Deertongue leaf absolute (CAS 68606-82-6) — Balsamic Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Balsamic · Sweet

Deertongue leaf absolute

CAS 68606-82-6

Origin
natural
Note
Middle
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Deertongue leaf absolute?

Deertongue leaf absolute is a rare botanical extract obtained from the leaves of the deertongue plant (Carphephorus odoratissimus). You’ll encounter its warm, herbaceous aroma in niche perfumes and natural fragrance blends. This unique material has been prized since the 19th century for its coumarin-like scent profile that develops beautifully on skin.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No major restrictions in current IFRA standards
⚠ Contains natural coumarin derivatives
CAS
68606-82-6
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Balsamic · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Deertongue leaf absolute Smell Like?

Deertongue absolute unfolds with an initial burst of sun-warmed hay and dried herbs – imagine crushed leaves releasing their summer essence. The heart reveals a complex dance between sweet vanilla-like coumarin and earthy tobacco undertones. As it dries down, it develops a creamy, almost powdery texture reminiscent of antique linens stored with dried lavender. The dryout maintains remarkable tenacity for a botanical material, leaving a delicate trail of honeyed wood and tonka-like sweetness.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Jicky(Guerlain, 1889)

Used for its animalic coumarin facets that bridge the lavender top to vanilla base, creating perfume history’s first true fougère structure.

English Oak & Hazelnut(Jo Malone, 2017)

Provides a nutty, hay-like depth to the woody accord, enhancing the hazelnut illusion with natural coumarinic warmth.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Deertongue absolute contains a complex mixture of coumarin derivatives (including 6,7-dihydroxycoumarin), sesquiterpenes, and phenolic compounds. The characteristic scent comes primarily from the oxidative transformation of these precursors during extraction. Traditional methods involve ethanol washing of the dried leaves followed by solvent extraction, concentrating the aromatic principles while removing chlorophyll.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceDark green viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol, fixed oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Used as coumarin modifier
Natural Perfumery1-3%Up to 5%Key material for fougères

Classic Accords

Tip: Age this absolute for 6 months to develop fuller coumarin character before use.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Tonka Bean Absolute CAS 8024-05-3

For stronger coumarin presence when regulatory limits allow higher concentrations in formulas.

2
Sweet Clover Absolute CAS 90028-41-6

Provides similar hay-like coumarinic notes with more floral undertones.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

Not specifically restricted, but coumarin content falls under IFRA Standard 48 (max 3.9% in leave-on products).

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers deertongue absolute safe at current use levels based on coumarin content analysis.

Sustainability

Wild-harvested in limited quantities from southeastern US habitats. Sustainable sourcing initiatives focus on controlled cultivation to protect native populations. The labor-intensive production (requiring ~100kg leaves per kg absolute) makes this a precious material best used strategically in formulations.

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References

  1. Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.
  2. Guenther, E. (1948). The Essential Oils Volume V.

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68606-82-6
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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