Tagetes patula absolute (CAS 91722-29-1) — Floral Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Floral · Green

Tagetes patula absolute

CAS 91722-29-1

Origin
natural
Note
Heart
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Tagetes patula absolute?

Tagetes patula absolute is a rich, floral extract derived from marigold flowers. It’s used in perfumery for its unique green, fruity, and slightly animalic notes. This ingredient matters because it adds depth to floral compositions and is prized in niche perfumery for its complex profile.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ Safe in regulated products
⚠ Potential skin sensitizer – patch test recommended
CAS
91722-29-1
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Floral · Green
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Tagetes patula absolute Smell Like?

Tagetes patula absolute opens with a burst of green, slightly bitter foliage, reminiscent of crushed leaves underfoot. The heart reveals a surprising fruity sweetness, like overripe apricots, with a subtle animalic undertone. The dry-down is warm, honeyed, and slightly musky, lingering like the memory of a summer garden.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Eau de Campagne(Sisley, 1974)

Used for its green, vegetal facets to create a ‘tomato leaf’ effect in this iconic garden-inspired fragrance.

Diorissimo(Dior, 1956)

Employed as a supporting floral note to enhance the lily-of-the-valley accord with its green complexity.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Tagetes patula absolute is a complex mixture of terpenoids and sesquiterpenes. Key components include limonene, ocimene, and tagetone. The absolute is obtained through solvent extraction of the flowers, yielding a highly concentrated aromatic material. The presence of sulfur-containing compounds contributes to its distinctive green character.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceDark orange to brown viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol and fixed oils

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Heart
Volatility
Medium (2-4 hours)
Blending
Good
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 5%Used for floral-green accords
Home Fragrance1-3%Up to 8%Adds garden-fresh character

Classic Accords

Tip: Use sparingly to avoid overpowering other floral notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Tagetes minuta oil CAS 91722-30-4

More citrusy and less floral, suitable when a brighter green note is desired.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

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

IFRA Status

No specific IFRA restrictions. General guidelines for natural extracts apply.

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains limonene which requires allergen declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has assessed Tagetes species as safe at current usage levels.

Sustainability

Tagetes is generally sustainably cultivated, though absolute production is labor-intensive. Some concerns exist about solvent use in extraction processes. Synthetic alternatives are being developed but lack the full complexity of the natural material.

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References

  1. Guenther, E. (1952). The Essential Oils. D. Van Nostrand Company.
  2. Pino, J.A. et al. (2004). Chemical composition of Tagetes patula oil. Journal of Essential Oil Research.

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

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