Lemongrass oil terpenes (CAS 72869-82-0) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Lemongrass oil terpenes
CAS 72869-82-0
What Is Lemongrass oil terpenes?
Lemongrass oil terpenes are natural compounds found in lemongrass oil, commonly encountered in aromatherapy, perfumes, and cleaning products. They give a fresh, citrusy scent that’s uplifting and energizing. These terpenes matter because they provide natural fragrance alternatives and have been studied for potential therapeutic benefits, though their use requires proper dilution to avoid skin sensitivity.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Lemongrass oil terpenes Smell Like?
Lemongrass oil terpenes burst with a bright, lemony top note that’s sharper than actual lemons, with a green, grassy undertone. As it dries down, the scent evolves into a warmer, earthy aroma with hints of ginger-like spice. The overall effect is like walking through a tropical garden after rain – vibrant, clean, and slightly medicinal.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Lemongrass terpenes provide the zesty opening that complements the citrus and herbal notes, creating a refreshing cologne accord.
Used to enhance the green, vegetal aspects of the fragrance, giving an impression of crushed leaves by the riverside.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Lemongrass oil terpenes primarily consist of citral (a mix of geranial and neral), along with limonene, myrcene, and other monoterpenes. These compounds are extracted through steam distillation of Cymbopogon grasses. The ratio of isomers affects the odor profile – higher neral content gives a sweeter scent, while geranial is more lemon-like.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | 198-229 °C |
|---|---|
| Density | 0.89-0.91 g/cm³ |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Used for fresh citrusy openings |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 3% | In soaps and detergents for clean scent |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with citrus oils to enhance freshness or with woody notes to ground the sharpness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When you need a more standardized lemon scent without the green nuances of lemongrass.
Provides similar lemony notes but with a fruitier, more floral character.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No specific restrictions, but citral content may require labeling in some formulations.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains citral which is listed as an EU allergen when present above 0.001% in leave-on products.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated citral (major component) and established safe use levels.
Sustainability
Lemongrass is a fast-growing, renewable resource. Most commercial production comes from sustainable farms in tropical regions. Steam distillation is energy-intensive but produces no chemical waste. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the complexity of natural extracts.
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References
- PubChem Compound Summary for Citral CID 638011
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 72869-82-0Physical 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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