Passionflower extract (CAS 854535-37-8) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Floral · Green

Passionflower extract

CAS 854535-37-8

Origin
natural
Note
Heart
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Passionflower extract?

Passionflower extract is derived from the vibrant tropical Passiflora plant, often encountered in herbal teas and natural wellness products. Its delicate floral scent makes it popular in aromatherapy and natural perfumery. This ingredient matters because it offers a unique bridge between floral and green fragrance profiles, providing a calming, slightly fruity aroma that’s distinct from common European florals. Many associate its scent with relaxation and tropical environments.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No significant restrictions in fragrance use
⚠ Always verify extract processing methods
CAS
854535-37-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Floral · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Passionflower extract Smell Like?

Passionflower extract opens with a delicate burst of green floralcy, reminiscent of crushed lily petals with a subtle cucumber-like freshness. As it evolves, a soft honeyed undertone emerges, like wildflower nectar warmed in sunlight. The dry-down reveals a whisper of ripe tropical fruit – think golden guava skins rather than candy-like sweetness. Unlike heavier florals, it maintains an airy quality throughout, with a faint herbal edge that prevents cloying. The overall effect is like walking through a tropical greenhouse at dawn, where dew-kissed blossoms mingle with tender young leaves.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Un Jardin Après la Mousson(Hermès, 2008)

Jean-Claude Ellena used passionflower to capture the freshness of tropical vegetation after rain, blending it with cardamom and coriander for a dewy, vegetal floral effect.

Passiflora(Comme des Garçons, 2014)

This fragrance amplifies passionflower’s green facets with galbanum and pepper, creating an unusually crisp interpretation of tropical florals.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Passionflower extract contains a complex mixture of flavonoids (vitexin, isovitexin), alkaloids (harman, harmine), and phenolic compounds. The fragrance-relevant components include trace amounts of linalool and benzyl alcohol. Modern extraction typically uses supercritical CO2 or ethanol to preserve volatile aromatics. Unlike synthetic recreations, the natural extract contains chiral compounds that contribute to its nuanced scent profile. The delicate top notes are easily lost during processing, requiring careful temperature control.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceGolden to dark green viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, partially in oil

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Heart
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good with green and citrus notes
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used for natural floralcy
Body Care0.1-1%Up to 3%Adds subtle complexity

Classic Accords

+ Grapefruit + Jasmine = Tropical floral + Basil + Lime = Green cocktail

Tip: Stabilize with antioxidants to prevent discoloration in alcohol bases.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Passiflora Alata Extract CAS 223748-84-5

From a different Passiflora species with more pronounced fruity notes, useful when brighter top notes are desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions. Listed as safe for use in current 51st Amendment.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers passionflower extract safe at current usage levels based on existing data.

Sustainability

Passionflower is typically wild-harvested or grown on small farms in tropical regions. Sustainable sourcing requires attention to biodiversity impacts, as some Passiflora species are keystone plants for local ecosystems. CO2 extraction methods have lower environmental impact than traditional solvent extraction. The plant’s rapid growth makes it renewable, but overharvesting can threaten certain varieties.

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References

  1. Dhawan K. et al. (2004). Passiflora: A review update. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. PMID 15182917

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 854535-37-8
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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