Tangelo oil, expressed (CAS 72869-73-9) — Citrus Top Note Fragrance Ingredient
Tangelo oil, expressed
CAS 72869-73-9
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 SAFEWhat 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.
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.
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.
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
| Appearance | Yellow to orange liquid |
|---|---|
| Flash Point | 48 °C |
| Refractive Index | 1.472-1.476 |
| Optical Rotation | +88° to +96° |
| Solubility | Soluble in alcohol, insoluble in water |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-3% | Up to 5% | Adds sparkling citrus top notes |
| Home Care | 0.2-0.5% | Up to 1% | Provides natural citrus freshness |
| Flavorings | 10-50 ppm | Up to 100 ppm | Adds authentic citrus character |
Classic Accords
Tip: Combine with citrus esters like ethyl linalool to extend the fresh top notes.
Alternatives & Comparisons
For a sweeter, less complex citrus profile when you don’t need the grapefruit-like facets of tangelo.
When you want more bitter citrus character and less floral sweetness than tangelo provides.
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
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.
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References
- 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 errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 72869-73-9Odor & Flavor
| Prepared by extraction of the peel of the fruit. The oil is a liquid with an intense, orange-like odor.📖 Fenaroli |
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.
