Lemon (steam distilled) oil (CAS 8008-56-8) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Green

Lemon (steam distilled) oil

CAS 8008-56-8

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

What Is Lemon (steam distilled) oil?

Lemon oil is a bright, zesty essential oil steam-distilled from lemon peels. You encounter it in cleaning products, desserts, and fresh-smelling perfumes. This oil matters because it instantly evokes cleanliness and sunshine, making it indispensable for creating uplifting citrus accords and cutting through heavier notes.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ GRAS for food and fragrance
⚠ Can cause photosensitivity – avoid sun exposure
CAS
8008-56-8
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Lemon (steam distilled) oil Smell Like?

An explosion of freshly peeled lemons – tart, juicy, and slightly bitter like biting into a lemon wedge. The top note is intensely bright, with aldehydic sparkle and a wet, pulpy quality. As it dries, reveals subtle green stemminess and waxy peel nuances. The drydown is surprisingly tenacious for a citrus, leaving a clean, slightly soapy trail.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau Sauvage(Dior, 1966)

Lemon oil provides the radiant opening that defines this citrus-aromatic masterpiece, contrasting beautifully with herbal and woody notes.

Light Blue(Dolce&Gabbana, 2001)

The zesty lemon cut through apple notes creates a Mediterranean freshness that made this an instant summer classic.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Lemon oil is primarily composed of limonene (70-80%), with β-pinene, γ-terpinene, and citral. The characteristic smell comes from trace aldehydes and esters. Cold-pressed oil contains phototoxic compounds absent in steam-distilled versions. Industrial production involves steam distillation of lemon peels from Citrus limon, with major producers in Italy and Argentina.

Physical & Chemical Properties

ColorPale yellow to greenish
Boiling Point176-178 °C
Flash Point48 °C
Solubility1:3 in 90% alcohol

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Very High (15-30 min)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance2-5%Up to 10%Citrus top note anchor
Functional Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Clean, fresh character

Classic Accords

Tip: Stabilize with antioxidant like BHT to prevent oxidation of terpenes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Lemon Terpenes CAS 68956-56-9

Terpene fraction without non-volatiles – better solubility in alcohol bases.

2
Citral CAS 5392-40-5

For more intense lemon character without the full oil’s volatility.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under current IFRA standards (49th Amendment).

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains limonene (>0.1%) – must be declared under EU allergen labeling.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment completed – safe for current use levels in fragrances.

Sustainability

Lemon oil production utilizes peel waste from juice industry. Major sustainability concerns include water usage in cultivation and energy-intensive distillation. Organic and fair-trade certified options available.

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References

  1. Dugo G, Bonaccorsi I (2013). Citrus Oils. CRC Press. ISBN 9781439875252
  2. PubChem – Limonene CID 22311

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8008-56-8

Odor & Flavor

The oil is obtained by cold expression (mechanical or manual) of the peel in yields of approximately 4%, based on the weight of the fruit. The oil is obtained from the fresh peel with or without previous separation of the pulp and the peel. It has a characteristic odor and taste of the outer part of fresh lemon peel. A less valuable quality of oil is obtained by steam distillation of the peel.📖 Fenaroli

Regulatory Status

IFRA ListedYes — see IFRA Standards for category limits⚖️ IFRA 51
IOFI ClassificationNatural📖 Fenaroli
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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