Lemon oil, terpeneless (CAS 68648-39-5) — Citrus Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient
Lemon oil, terpeneless
CAS 68648-39-5
What Is Lemon oil, terpeneless?
Terpeneless lemon oil is a concentrated citrus essence with the non-fragrant terpenes removed. You’ll find it in premium cleaning products, gourmet foods, and high-end perfumes where a long-lasting lemon note is desired. This processed version of lemon oil matters because it offers superior stability and intensity compared to regular lemon oil, without the harshness or volatility of raw citrus terpenes.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Lemon oil, terpeneless Smell Like?
Terpeneless lemon oil bursts with a candied, almost sherbet-like citrus intensity – think lemon drops dissolving on your tongue rather than fresh zest. The opening is all sunshine: a bright, sweet-tart explosion without the turpentine edge of regular lemon oil. As it settles, it reveals a creamy, almost vanillic undertone that lingers for hours, transforming from juicy to powdered-sugar softness. Unlike fleeting citrus top notes, this maintains remarkable tenacity while avoiding the harshness of unprocessed oils.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used for its enduring citrus character that survives the dry-down, creating the illusion of freshly squeezed lemons hours after application.
Provides the photorealistic lemon ice effect without competing with the apple note, thanks to removed terpenes.
Forms the backbone of the ‘endless shower’ accord, where terpeneless technology prevents soapy-citrus dissonance.
Modern reformulations use terpeneless oil to maintain vintage citrus brilliance while meeting IFRA standards.
Showcases how terpeneless oil can achieve diamond-cut citrus precision in niche perfumery.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Terpeneless lemon oil is produced through molecular distillation or solvent extraction of cold-pressed lemon oil (Citrus limon), selectively removing volatile terpenes like limonene while retaining oxygenated compounds such as citral and citronellal. The process typically reduces terpene content from 90% to under 20%, concentrating the more stable and fragrant aldehydes and esters. This creates a material with superior oxidative stability and reduced skin sensitization potential compared to raw lemon oil, while maintaining the characteristic citrus profile through preserved citral isomers (neral and geranial).
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Pale yellow to colorless liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in ethanol, propylene glycol; insoluble in water |
| Refractive Index | 1.470 – 1.490 (20°C) |
| Specific Gravity | 0.840 – 0.880 (25°C) |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | For sustained citrus character |
| Functional Fragrance | 0.1-1% | Up to 2% | In soaps and detergents for stability |
| Flavor | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.5% | In beverages and confectionery |
| Household Cleaners | 0.05-0.5% | Up to 1% | For long-lasting fresh scent |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use as a citrus fixative by combining with 10% benzyl salicylate to extend longevity without dulling brightness.
Alternatives & Comparisons
When pure lemon aldehyde character is needed without other citrus nuances; more potent but lacks complexity.
For applications requiring some terpene content for authenticity; less stable but more affordable.
When a rosy-lemon character is desired; less bright but useful in floral compositions.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not restricted under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49). Considered safer than regular lemon oil due to reduced limonene content.
EU Allergen Declaration
May contain trace citral requiring declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products, 0.01% in rinse-off.
GHS Classification
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms safety at current use levels, with phototoxicity risk eliminated through terpene removal.
Sustainability
While still derived from natural lemons, the terpeneless process reduces waste by utilizing terpenes separately for other industries. Most commercial production comes from byproducts of juice manufacturing in Mediterranean regions. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the nuanced complexity of authentic citrus. Carbon footprint is lower than regular lemon oil due to reduced shipping weight (higher concentration).
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References
- Dugo et al. (2011). Citrus Oils: Composition and Applications. Flavour and Fragrance Journal. DOI:10.1002/ffj.2050
- IFRA Standards Library (2023). Citrus Oil Restrictions. IFRA Standards
- Burdock (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090869
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68648-39-5Odor & Flavor
| From the normal essential oil, the terpeneless and sesquiterpeneless oils are obtained by vacuum rectification, washing with dilute alcohol or by column chromatography. Rectification is important to achieve a product with good solubility. Terpeneless oils are also more stable, as they are less sensitive to oxidation. Terpeneless oil has an intensely sweet, almost rosy-fruity odor.📖 Fenaroli |
Regulatory Status
| 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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