Hay absolute (CAS 8031-00-3) — Sweet Middle to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Sweet · Balsamic

Hay absolute

CAS 8031-00-3

Origin
natural
Note
Middle to base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Hay absolute?

Hay absolute is a fragrant material derived from dried grasses, often encountered in perfumes and home fragrances. It evokes the warm, sweet scent of sun-dried meadows and barns. This ingredient matters because it adds a nostalgic, pastoral quality to fragrances, connecting wearers to nature and rural memories.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe in regulated products
Potential allergen – check labels
CAS
8031-00-3
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Hay absolute Smell Like?

Hay absolute opens with a warm, sweet, and slightly green aroma, reminiscent of sun-dried grasses and summer fields. The heart reveals a honeyed, coumarin-like sweetness with a hint of tobacco and vanilla. The dry-down is soft, powdery, and slightly woody, evoking the comforting scent of a hayloft at dusk.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Chergui(Serge Lutens, 2001)

Hay absolute adds a warm, sweet, and slightly smoky nuance to this oriental fragrance, enhancing its honeyed tobacco and amber accords.

Dzing!(L’Artisan Parfumeur, 1999)

Hay absolute contributes to the leathery, animalic, and slightly sweet hay-like character of this unique fragrance.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Hay absolute is a complex mixture of natural compounds derived from dried grasses. It contains coumarins, which contribute to its sweet, hay-like aroma, as well as phenolic compounds and aldehydes. The exact composition varies depending on the source and extraction method.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceDark brown viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle to base
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds warmth and sweetness
Home Fragrance2-5%Up to 10%Creates cozy, nostalgic scents

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Tonka = Sweet Hay + Tobacco + Leather = Rustic

Tip: Use hay absolute to add a warm, sweet, and slightly green nuance to fragrances.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Coumarin CAS 91-64-5

Provides a similar sweet, hay-like aroma but lacks the complexity of hay absolute.

2
Tonka Bean Absolute CAS 90028-06-1

Offers a sweeter, more vanilla-like alternative with similar coumarin content.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions apply to hay absolute.

EU Allergen Declaration

None known.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has not conducted a specific safety assessment for hay absolute.

Sustainability

Hay absolute is derived from renewable plant sources, but its production depends on agricultural practices. Sustainable sourcing and extraction methods are important to minimize environmental impact.

Explore Hay absolute

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References

  1. Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.
  2. Bauer, K. et al. (2001). Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials.

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8031-00-3
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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