FlavScents AInsights Entry: Bergamot Mint Herb Oil (CAS: 68917-15-7)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Bergamot mint herb oil, also known as Mentha citrata oil, is a natural complex material derived from the leaves of the Mentha citrata plant. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for bergamot mint herb oil is 68917-15-7. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in the fragrance and flavor industry for its unique profile. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory contexts. As a complex natural material, it does not have a single molecular formula or molecular weight. The composition of bergamot mint herb oil can vary significantly depending on the origin, harvest, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Bergamot mint herb oil is characterized by its fresh, citrusy, and slightly floral aroma, reminiscent of both bergamot and mint. It has a moderate intensity and a refreshing diffusion, making it a popular choice in both flavor and fragrance applications. The oil is often used as an impact note due to its distinctive scent profile. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its sensory role is typically as a top note in fragrance compositions and as a flavor enhancer in culinary applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Bergamot mint herb oil is naturally sourced from the Mentha citrata plant, commonly known as bergamot mint or eau de cologne mint. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's leaves. It is considered a natural flavor and fragrance material, aligning with consumer preferences for natural products. The formation of its characteristic aroma is primarily due to the presence of linalool and linalyl acetate, which are common in many mint and citrus oils.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, bergamot mint herb oil is used in a variety of categories, including beverages, confectionery, and culinary dishes. It serves as a flavor enhancer and provides a fresh, citrusy note that complements other flavors. Typical use levels in finished food or beverage products range from 5 to 50 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. The oil is relatively stable under normal conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions, which should be considered during formulation.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Bergamot mint herb oil is utilized in various fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and herbal compositions. It acts as a top note, providing freshness and brightness to the fragrance. The oil is often used in personal care products, perfumes, and household items. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations are from 0.1% to 2%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Its volatility makes it suitable for top note applications, contributing to the initial impression of the fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of bergamot mint herb oil include linalool, linalyl acetate, and limonene. These components are responsible for its characteristic aroma and contribute to its sensory properties. The composition of the oil can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method, which should be considered when sourcing the material.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, bergamot mint herb oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use 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. In Asia, including Japan and China, and in Latin America, such as Brazil and MERCOSUR, the oil is subject to regional flavor and fragrance regulations, which may vary. It is important to verify specific approvals and restrictions in each market.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, bergamot mint herb 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 due to its linalool content, which is addressed by IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk, but occupational safety measures should be in place during handling. The risk profiles for food and fragrance applications are similar, with primary concerns related to dermal exposure.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Bergamot mint herb oil is valued for its unique combination of citrus and mint notes, making it versatile in both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal ingredients. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for degradation under certain conditions. It is often under-used in complex fragrance compositions where its fresh top note can enhance the overall profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on bergamot mint herb oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical applications. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data and regional regulatory nuances. Industry practices often rely on historical use and expert judgment, particularly in fragrance formulations.
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 2026-02-26 16:12:22 GMT (p2)