FlavScents AInsights Entry for Tagete Oil South Africa (CAS: 8016-84-0)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
Tagete oil, commonly referred to as South African tagete oil, is a natural complex material derived from the Tagetes plant species. It is not a single chemical compound but a mixture of various constituents. The CAS number for tagete oil is 8016-84-0. While it does not have a specific FEMA number, it is recognized in the fragrance and flavor industry for its unique properties. Other identifiers include its FL number and CoE number, which are used in regulatory contexts. The oil is characterized by its complex mixture of terpenes and other aromatic compounds, which contribute to its distinctive scent profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Tagete oil is known for its strong, herbaceous, and slightly fruity aroma with hints of citrus and marigold. It is often described as having a sharp, green, and somewhat pungent scent that can be quite intense. The oil is used as an impact note in both flavors and fragrances, providing a unique character that can enhance the overall sensory experience. The odor threshold for tagete oil is not well-documented, but its potent aroma suggests it is effective even at low concentrations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Tagete oil is primarily obtained from the Tagetes plant, which is native to South Africa and other regions. The oil is extracted through steam distillation of the plant's flowers and leaves. The formation of its characteristic aroma is due to the presence of various terpenes and other volatile compounds, which are naturally occurring in the plant. Tagete oil is often used in products labeled as "natural fragrance" due to its botanical origin.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
In the flavor industry, tagete oil is used to impart a unique, herbaceous note to various products. It is commonly used in savory applications, such as sauces and dressings, as well as in certain beverages. The typical use levels in finished food products range from 0.1 to 5 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the specific application. Tagete oil is relatively stable under normal processing conditions but may degrade under high heat or prolonged exposure to air.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
Tagete oil is utilized in the fragrance industry for its distinctive scent profile, which fits well within the floral and green fragrance families. It is often used in perfumes, soaps, and personal care products as a modifier or impact note. The typical concentration ranges from 0.1% to 1% in fragrance formulations, depending on the desired effect. Due to its volatility, tagete oil is primarily considered a top to middle note in fragrance compositions.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
The key constituents of tagete oil include limonene, ocimene, and tagetone, among others. These compounds contribute to its characteristic aroma and are present in varying concentrations depending on the source and processing method. The composition of tagete oil can vary significantly based on factors such as the plant's growing conditions and the distillation process used.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
In the United States, tagete oil is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in flavors, although specific regulatory approvals may vary. In the European Union, it is subject to regulations under Reg. (EC) No 1334/2008, with specific FL number status. The United Kingdom follows similar regulations post-Brexit. In Asia, regulatory acceptance varies, with Japan and China having specific guidelines for natural flavorings. In Latin America, countries like Brazil and those in MERCOSUR have their own regulatory frameworks, often aligning with international standards.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
Tagete oil's safety profile is generally favorable when used within recommended limits. For oral exposure, the acceptable daily intake (ADI) is not clearly established, but it is used at low levels in food products. Dermal exposure in fragrances may pose a risk of irritation or sensitization, and it is important to adhere to IFRA guidelines. Inhalation exposure is typically low risk due to its use in small quantities, but occupational exposure should be managed with appropriate ventilation.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Tagete oil is valued for its unique aromatic profile, which can enhance both flavors and fragrances. It synergizes well with other floral and citrus notes, providing complexity and depth. Formulators should be cautious of its intensity, as overuse can lead to overpowering scents or flavors. It is often under-utilized in complex formulations where its distinctive character can add a signature touch.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on tagete oil is well-established in terms of its sensory profile and typical uses. However, there are gaps in specific toxicological data and regulatory nuances across different regions. 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
- 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 2026-06-03 18:43:46 GMT (p2)
