FlavScents AInsights Entry: Lemongrass Oil (CAS: 2/1/07)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Lemongrass oil is a natural complex material derived from the leaves and stalks of the lemongrass plant, primarily Cymbopogon citratus and Cymbopogon flexuosus. It is not a single compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for lemongrass oil is 2/1/07. It does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Other identifiers include its use in IFRA standards and its recognition in various regulatory frameworks. The oil is characterized by its high content of citral, a key aldehyde contributing to its lemon-like aroma.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Lemongrass oil is renowned for its fresh, lemony, and slightly grassy aroma. The primary odor descriptors include citrus, herbal, and green notes, with a moderate to high intensity and good diffusion. It is often used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a bright and uplifting character. The taste threshold for citral, its main component, is relatively low, making it effective in small quantities.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Lemongrass oil is naturally sourced from the lemongrass plant, which is native to tropical regions of Asia and Africa. The oil is typically extracted through steam distillation of the plant's leaves and stalks. Its designation as a "natural flavor" or "natural fragrance" is supported by its direct derivation from plant material without synthetic modification.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In flavor applications, lemongrass oil is used across various categories, including beverages, confectionery, and savory products. It serves as a flavor enhancer and provides a citrusy, fresh note. Typical use levels in finished products range from 1 to 20 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and product type. The oil is relatively stable under acidic conditions but can degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Lemongrass oil is utilized in fragrance formulations for its bright, citrusy aroma. It is commonly found in the citrus and herbal fragrance families and is used in products such as soaps, detergents, and perfumes. The oil acts as a top note due to its high volatility, with typical concentrations ranging from 0.1% to 2% in formulations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Lemongrass oil's composition includes major constituents such as citral (geranial and neral), myrcene, and citronellal. The concentration of these components can vary based on the plant's origin, harvest time, and processing methods. Citral is the most significant component, contributing to the oil's characteristic lemon scent.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, lemongrass oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use by FEMA. In the European Union, it is regulated under EC No 1334/2008, with specific FL numbers assigned to its constituents. The UK follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, countries like Japan and China have their own standards, often aligning with international guidelines. In Latin America, regulations vary, with Brazil and MERCOSUR countries having specific requirements for natural flavorings.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, lemongrass oil is considered safe at typical flavor use levels, with an acceptable daily intake (ADI) not specifically established but generally recognized as safe. Dermal exposure in fragrances 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 due to its volatility.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Lemongrass oil is valued for its vibrant citrus aroma and versatility in both flavor and fragrance applications. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes but can overpower delicate compositions if overused. Formulators should be cautious of its volatility and potential for oxidation, which can alter its sensory profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on lemongrass oil is well-established, with extensive documentation in both flavor and fragrance contexts. While industry practices are generally consistent, some variability exists due to natural composition differences. Regulatory ambiguities are minimal, but formulators should verify compliance with regional standards.
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 2026-09-15 21:15:21 GMT (p2)
