FlavScents AInsights Entry: Bergamot Oil (CAS: 8007-75-8)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Bergamot oil, known for its distinctive citrus aroma, is a natural complex material derived from the peel of the Citrus bergamia fruit. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for bergamot oil is 8007-75-8. It is recognized by the FEMA number 2153. Other identifiers include its FL number 09.017 and its CoE number 57. As a complex natural material, bergamot oil does not have a single molecular formula or molecular weight. Its composition can vary significantly depending on the origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Bergamot oil is renowned for its fresh, sweet, and slightly floral citrus aroma, often described as a blend of orange and lemon with subtle floral undertones. It is a top note in perfumery, providing a bright and uplifting scent. The oil's intensity is moderate, with good diffusion properties, making it an excellent impact note in both flavors and fragrances. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, bergamot oil is typically used to impart a refreshing and lively character to formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Bergamot oil is primarily obtained from the peel of the Citrus bergamia fruit, which is cultivated mainly in the Calabria region of Italy. The oil is extracted through cold pressing of the fruit peel. As a natural product, bergamot oil qualifies for "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" designations. The composition of bergamot oil can vary based on factors such as the geographical location of cultivation, climate, and extraction methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Bergamot oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in the beverage industry, where it is a key ingredient in Earl Grey tea. It is also used in confectionery, baked goods, and some alcoholic beverages. The oil acts as a flavor modifier, providing a citrusy and floral note that enhances the overall flavor profile. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 10 to 100 ppm, with variations depending on the specific application and desired intensity. Bergamot oil is relatively stable under acidic conditions but can be prone to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation and storage.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, bergamot oil is a staple in many fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and chypre. It serves as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and brightness. The oil is used in a variety of products, from fine perfumes to personal care items like soaps and lotions. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances are from 0.5% to 3%, depending on the product type and desired scent profile. Bergamot oil's volatility makes it an excellent top note, contributing to the initial impression of a fragrance.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Bergamot oil is composed of several key constituents, including limonene, linalyl acetate, linalool, and bergapten. Limonene contributes to the citrus character, while linalyl acetate and linalool add floral and sweet notes. Bergapten, a furanocoumarin, is known for its phototoxic properties, which can vary based on the oil's origin and processing. The composition of bergamot oil is subject to variation due to factors such as geographical origin and extraction methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, bergamot 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, countries like Japan and China have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards. In Latin America, regulations can vary, with countries like Brazil and MERCOSUR having specific guidelines. It is important to note the presence of bergapten, which may require specific labeling due to its phototoxicity.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Bergamot oil's safety profile varies with its application. For oral exposure, the oil is considered safe within the typical use levels in food, with no specific ADI established. Dermal exposure in fragrances requires caution due to the presence of bergapten, which can cause phototoxic reactions. IFRA provides guidelines on maximum usage levels to mitigate this risk. Inhalation exposure is generally considered safe, but occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent sensitization. The risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, primarily due to the phototoxic potential in topical use.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Bergamot oil is valued for its unique citrus-floral aroma, making it a versatile ingredient in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other citrus oils and floral notes, enhancing the overall complexity of formulations. Common pitfalls include overuse, which can lead to an overpowering scent, and underuse, which may result in a lack of impact. Formulators should be mindful of its phototoxic potential and consider using bergapten-free versions for topical applications.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on bergamot oil is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance applications. Industry practices are well-documented, although some variability exists due to natural composition differences. Known data gaps include specific taste and odor thresholds, which are not consistently reported. Regulatory ambiguities primarily concern the phototoxic components, which require careful consideration in product labeling and formulation.
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 2026-01-21 12:46:51 GMT (p2)
