderate to strong, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The oil is often used to impart a fresh, green character to both flavors and fragrances. While specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, its potent aroma suggests a low threshold. In sensory applications, it serves as both an impact note and a modifier, enhancing the complexity of the overall profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Tagete oil is naturally sourced from the leaves and flowers of the Tagetes plant, particularly Tagetes minuta, which is native to South Africa and other regions. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation. It is considered a natural fragrance and flavor material, aligning with the "natural" designation in many regulatory frameworks. The formation of its characteristic aroma compounds involves enzymatic processes within the plant, which can be influenced by environmental factors.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, tagete oil is used to impart a fresh, green, and slightly fruity note. It is commonly found in herbal and citrus flavor categories. Its functional role includes acting as a top note or a modifier to enhance the freshness and complexity of flavor systems. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 0.5 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. The oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Tagete oil is utilized in various fragrance families, including floral, green, and citrus compositions. It serves as a top note, providing freshness and a unique herbal character. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired impact and product type. The oil's volatility makes it suitable for top and middle note applications, contributing to the initial impression and the heart of the fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The major constituents of tagete oil include limonene, ocimene, and tagetone, among others. These compounds contribute to its characteristic aroma and functional properties. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions and the distillation process. It is important for formulators to verify the specific profile of the oil they are using, as variations can affect the sensory outcome.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, tagete 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 Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with its FL number indicating its status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulatory acceptance varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavor materials. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, tagete oil is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, particularly in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines to mitigate these risks. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to the oil's volatility and typical use concentrations. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with appropriate use levels ensuring safety.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Tagete oil is valued for its ability to impart a fresh, green character to formulations. It synergizes well with citrus and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potent aroma, which can easily dominate a blend if overused. It is often under-utilized in complex fragrance compositions where its unique profile can add depth and interest.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on tagete oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, there are gaps in specific regulatory approvals and toxicological data, which require formulators to rely on industry-typical practices and guidelines. Variability in composition due to natural factors is a known issue, necessitating careful sourcing and verification.
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 2026-09-10 19:05:28 GMT (p2)
