FlavScents AInsights Entry for Farnesol (CAS: 4602-84-0)

1. Identity & Chemical Information

Farnesol is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene alcohol with the IUPAC name 3,7,11-Trimethyl-2,6,10-dodecatrien-1-ol. It is identified by the CAS number 4602-84-0 and has a molecular formula of C15H26O, with a molecular weight of 222.37 g/mol. Farnesol is characterized by its linear structure with three double bonds, which contributes to its role in fragrance and flavor applications. The presence of the alcohol functional group is significant for its odor profile, imparting a floral and sweet aroma. Farnesol is also recognized by FEMA number 2470.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA

2. Sensory Profile

Farnesol is known for its delicate floral aroma, often described as sweet, fresh, and slightly citrusy. It is commonly used as a modifier in fragrance compositions to enhance floral notes and add a touch of freshness. The odor intensity of farnesol is moderate, making it suitable for use as a background note that supports other more dominant scents. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not widely documented, farnesol's role as a subtle enhancer suggests it is used in low concentrations to avoid overpowering other components.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature

3. Natural Occurrence & Formation

Farnesol is found in a variety of essential oils, including those of citronella, lemongrass, and rose. It is also present in the oils of several fruits and herbs. Farnesol is biosynthesized in plants via the mevalonate pathway, where it serves as a precursor to other sesquiterpenes and terpenoids. Its presence in natural sources qualifies it for use in products labeled as containing "natural flavors" or "natural fragrances."

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

4. Use in Flavors

In flavor applications, farnesol is used to impart a subtle floral note, often enhancing the complexity of fruit and floral flavors. It is typically employed in flavor categories such as citrus, floral, and herbal. The use levels of farnesol in finished food or beverages are generally low, often ranging from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Farnesol is relatively stable under typical food processing conditions, but care should be taken to avoid excessive heat and oxidation, which can degrade its aromatic qualities.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature

5. Use in Fragrances

Farnesol is a versatile component in fragrance formulations, contributing to floral, citrus, and woody fragrance families. It is often used as a modifier or a trace realism note, enhancing the naturalness of floral bouquets. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes and personal care products vary from 0.1% to 1%, depending on the desired effect and product type. Farnesol's volatility places it in the middle note category, where it provides a lasting floral character without dominating the fragrance profile.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts

6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)

In the United States, farnesol is recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by FEMA for flavor use. In the European Union, it is listed under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 with an assigned FL number. The regulatory status in the United Kingdom aligns with the EU post-Brexit. In Asia, farnesol is approved for use in Japan and China, with specific regulations varying by country. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and members of MERCOSUR have harmonized regulations that generally permit its use in flavors and fragrances, subject to concentration limits.

Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications

7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations

Farnesol's safety profile is well-documented, with low toxicity reported in oral exposure scenarios. It has an acceptable daily intake (ADI) established by regulatory bodies, ensuring safe consumption levels in food applications. Dermal exposure in fragrance use is generally safe, although farnesol can cause mild irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals, leading to its inclusion in IFRA standards for restricted use in certain products. Inhalation exposure is considered low risk due to its moderate volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent sensitization.

Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature

8. Practical Insights for Formulators

Farnesol is valued for its ability to enhance and modify floral and citrus notes in both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other terpenes and floral compounds, providing depth and complexity. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower delicate compositions if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in formulations seeking a natural profile, where its subtlety can be an asset.

Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice

9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes

The data on farnesol is robust, with well-established sensory and safety profiles supported by extensive literature. Industry practices are well-documented, though some variability exists in regulatory interpretations across regions. Known data gaps are minimal, primarily related to specific sensory thresholds, which are often addressed through empirical formulation testing.

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

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 2026-07-02 13:19:54 GMT (p2)