Tangelo oil, expressed (CAS 72869-73-9) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient

Citrus · Sweet

Tangelo oil, expressed

CAS 72869-73-9

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

What Is Tangelo oil, expressed?

Tangelo oil is a vibrant citrus essential oil extracted from the peel of tangelo fruits, a hybrid between tangerines and grapefruits. You’ll find it in fresh, zesty fragrances, cleaning products, and sometimes gourmand flavorings. This oil captures the playful, juicy character of tangelos – brighter than orange but more complex than lemon. It’s prized for adding natural citrus sparkle without being overly sharp or sour.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
No IFRA restrictions
Potential photosensitivity at high concentrations
CAS
72869-73-9
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Citrus · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Tangelo oil, expressed Smell Like?

Tangelo oil bursts with an effervescent citrus character – imagine biting into a perfectly ripe tangelo with its sweet-tart juice spraying into the air. The top notes are all bright, cheerful citrus: tangerine’s honeyed sweetness meets grapefruit’s bitter sparkle. As it dries, subtle floral undertones emerge like the scent of citrus blossoms on a warm breeze. The dry-down reveals a soft, almost creamy quality that prevents it from becoming harsh, leaving behind a refreshing aura that lingers longer than most citrus oils.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Tangelo oil provides the vibrant opening to this citrus-amber composition, bridging the gap between classic orange and modern grapefruit notes while adding unique floral facets.

Light Blue(Dolce & Gabbana, 2001)

Used alongside lemon and bergamot to create a more complex citrus accord that doesn’t fade as quickly, contributing to this fragrance’s legendary freshness.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Tangelo oil is primarily composed of limonene (70-90%) with smaller amounts of γ-terpinene, myrcene, and α-pinene. The unique character comes from trace oxygenated compounds like linalool and citronellal that vary based on the specific tangelo cultivar. Cold pressing preserves delicate volatile compounds that would be lost in steam distillation. The oil’s complexity stems from the hybrid nature of tangelos, inheriting chemical profiles from both tangerine and grapefruit parentage.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceYellow to orange liquid
Flash Point48 °C
Refractive Index1.472-1.476
Optical Rotation+88° to +96°
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top
Volatility
Medium (1-2 hours)
Blending
Excellent
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Adds sparkling citrus top notes
Home Care0.2-0.5%Up to 1%Provides natural citrus freshness
Flavorings10-50 ppmUp to 100 ppmAdds authentic citrus character

Classic Accords

Tip: Combine with citrus esters like ethyl linalool to extend the fresh top notes.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Tangerine Oil CAS 8014-17-3

For a sweeter, less complex citrus profile when you don’t need the grapefruit-like facets of tangelo.

2
Pink Grapefruit Oil CAS 8016-20-4

When you want more bitter citrus character and less floral sweetness than tangelo provides.

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 (Amendment 49).

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains limonene which requires allergen labeling above 100 ppm in leave-on products.

GHS Classification

H315 Skin irritation H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current industry levels with no additional restrictions required.

Sustainability

Tangelo oil is generally sustainable as a byproduct of juice production, though seasonal availability can vary. Organic certification is increasingly available. The oil yield is lower than standard oranges, requiring more fruit per kilo of oil. Some perfumers blend with synthetic citrus notes to reduce environmental impact while maintaining character.

Explore Tangelo oil, expressed

Browse essential oils and aroma compounds.

Browse on iHerb →

Affiliate disclosure: we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

References

  1. Dugo, G., & Di Giacomo, A. (2002). Citrus: The Genus Citrus. CRC Press. ISBN 9780415284919

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

Report a data error

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 72869-73-9

Odor & Flavor

Prepared by extraction of the peel of the fruit. The oil is a liquid with an intense, orange-like odor.📖 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.

Similar Posts