Elder flower absolute (CAS 68916-55-2) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Elder flower absolute
CAS 68916-55-2
What Is Elder flower absolute?
Elder flower absolute is a luxurious natural extract from the blossoms of the Sambucus nigra plant, often encountered in high-end perfumes and skincare products. Its delicate floral aroma makes it a favorite for spring and summer fragrances. This ingredient matters because it adds a unique, honeyed floralcy that’s both nostalgic and sophisticated, evoking meadows and European countryside gardens in premium formulations.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Elder flower absolute Smell Like?
Elder flower absolute unfolds with an initial burst of fresh, slightly green floralcy reminiscent of lily-of-the-valley meets pear blossoms. The heart reveals a honeyed sweetness with nuances of ripe lychee and chamomile tea. As it dries down, it develops a delicate musky-powdery trail with whispers of hay and faint almond-like undertones. The overall effect is like walking through a sun-dappled elderflower grove in early summer, where floral, fruity, and slightly herbaceous elements dance together.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its honeyed floralcy to soften the citrus cologne structure, adding a delicate countryside charm to this historic fragrance.
Provides a dewy floral accent that mimics the freshness of flowers after rain, complementing the aquatic ginger accord.
Showcases the absolute as a star ingredient, capturing the essence of English summer gardens with its sweet floralcy.
Used alongside lilac to create a hyper-realistic spring floral with subtle honeyed nuances in this Olivier Cresp creation.
Blends elderflower with rose and violet to create a powdery yet fresh floral bouquet with a delicate fruity edge.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Elder flower absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of Sambucus nigra flowers, yielding a complex mixture of aromatic compounds. Key constituents include phenylacetaldehyde (honey-like), linalool (floral), and various terpenoids. The absolute contains trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides naturally present in the plant, though these are below safety thresholds in fragrance use. Modern extraction methods using hexane or supercritical CO2 help preserve the delicate volatile compounds that give elder flower its characteristic scent profile.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Viscous yellow-brown liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, oils; insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds floralcy without heaviness |
| Body Care | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Skin-safe at low concentrations |
| Candles | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Performs well in wax |
| Soap | 0.3-1% | Up to 2% | May fade slightly in cold process |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use with citrus top notes to prevent the floralcy from becoming too powdery in the drydown.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar honeyed floralcy with more green facets when a slightly sharper floral note is desired.
Provides comparable powdery floral character with additional violet-leaf nuances for more complex bouquets.
Delivers an intense orange blossom-like floralcy when a more tropical direction is needed.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Listed in IFRA Transparency List under Sambucus nigra flower extract.
EU Allergen Declaration
None declared under EU Cosmetics Regulation No 1223/2009.
RIFM Assessment
Considered safe as used in current fragrance practices according to RIFM assessments of similar floral absolutes.
Sustainability
Elder flowers are typically wild-harvested or grown in sustainable agroforestry systems across Europe. The absolute requires large quantities of flowers (approximately 1000kg per 1kg of absolute), making it relatively expensive but environmentally low-impact. Some producers are developing organic certification programs to ensure sustainable wildcrafting practices that protect native elder populations.
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References
- Buchbauer G. (2010). Handbook of Essential Oils: Science, Technology, and Applications. CRC Press. ISBN 9780367389933
- EU CosIng Database – Sambucus nigra flower extract EC No 283-259-7
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68916-55-2Physical 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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