Sesame seed absolute (CAS 8008-74-0) — Sweet Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Sesame seed absolute
CAS 8008-74-0
What Is Sesame seed absolute?
Sesame seed absolute is a rich, aromatic extract derived from toasted sesame seeds. You’ll encounter its warm, nutty scent in gourmand perfumes and some Asian-inspired fragrances. This ingredient matters because it adds a unique roasted depth to compositions, bridging sweet and savory accords with a texture reminiscent of freshly baked goods.
Safety Profile
USE WITH AWARENESSWhat Does Sesame seed absolute Smell Like?
Sesame absolute opens with an intense, roasted nuttiness – imagine black sesame paste drizzled with honey. The heart reveals toasted grain nuances and a subtle phenolic edge, like the charred crust of artisan bread. As it dries down, warm vanillic undertones emerge, leaving a comforting trail reminiscent of halva sweets. The material has surprisingly good tenacity for a foody note, evolving over hours from sharp roastiness to soft, sweet warmth.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Used here to create a Middle Eastern bazaar effect, sesame absolute blends with oud and spices to evoke the scent of freshly ground tahini in warm wood stalls.
The roasted facets of sesame absolute enhance this fragrance’s signature flour accord, adding depth to what would otherwise be a purely powdery composition.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Sesame absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of toasted Sesamum indicum seeds. While primarily composed of lipids, its characteristic aroma comes from heterocyclic compounds formed during the Maillard reaction – particularly pyrazines and thiazoles. These include 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (nutty) and 2-acetyl-1-pyrroline (roasty). The absolute typically contains sesamin and sesamolin lignans which contribute to its tenacity.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Appearance | Dark brown viscous liquid |
|---|---|
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol and oils |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 0.5-2% | Up to 5% | Adds gourmand depth without excessive sweetness |
| Home Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 8% | Creates comforting, bakery-like atmospheres |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use sesame absolute to ‘toast’ sweet notes – it adds dimensionality to vanilla and caramel accords.
Alternatives & Comparisons
Offers similar roasted nuances with maple-like sweetness, though less nutty and more herbal.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
Not currently restricted by IFRA standards.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has evaluated sesame-derived materials as safe at current usage levels in fragrance.
Sustainability
Sesame is a drought-resistant crop requiring minimal pesticides. Most absolutes come from byproducts of food-grade sesame oil production, making this a relatively sustainable material. However, solvent extraction methods carry environmental considerations – some producers now offer CO2 extracts as a greener alternative.
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References
- Food Chemistry (2017). Volatile compounds in sesame oil. PMID 28400072
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
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