FlavScents AInsights Entry for Rosemary Oil (CAS: 8000-25-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Rosemary oil is a natural complex material derived from the leaves of Rosmarinus officinalis. It is commonly known as rosemary essential oil and is identified by the CAS number 8000-25-7. As a complex mixture, it does not have a single molecular formula or molecular weight. The oil is characterized by its rich composition of terpenes, including cineole, camphor, and alpha-pinene, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and functional properties in flavor and fragrance applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Rosemary oil is renowned for its fresh, herbaceous, and slightly woody aroma with a camphoraceous undertone. It is often described as having a strong, penetrating scent with moderate diffusion. In flavor applications, it imparts a warm, slightly bitter taste with a hint of pine and mint. The oil serves as both an impact note and a background modifier, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Rosemary oil is naturally sourced from the leaves of the rosemary plant, Rosmarinus officinalis, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The oil is typically obtained through steam distillation. Its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is supported by its direct extraction from plant material without synthetic modification.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, rosemary oil is used across various categories, including savory foods, meats, and baked goods. It functions as a flavor enhancer and a natural preservative due to its antioxidant properties. Typical use levels in food range from 5 to 50 ppm, with higher concentrations potentially imparting a more pronounced herbal note. The oil is stable under heat but may oxidize over time, affecting its sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Rosemary oil is a versatile component in fragrance formulations, commonly used in fougère, chypre, and herbal fragrance families. It acts as a top to middle note, providing freshness and complexity. Typical concentrations in perfumes range from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired intensity and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for use in both personal care products and household cleaners.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The primary constituents of rosemary oil include 1,8-cineole, camphor, alpha-pinene, and borneol. These compounds contribute to its characteristic aroma and functional properties. The composition of rosemary oil can vary significantly based on geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, rosemary oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. In the European Union, it is approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for use in food and beverages. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, rosemary oil is accepted in Japan and China, with specific use guidelines. In Latin America, countries like Brazil recognize its use under MERCOSUR regulations. Variability in regulatory acceptance may exist, necessitating verification for specific applications.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, rosemary oil is considered safe within established use levels, with no specific ADI or MSDI reported. Dermal exposure in fragrance applications may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, and it is subject to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but occupational safety measures should be observed during handling. The risk profile is consistent across food and fragrance applications, with no significant differences noted.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Rosemary oil is valued for its robust aroma and natural preservative qualities. It synergizes well with citrus and spice notes, enhancing freshness and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its strong odor, which can dominate blends if overused. It is often underutilized in sweet applications, where it can add unique depth.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on rosemary oil is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance contexts. Industry practices are generally consistent, though specific use levels may vary. Some regulatory ambiguities exist in emerging markets, highlighting the need for ongoing 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 2026-09-11 17:46:32 GMT (p2)
