Mimosa absolute (CAS 8031-03-06) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient
Mimosa absolute
CAS 8031-03-06
What Is Mimosa absolute?
Mimosa absolute is a luxurious floral extract derived from the golden blossoms of the Acacia dealbata tree. People encounter it in high-end perfumes, soaps, and scented candles. Its delicate, powdery floral scent evokes springtime in the Mediterranean. This ingredient matters because it adds a soft, honeyed warmth to fragrances, creating a comforting yet sophisticated aura. It’s prized for its ability to bridge fresh floral and powdery amber accords seamlessly.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Mimosa absolute Smell Like?
Mimosa absolute unfolds like a sun-drenched Provençal morning – first a burst of green stemminess with dewy freshness, quickly softening into a honeyed floral heart. The delicate pollen-like powderiness recalls fresh laundry drying in a spring breeze, while subtle almond and coumarin undertones add creamy depth. Unlike sharp florals, mimosa wears like a whisper – intimate yet persistent, with a drydown that marries hay-like warmth with the faintest violet-like sweetness. Its texture is velvety, floating between floral and gourmand without committing to either, making it extraordinarily versatile in compositions.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Mimosa’s powdery goldenness is amplified with tonka and heliotrope, creating a vintage floral-oriental that feels like sunlight through lace curtains.
A soliflore showcase where mimosa’s green stem aspects balance the floral sweetness, like burying your face in fresh-cut branches.
Mimosa softens the iconic green iris with its honeyed facets, creating a plush contrast to the crisp galbanum opening.
Mimosa merges with cassie absolute here, amplifying the pollen-like texture into a dense, almost edible floral bouquet.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Mimosa absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of Acacia dealbata flowers, yielding a complex mixture of over 200 compounds. Key constituents include fatty acid esters, terpenic alcohols, and phenolic derivatives. The characteristic powdery facet comes from coumarin-like compounds, while floralcy arises from benzyl alcohol and phenylethyl alcohol derivatives. Unlike steam-distilled essential oils, the absolute retains heavier molecules like palmitic acid esters that contribute to its creamy texture. The golden-orange color indicates the presence of flavonoids and carotenoid pigments from the flower petals.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Viscous golden-orange liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
| Flash Point | >100°C |
Key Constituent Properties
| Constituent | CAS | MW | BP °C | XLogP | Vapor P. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benzyl alcohol | 100-51-6 | 108.14 | 205 | 1.1 | 0.13 mmHg |
| Farnesol | 4602-84-0 | 222.37 | 300 | 5.2 | 0.0001 mmHg |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds powdery floralcy |
| Soap/Candle | 0.1-0.5% | Up to 1% | Heat-stable floral note |
| Cosmetics | 0.01-0.1% | Up to 0.2% | Skin-safe at low levels |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use mimosa to soften harsh green notes or add natural radiance to white florals that risk becoming too indolic.
Alternatives & Comparisons
More animalic and intense, suitable when a deeper, honeyed floral character is needed without mimosa’s powdery softness.
Synthetic alternative for the powdery almond aspect when cost is a factor, though lacks mimosa’s natural complexity.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions (as of 2023). Mimosa absolute is considered safe for all fragrance categories at typical usage levels.
EU Allergen Declaration
Contains benzyl alcohol (CAS 100-51-6), requires declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM assessment confirms mimosa absolute poses minimal risk at current industry usage levels (Fragrance Material Review, 2018).
Sustainability
Mimosa is sustainably wild-harvested in southern France and Morocco, with flowering branches pruned to promote growth. The solvent extraction process yields about 0.1% absolute from fresh flowers. While renewable, climate change impacts harvest yields. Some perfumers blend with synthetic mimosa ketone (CAS 27593-23-3) to reduce agricultural pressure.
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References
- Boelens, M.H. (1994). The Chemical Composition of Mimosa Absolute. Perfumer & Flavorist, 19(3), 25-32.
- Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin. Allured Publishing.
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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