Lecithins (CAS 8002-43-5) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Green

Lecithins

CAS 8002-43-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
Base
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Lecithins?

Lecithins are natural emulsifiers found in egg yolks, soybeans, and sunflower seeds. They’re commonly encountered in processed foods like chocolate and margarine. Lecithins matter because they stabilize mixtures of oil and water, improving texture and shelf life in countless products.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by FDA
⚠ Potential allergen if derived from soy
CAS
8002-43-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Lecithins Smell Like?

Lecithins have a faint, characteristic odor reminiscent of wet cardboard or stale oil. The scent profile is mild but persistent, with a slightly nutty undertone that becomes more noticeable upon heating. In formulations, it provides a subtle background note that doesn’t overpower other ingredients.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Lecithins are phospholipids composed of choline, fatty acids, glycerol, and phosphoric acid. They occur naturally in animal and plant tissues, with commercial production primarily from soybeans. Industrial synthesis involves solvent extraction and purification. The amphiphilic nature of lecithins makes them excellent emulsifiers.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceViscous liquid to waxy solid
SolubilitySoluble in fats, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Base
Volatility
Low
Blending
Fair
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Food Products0.5-2%Up to 5%Primary emulsifier
Cosmetics1-3%Up to 5%Skin conditioning agent

Classic Accords

Tip: Use lecithin as a natural emulsifier in oil-based fragrance formulations.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Polysorbate 80 CAS 9005-65-6

Synthetic emulsifier with higher stability but less natural appeal.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions apply to lecithins.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers lecithins safe for use in fragrances at current levels.

Sustainability

Soy-derived lecithin is the most common but raises concerns about GMOs and deforestation. Sunflower lecithin offers a more sustainable alternative with similar functionality. Production methods continue to evolve toward greener extraction processes.

Explore Lecithins

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

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References

  1. FDA GRAS Notice for Lecithin GRN No. 366
  2. PubChem Compound Summary for Lecithin CID 5287971

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

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Perfumer’s Notes

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8002-43-5
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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