Rice absolute (CAS 68553-81-1) — Sweet Middle Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Sweet · Balsamic

Rice absolute

CAS 68553-81-1

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

What Is Rice absolute?

Rice absolute is a luxurious fragrance material derived from rice grains, capturing the warm, nutty essence of cooked rice. It’s found in niche perfumes and gourmand scents. This ingredient adds comforting, cereal-like depth to fragrances, evoking memories of kitchens and harvest fields.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No major restrictions
⚠ Check for solvent residues
CAS
68553-81-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Sweet · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Rice absolute Smell Like?

Rice absolute unfolds like steaming basmati – first a starchy, slightly sweet graininess, then morphs into toasted hazelnut and warm hay nuances. The dry-down reveals milky undertones with a whisper of vanilla-like sweetness. Unlike sharp cereal notes, it maintains a rounded, almost buttery softness that blends seamlessly into oriental and gourmand bases.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

L'Artisan Parfumeur(Dzongkha, 2006)

Used as a dry, earthy counterpoint to the spicy incense accord, creating a temple-offering effect.

Comme des Garçons(Series 3 Incense: Zagorsk, 2002)

Provides a cereal-like warmth beneath the pine and birch tar notes.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Rice absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of Oryza sativa grains. The complex mixture contains fatty acids, gamma-oryzanol, and various lactones contributing to its characteristic aroma. Unlike steam-distilled rice products, the absolute captures heavier, more cereal-like molecules.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceViscous amber liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Middle
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Adds gourmand warmth
Home Fragrance1-3%Up to 8%Creates comforting ambiance

Classic Accords

+ Vanilla + Tonka = Gourmand base + Sandalwood + Myrrh = Meditative

Tip: Use with vanillin derivatives to enhance the cereal-milk illusion.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Maltol CAS 118-71-8

For sharper caramelized cereal effects when absolute’s softness isn’t desired.

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.

RIFM Assessment

Considered safe at current usage levels based on similar food-grade materials.

Sustainability

Sourcing depends on rice production regions, primarily Asia. Solvent-extracted process requires proper waste management. Some producers offer organic-certified versions.

Explore Rice absolute

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

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References

  1. Burdock (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients.

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

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Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 68553-81-1
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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