FlavScents AInsights Entry: Mimosa Absolute France (CAS: 3/6/31)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Mimosa absolute, derived from the flowers of the Acacia decurrens plant, is a complex natural material rather than a single chemical compound. It is commonly referred to as "mimosa absolute" or "mimosa flower absolute." The CAS number 3/6/31 is a placeholder and should be verified for accuracy. This material does not have a specific FEMA number due to its complex nature. Mimosa absolute is characterized by its rich, floral aroma, which is attributed to a variety of constituents including esters, alcohols, and aldehydes. The composition of mimosa absolute can vary significantly depending on the geographical origin, harvest time, and extraction method.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Mimosa absolute is renowned for its delicate, sweet, and floral aroma with powdery and honey-like nuances. It is often described as having a warm, green, and slightly woody undertone. The intensity of its scent is moderate, making it suitable for use as a heart note in perfumery. While specific odor thresholds are not well-documented, mimosa absolute is typically used to impart a natural floral character and enhance the complexity of fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Mimosa absolute is primarily obtained from the flowers of the Acacia decurrens tree, which is native to Australia but also cultivated in France and other regions. The absolute is produced through solvent extraction of the flower blossoms. Mimosa absolute is considered a natural fragrance material and is often used in products labeled as containing "natural fragrances." The formation of its characteristic aroma is due to the complex interplay of its various constituents, which are naturally present in the flowers.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Mimosa absolute is less commonly used in flavor applications compared to its use in perfumery. When used in flavors, it is typically found in floral or exotic flavor profiles, such as those used in confectionery or specialty beverages. The typical use levels in food are not well-documented, but industry estimates suggest it is used at very low concentrations, often below 1 ppm, to avoid overpowering the flavor profile. Mimosa absolute is relatively stable under normal storage conditions but may degrade under high heat or acidic conditions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, mimosa absolute is highly valued for its unique floral scent and is used in a variety of fragrance families, including floral, oriental, and chypre. It serves as a heart note, providing a soft, powdery floral character that enhances the overall complexity of the fragrance. Typical concentration ranges in perfumes vary from trace amounts to around 1-2%, depending on the desired intensity and character of the fragrance. Mimosa absolute contributes primarily to the middle notes of a fragrance composition.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
Mimosa absolute contains a variety of constituents, including benzyl alcohol, methyl salicylate, and linalool, among others. The exact composition can vary based on factors such as origin and extraction method. These constituents contribute to its characteristic floral and green aroma profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, mimosa absolute is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in fragrances but lacks specific FEMA GRAS status for flavor use. In the European Union, it is regulated under the general provisions for natural flavoring substances (Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008). Post-Brexit, the UK follows similar regulations. In Asia, regulatory status may vary, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural fragrance materials. In Latin America, countries like Brazil may have their own regulations, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
For oral exposure, mimosa absolute is used at very low levels in flavors, minimizing potential toxicity concerns. Dermal exposure in fragrances is more common, and while generally considered safe, it may cause irritation or sensitization in sensitive individuals. IFRA provides guidelines on its safe use in perfumery. Inhalation exposure is primarily relevant in occupational settings, where adequate ventilation and protective measures are recommended to minimize risk.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Mimosa absolute is prized for its ability to impart a natural floral character to both flavors and fragrances. It blends well with other floral and green notes, enhancing the overall complexity of a formulation. Formulators should be cautious of its potential to dominate a blend if used excessively. It is often under-utilized in flavor applications due to its potent aroma and cost considerations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on mimosa absolute is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and use in fragrances. However, there are gaps in documented use levels and regulatory specifics for flavor applications. Industry practices often rely on historical usage and expert judgment due to these gaps.
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
- If complex natural material: includes section 5a
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 2026-06-03 19:38:15 GMT (p2)