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 chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for lemongrass oil is 2/1/07. It is commonly used in both flavor and fragrance industries due to its distinct lemon-like aroma. Other identifiers include its FEMA number, which is 2627, and its IFRA reference, which provides guidelines for its safe use in fragrances.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Lemongrass oil is characterized by its fresh, lemony, and slightly grassy aroma. It is known for its high intensity and diffusion, making it a prominent impact note in formulations. The oil's flavor profile is similarly citrusy with a hint of earthiness, often used to impart a fresh and zesty note to culinary applications. While specific taste and odor thresholds are not well-documented, its strong sensory impact suggests it is effective even at low concentrations.
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. The composition of lemongrass oil can vary based on factors such as geographic origin, harvest time, and processing methods.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Lemongrass oil is widely used in flavor applications, particularly in Asian cuisine, where it imparts a fresh, citrusy note to dishes. It is commonly used in flavor categories such as beverages, soups, and sauces. Typical use levels in finished food products range from 1 to 20 ppm, with higher concentrations used in more robust flavor systems. The oil is relatively stable under heat but can be prone to oxidation, necessitating careful formulation to maintain its sensory qualities.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In the fragrance industry, lemongrass oil is utilized in various product types, including perfumes, soaps, and household cleaners. It contributes to fragrance families such as citrus and herbal, often serving as a top note due to its high volatility. Typical concentration ranges in fragrance formulations vary, but it is generally used at low levels to provide a fresh, uplifting aroma. Its role as a modifier or impact note is well-recognized, enhancing the overall complexity of fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Lemongrass oil's composition includes several key constituents, such as citral (geranial and neral), which is responsible for its lemon-like aroma. Other significant components include myrcene, citronellal, and geraniol. The relative proportions of these constituents can vary significantly depending on the source and processing conditions, highlighting the importance of understanding the specific profile of the oil being used.
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 Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status. 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, Brazil and MERCOSUR countries have specific guidelines for its use in flavors and fragrances.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Lemongrass 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 low risk. Dermal exposure in fragrance use may pose risks of irritation or sensitization, particularly in sensitive individuals, making adherence to IFRA guidelines crucial. Inhalation exposure is generally low risk due to its volatility, but occupational exposure should be managed to prevent irritation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Lemongrass oil is valued for its vibrant, citrusy aroma, which can enhance both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and herbal notes, providing a fresh top note. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to overpower other components if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in complex blends where its fresh note can add a desirable lift.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on lemongrass oil is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and key constituents. However, industry practices often rely on undocumented experience, especially concerning its use levels and stability considerations. Regulatory ambiguities may exist in certain regions, necessitating careful review of local guidelines.
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 2026-06-01 11:54:22 GMT (p2)
