AInsights Entry for Bergamot Oil Terpeneless (CAS: 71949-33-2)
1. Identity & Chemical Information
- Common Name(s): Bergamot Oil Terpeneless
- CAS Number: 71949-33-2
- FEMA Number: Not available
- Other Identifiers: Not available
- Material Type: Natural complex material derived from bergamot oil with terpenes removed
- Source: Derived from the peel of Citrus bergamia
- Key Characteristics: As a terpeneless oil, it is primarily composed of oxygenated compounds, which contribute to its fragrance profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; PubChem; FEMA
2. Sensory Profile
Bergamot oil terpeneless is characterized by its fresh, citrusy, and slightly floral aroma. It is less volatile than regular bergamot oil due to the removal of terpenes, which enhances its stability and longevity in formulations. The oil is often used as a top note in perfumery, providing a bright and uplifting scent. The intensity is moderate, with a diffusion that allows it to blend well with other citrus and floral notes.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed sensory literature
3. Natural Occurrence & Formation
Bergamot oil is naturally sourced from the peel of the bergamot orange (Citrus bergamia), primarily grown in the Calabria region of Italy. The terpeneless variant is produced by removing terpenes through distillation or solvent extraction, which concentrates the oxygenated compounds responsible for its characteristic aroma. This process enhances its suitability for use in "natural fragrance" applications due to its stable and consistent profile.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; food chemistry literature; EFSA/JECFA monographs
4. Use in Flavors
Bergamot oil terpeneless is used in flavor applications to impart a citrusy, slightly floral note. It is commonly found in tea flavorings, particularly Earl Grey, as well as in confectionery and beverages. Typical use levels in food range from 5 to 50 ppm, depending on the desired intensity and the matrix of the product. The oil is stable under acidic conditions but may degrade under high heat, necessitating careful formulation considerations.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; FEMA GRAS documentation; formulation literature
5. Use in Fragrances
In perfumery, bergamot oil terpeneless is valued for its ability to provide a fresh, citrusy top note with enhanced stability. It is used in a variety of fragrance families, including citrus, floral, and chypre. Typical concentrations range from 0.1% to 3% in finished products, depending on the desired impact. Its reduced volatility compared to regular bergamot oil makes it suitable for use in both fine fragrances and personal care products.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; IFRA; fragrance chemistry texts
5a. Key Constituents (Typical)
- Linalyl acetate
- Linalool
- Bergapten (furocoumarin)
- Citral
- Geraniol
Note: Composition varies by origin, harvest, and processing.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; peer-reviewed literature; authoritative industry references
6. Regulatory Status (Regional Overview)
- United States: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for flavor use; no specific restrictions for fragrance use.
- European Union: Approved under Regulation (EC) No 1334/2008 for flavor use; IFRA standards apply for fragrance use.
- United Kingdom: Aligns with EU regulations post-Brexit.
- Asia: Varies by country; generally accepted in Japan and China with specific labeling requirements.
- Latin America: Accepted in Brazil and MERCOSUR countries with adherence to local regulations.
Citation hooks: FEMA; EFSA; national authority publications
7. Toxicology, Safety & Exposure Considerations
- Oral Exposure: Generally considered safe at typical flavor use levels; no specific ADI established.
- Dermal Exposure: Potential for skin sensitization due to furocoumarins; IFRA standards recommend restrictions in leave-on products.
- Inhalation Exposure: Low volatility reduces inhalation risk; suitable for use in ambient fragrance applications.
Risk profiles differ between food and fragrance applications, with dermal exposure requiring more stringent controls.
Citation hooks: EFSA; FEMA; PubChem; toxicology literature
8. Practical Insights for Formulators
Bergamot oil terpeneless is prized for its stable, citrusy aroma that enhances both flavor and fragrance formulations. It synergizes well with other citrus and floral notes, providing a bright top note. Formulators should be cautious of its potential for skin sensitization and adhere to IFRA guidelines. It is often under-used in non-citrus applications where its fresh note can add unexpected brightness.
Citation hooks: FlavScents; industry practice
9. Confidence & Data Quality Notes
The data on bergamot oil terpeneless is well-established, particularly regarding its sensory profile and regulatory status. However, industry practices regarding its use levels and safety considerations are often based on typical formulations rather than specific studies. Known data gaps include detailed toxicological studies specific to the terpeneless variant.
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 2026-06-05 14:54:07 GMT (p2)