Tagetes minuta absolute (CAS 8016-84-0) — Green Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Tagetes minuta absolute
CAS 8016-84-0
What Is Tagetes minuta absolute?
Tagetes minuta absolute is a concentrated fragrance material derived from the wild marigold flower. It’s used in perfumes, soaps, and candles for its unique herbal-green character. This ingredient matters because it adds a distinctive wildflower nuance that synthetic materials can’t fully replicate, while also having traditional medicinal uses in its native South America.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Tagetes minuta absolute Smell Like?
Tagetes absolute bursts with an intense green-herbal aroma reminiscent of sun-warmed meadows. The initial impression is sharp and slightly medicinal, like crushed tomato leaves or damp hay. As it evolves, a honeyed floral sweetness emerges, underscored by earthy undertones. The dry-down reveals a persistent musky-animalic facet that adds depth to compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its hyper-realistic tomato leaf effect, creating a revolutionary vegetal freshness in perfumery.
Provides green counterpoint to the lily-of-the-valley bouquet, adding naturalistic complexity.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Tagetes absolute contains over 100 identified compounds, with notable concentrations of ocimenones and tagetones. These irregular monoterpenes are responsible for its characteristic green aroma. The absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of the flowering tops, concentrating both volatile and waxy components. Key constituents include (Z)-β-ocimene, dihydrotagetone, and (E)-tagetenone.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Dark green viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-1% | Up to 2% | Adds naturalistic green accents |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Used in masculine shower gels |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sparingly with citrus top notes to prevent overwhelming the composition.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Synthetic alternative for consistent green-tomato effect without phototoxic concerns.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards (as of 48th Amendment).
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains trace amounts of limonene and linalool which require declaration under EU allergen labeling.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels.
Sustainability
Wild-harvested in South America with increasing cultivation in India and Africa. Yield is relatively low (0.1-0.3% from fresh material), making sustainable farming practices important. Some producers are developing CO2 extraction methods to reduce solvent use.
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References
- Demyttenaere et al. (2003). Flavour Fragr. J. 18: 349-353 Chemical composition study
- IFRA Standards Library Safety guidelines
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 8016-84-0Odor & Flavor
| The oil, obtained by steam distillation in approximately 0.3 to 0.4% yields, with an unpleasant, rancid odor and a peppermint-like undertone. The Indian variety ( T. patula L.) yields an oil similar to that of calendula with an herbaceous, faintly lavender-like odor; this essential oil is not commercially available. The flowers of T. patula L., co-distilled with sandalwood oil, yield the so-called attar genda , a product employed in perfumery in India.📖 Fenaroli |
Regulatory Status
| IFRA Listed | Yes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51 |
| IOFI Classification | Natural📖 Fenaroli |
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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