Lime oil, terpeneless (CAS 68916-84-7) — Citrus Top to Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Citrus · Sweet

Lime oil, terpeneless

CAS 68916-84-7

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

What Is Lime oil, terpeneless?

Terpeneless lime oil is a concentrated version of regular lime essential oil, with the terpenes removed for a more intense and longer-lasting citrus character. You’ll find it in high-end citrus fragrances, gourmand perfumes, and some artisanal cleaning products. This processed oil matters because it delivers the bright, zesty punch of lime without the volatility and ‘cleaning product’ associations of standard lime oil, making it a perfumer’s secret weapon for sophisticated citrus accords.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ IFRA unrestricted in current guidelines
⚠ Potential photosensitivity at high concentrations
CAS
68916-84-7
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Lime oil, terpeneless Smell Like?

Terpeneless lime oil bursts with a hyper-realistic, almost candied lime peel intensity – think key lime pie filling without the sweetness. The opening is a laser-focused citrus zing, cleaner than regular lime oil with none of the turpentine-like terpene sharpness. As it evolves, a surprisingly creamy undertone emerges, like the white pith of fresh lime. The dry-down reveals subtle green nuances and a whisper of tartness that lingers far longer than standard citrus oils, behaving more like a heart note than a fleeting top note.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau de Guerlain(Guerlain, 1974)

Uses terpeneless lime as the sparkling backbone of this cologne, where its extended longevity allows the citrus to dance with mint and herbal notes rather than disappearing immediately.

Acqua di Parma Blu Mediterraneo – Mandorlo di Sicilia(Acqua di Parma, 1999)

The terpeneless lime here provides a crisp contrast to sweet almond, creating a sophisticated ‘limoncello’ effect that persists through the creamy dry-down.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Terpeneless lime oil is produced by vacuum distillation or solvent extraction of cold-pressed lime oil (Citrus aurantifolia), selectively removing volatile monoterpenes like limonene and pinene. This concentrates oxygenated compounds such as citral, geraniol, and linalool. The process increases the relative percentage of sesquiterpenes and non-volatile components, dramatically altering the odor profile and stability. Unlike most citrus oils which are dominated by limonene (up to 70%), terpeneless versions may contain less than 10% terpenes, with the remaining composition being primarily alcohols, aldehydes, and esters responsible for the characteristic lime aroma.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearancePale yellow to greenish liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Excellent with florals, woods, and spices
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds bright citrus lift without harshness
Functional Fragrances0.5-2%Up to 3%Clean citrus character in detergents

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Tonka = Creamy Lime Dessert + Ginger + Cardamom = Spiced Citrus + Jasmine + Orange Blossom = Tropical Citrus

Tip: Use as a bridge between classic citrus top notes and floral heart notes, where its persistence creates seamless transitions.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Lime Oil (Cold Pressed) CAS 8008-26-2

For more traditional citrus profiles with higher volatility and terpenic character, though requires more careful blending to avoid household cleaner associations.

2
Citral CAS 5392-40-5

When a pure lemon-lime aldehyde character is needed, but lacks the natural complexity and roundness of terpeneless lime oil.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA 51st Amendment. The terpene removal process reduces phototoxic concerns associated with cold-pressed lime oil.

EU Allergen Declaration

May contain trace amounts of limonene (requires labeling above 0.001% in leave-on products).

RIFM Assessment

RIFM evaluation confirms safety at current use levels, with phototoxicity concerns significantly reduced compared to whole lime oil.

Sustainability

Terpeneless lime oil represents an efficient use of citrus resources, as the removed terpenes (mainly limonene) are valuable byproducts used in industrial applications. The concentration process means less raw material is needed per unit of fragrance impact. Most production originates from Mexico and Brazil, where lime cultivation is well-established, though synthetic alternatives exist for consistent supply.

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References

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

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    Ingredient Data Sheet

    CAS 68916-84-7

    Odor & Flavor

    Terpeneless oil is prepared from distilled lime oil by the conventional method of deterpenation. The terpeneless fraction constitutes a very small fraction of the lime oil. It has a powerful, sweet-fruity, grape-like odor. -📖 Fenaroli

    Regulatory Status

    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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