Frangipani absolute (CAS 94350-02-04) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Frangipani absolute
CAS 94350-02-04
What Is Frangipani absolute?
Frangipani absolute is a luxurious floral extract derived from the blossoms of tropical Plumeria trees. People encounter its intoxicating scent in high-end perfumes, spa products, and tropical-scented candles. This ingredient matters because it captures the essence of exotic locales, offering a rich, creamy floral note that’s instantly recognizable and emotionally uplifting in fragrance compositions.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Frangipani absolute Smell Like?
Frangipani absolute unfolds like a tropical sunset – initial bursts of dewy gardenia-like creaminess give way to a heart of honeyed jasmine and ripe peaches. The dry-down reveals a narcotic, slightly rubbery undertone reminiscent of warm tree bark, with lingering coconut-like lactonic facets. Unlike other white florals, it maintains a distinctive tropical weight – neither indolic like tuberose nor sharply green like magnolia, but a velvety floral embrace that persists for hours.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used alongside tuberose to create a more rounded, solar floral effect – the frangipani softens Fracas’ famously sharp edges while amplifying its voluptuous character.
Provides a tropical counterpoint to the cool minty tuberose, creating a sun-drenched floral effect that feels both fresh and sensual.
Showcases frangipani’s coconut-like facets, blending it with vanilla and benzoin to create a solar, beachy floral with remarkable depth.
Uses frangipani as the starring note, highlighting its creamy floralcy with supporting citrus and musk to prevent cloying sweetness.
Frangipani’s narcotic quality amplifies the jasmine sambac, creating the fragrance’s signature otherworldly white floral effect.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Frangipani absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of Plumeria flowers, primarily P. rubra and P. alba species. The complex composition includes benzyl salicylate, linalool, and various terpenoids that contribute to its signature scent. Unlike steam-distilled essential oils, the absolute captures heavier molecules like phenylpropanoids and sesquiterpenes that give it exceptional tenacity. The exact composition varies by cultivar and origin, with Hawaiian varieties showing higher levels of floral esters while Southeast Asian specimens contain more spicy-cinnamic compounds.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Viscous orange-brown liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, fixed oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Powerful floral modifier |
| Candles | 1-3% | Up to 6% | Creates tropical ambiance |
| Soaps | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Use sparingly due to cost |
Classic Accords
Tip: Balance frangipani’s creaminess with citrus top notes or woody bases to prevent cloying sweetness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Similar tropical floral profile but with more pronounced coconut facets, ideal when seeking a brighter, more solar effect.
Synthetic alternative that mimics frangipani’s creamy base notes, useful for cost-sensitive formulations requiring tenacity.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions. Approved for all applications without limitations (IFRA 49th Amendment).
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains naturally occurring linalool (typically 5-15%) which requires declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM safety assessment confirms frangipani absolute as safe for current use levels in fragrances (RIFM 2015).
Sustainability
Frangipani absolute is sustainably harvested from cultivated trees in tropical regions. The solvent extraction process yields about 0.08-0.1% absolute from fresh flowers, making it resource-intensive. Some producers are developing CO2 extraction methods to reduce solvent use. Synthetic reconstructions exist but lack the full complexity of natural absolute.
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References
- Kaiser, R. (2006). Meaningful Scents Around the World. Verlag Helvetica Chimica Acta. ISBN 3906390558
- Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. ASIN B0006AXR5W
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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