FlavScents AInsights Entry: Bergamot Oil Ivory Coast (CAS: 8007-75-8)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Bergamot oil from the Ivory Coast is a natural complex material, primarily derived from the peel of the Citrus bergamia fruit. It is classified under CAS number 8007-75-8. This essential oil does not have a single IUPAC name due to its complex nature. It is recognized by FEMA number 2153 and is often referenced in fragrance and flavor formulations. The oil is composed of various constituents, including limonene, linalyl acetate, and linalool, which contribute to its characteristic aroma and flavor profile. The composition of bergamot oil can vary significantly based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and extraction method.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Bergamot oil is renowned for its fresh, citrusy aroma with floral undertones. It is often described as having a sweet, fruity, and slightly spicy scent. The oil's flavor profile is similarly complex, offering a citrusy taste with a hint of bitterness. The intensity of bergamot oil is moderate, making it suitable for both impact notes and background realism in formulations. Its diffusion is relatively high, allowing it to impart a noticeable fragrance or flavor even at low concentrations.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Bergamot oil is naturally sourced from the peel of the Citrus bergamia fruit, primarily cultivated in the Ivory Coast, Italy, and other Mediterranean regions. The oil is extracted through cold pressing, a method that preserves its volatile compounds. Bergamot oil is often used in products labeled as "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" due to its natural origin and extraction process. The formation of its characteristic aroma is attributed to the complex interplay of its constituents, which are naturally occurring in the fruit peel.

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 sauces. The oil serves as both an impact note and a modifier, enhancing the overall flavor profile of products. Typical use levels in finished food or beverages range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity. Bergamot oil is relatively stable under acidic conditions but can degrade under prolonged heat exposure or in the presence of light and oxygen.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

In the fragrance industry, bergamot oil is a staple in the creation of colognes and perfumes, particularly within the citrus and floral fragrance families. It acts as a top note, providing an initial burst of freshness and brightness. Typical concentration ranges in fragrances vary from 0.1% to 3%, depending on the formulation. Bergamot oil's volatility makes it an excellent choice for top notes, 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 (30-40%)
• Linalyl acetate (20-30%)
• Linalool (10-15%)
• Bergapten (0.3-0.4%)
• Other minor components such as nerol and geraniol

The composition of bergamot oil can vary based on factors such as 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, bergamot oil is recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FEMA for flavor use. 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 specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances. In Latin America, regulatory frameworks such as those in Brazil and MERCOSUR recognize bergamot oil for its traditional use in flavors and fragrances.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Bergamot oil's safety profile varies with its application. For oral exposure in flavor use, it is considered safe within the typical use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not clearly reported but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrance use requires caution due to potential phototoxicity, primarily attributed to bergapten. IFRA provides guidelines to limit its concentration in leave-on skin products. Inhalation exposure is generally considered safe at typical fragrance concentrations, though occupational exposure should be monitored to prevent sensitization.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Bergamot oil is valued for its unique ability to blend well with other citrus and floral notes, enhancing both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes particularly well with lavender, neroli, and jasmine. Formulators should be cautious of its phototoxic potential in skincare products and consider using bergapten-free versions. Overuse can lead to overpowering citrus notes, while underuse may result in a lack of freshness.

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, though some variability exists due to natural composition differences. Regulatory guidelines are generally harmonized, but formulators should verify specific regional requirements.

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 2026-07-08 07:08:49 GMT (p2)