FlavScents AInsights Entry: Rose Absolute (Rosa Centifolia) Morocco (CAS: 84604-12-6)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Rose absolute, derived from Rosa centifolia, is a complex natural material commonly used in the fragrance and flavor industries. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents extracted from the petals of the rose. The CAS number for rose absolute is 84604-12-6. While it does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature, it is recognized in various industry references. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory contexts. The composition of rose absolute can vary significantly depending on the origin, harvest time, and extraction method, making it essential to consider these factors when evaluating its properties and applications.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Rose absolute is renowned for its rich, floral aroma, characterized by a deep, sweet, and slightly spicy scent with honey-like undertones. It is highly valued for its intense and long-lasting fragrance, which makes it a staple in perfumery. The odor intensity is high, and it serves as both an impact note and a modifier in fragrance compositions. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, rose absolute is typically used in trace amounts due to its potent aroma. Its sensory role often includes adding depth and complexity to floral accords.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Rose absolute is primarily obtained from the petals of Rosa centifolia, commonly known as the cabbage rose, which is cultivated in regions such as Morocco, Bulgaria, and Turkey. The extraction process involves solvent extraction, which yields a highly concentrated aromatic product. This method preserves the delicate floral notes that are characteristic of rose absolute. The material is considered a "natural fragrance" due to its derivation from plant sources, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products in both flavors and fragrances.

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

4. Use in Flavors

In the flavor industry, rose absolute is used sparingly due to its intense aroma and flavor profile. It is typically incorporated into floral and fruity flavor categories, enhancing products such as confectionery, beverages, and desserts. The functional role of rose absolute in flavor systems is to provide a floral top note that adds complexity and sophistication. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, with variations depending on the desired intensity and product type. Rose absolute is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic environments.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Rose absolute is a cornerstone in the fragrance industry, used extensively in high-end perfumes and personal care products. It belongs to the floral fragrance family and is often used in luxury and niche perfumes. Its functional role includes serving as a primary floral note, a modifier, or an impact note, depending on the formulation. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes are from 0.1% to 5%, with its volatility contributing to both top and middle notes. The material's rich and complex aroma profile makes it a versatile component in creating sophisticated and enduring scents.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

5a. Key Constituents (Typical)

Rose absolute contains a variety of constituents, including phenylethyl alcohol, citronellol, geraniol, and nerol, which contribute to its characteristic aroma. The composition can vary based on factors such as geographic origin and extraction method. These constituents are responsible for the sweet, floral, and slightly spicy notes that define rose absolute. Understanding the typical constituents is crucial for formulators aiming to replicate or enhance specific sensory attributes.

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

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, rose absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 and has an assigned FL number. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit, with minor divergences. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have specific guidelines for natural flavorings, while ASEAN countries have harmonized standards. In Latin America, regulations vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having their own frameworks. Explicit approvals and harmonized assumptions are common, but formulators should be aware of country-specific variations.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

For oral exposure, rose absolute is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances is generally safe, but IFRA guidelines should be consulted to avoid irritation or sensitization. Inhalation exposure is minimal due to its low volatility, but occupational safety measures should be in place 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

Rose absolute is prized for its ability to impart a luxurious and complex floral note to both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, enhancing the overall composition. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can overwhelm other components, and underuse, which may result in a lack of desired impact. Formulators should balance its intensity with complementary ingredients to achieve the desired effect.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on rose absolute is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance contexts. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists due to natural composition differences. Known data gaps include specific numeric thresholds for sensory attributes, which are often estimated based on industry experience.

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 21:29:06 GMT (p2)