orange blossom illustration white flower on green leaf
Orange Flower Tunisia Absolute 100% P&N-scentspiracy-brown-bottle-fragrance-ingredient.jpg
orange blossom illustration white flower on green leaf
Orange Flower Tunisia Absolute 100% P&N-scentspiracy-brown-bottle-fragrance-ingredient.jpg

Orange Flower Tunisia Absolute (Sol 10% DPG)

€17.90
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Premium Natural Honeyed Floral Extract

Orange Flower Absolute (CAS 8030-28-2) is a highly concentrated natural extract obtained through solvent extraction of Citrus aurantium var. amara blossoms. Unlike steam-distilled Neroli oil, which captures the lighter, more volatile fractions of the flower, this absolute retains the plant's heavier molecules, delivering an intensely rich, honeyed, and white floral profile. It is structurally characterized by deep indolic and warm balsamic undertones, accompanied by subtle green facets.

Functionally, it operates as a substantive heart-to-base note, demonstrating exceptional tenacity and acting as a profound fixative for volatile citrus and green notes. Formulators must account for its potential to cause chromatic instability (discoloration) in alkaline media, a reaction typical of nitrogenous compounds like naturally occurring methyl anthranilate when combined with aldehydes. Its use requires strict compliance with IFRA restrictions (maximum 0.7% in fine fragrance under the 51st Amendment) and consideration of inherent EU-regulated allergens such as linalool and limonene.

Premium Natural Honeyed Floral Extract

Orange Flower Absolute (CAS 8030-28-2) is a highly concentrated natural extract obtained through solvent extraction of Citrus aurantium var. amara blossoms. Unlike steam-distilled Neroli oil, which captures the lighter, more volatile fractions of the flower, this absolute retains the plant's heavier molecules, delivering an intensely rich, honeyed, and white floral profile. It is structurally characterized by deep indolic and warm balsamic undertones, accompanied by subtle green facets.

Functionally, it operates as a substantive heart-to-base note, demonstrating exceptional tenacity and acting as a profound fixative for volatile citrus and green notes. Formulators must account for its potential to cause chromatic instability (discoloration) in alkaline media, a reaction typical of nitrogenous compounds like naturally occurring methyl anthranilate when combined with aldehydes. Its use requires strict compliance with IFRA restrictions (maximum 0.7% in fine fragrance under the 51st Amendment) and consideration of inherent EU-regulated allergens such as linalool and limonene.

Orange Flower Absolute (CAS 8030-28-2) – Technical Ingredient Overview

  • 🔎 Chemical Name — Citrus aurantium var. amara flower extract

  • 🧪 Synonyms — Orange Blossom Absolute, Bitter Orange Flower Absolute, Absolute Orange Flowers, Fleur d'Oranger Absolute

  • 📂 CAS Number — 8030-28-2

  • 📝 Odor Type — Floral

  • 📈 Odor Strength — Medium to high

  • 👃🏼 Odor Profile — Rich, warm, honeyed floral with sweet citrus, green, indolic, and balsamic undertones

  • ⚗️ Uses — Fine fragrance, aromatherapy, cosmetics, soap making, candle crafting

  • 🧴 Appearance — Deep orange to brownish-green, transparent, mobile liquid

Additional Physical Properties

  • 💧 Density — 0.900–0.962 @ 25 °C

  • 🔍 Refractive Index — 1.470–1.490 @ 20 °C

  • 💧 Solubility — Soluble in ethanol; limited solubility in water

What is Orange Flower Absolute?

Orange Flower Absolute is a precious natural extract obtained by solvent extraction of the fresh flowers of the bitter orange tree (Citrus aurantium var. amara). The bitter orange tree, native to Southeast Asia and now widely cultivated across the Mediterranean basin — particularly in Tunisia, Egypt, Morocco, and southern France — yields several distinct aromatic products: neroli oil (from steam distillation of the flowers), petitgrain oil (from the leaves and twigs), and the absolute (from solvent extraction of the blossoms). Among these, the absolute is the richest and most complex, capturing the full depth of the flower's aromatic character.

Historical Background

The bitter orange tree has been treasured for centuries across the Arab world and the Mediterranean. Orange blossom water, a byproduct of neroli distillation, has long been a staple in Middle Eastern and North African cuisine and rituals. In 17th-century Europe, the Princess of Nerola popularized the distilled oil — giving rise to the name "neroli." The absolute, developed later through advances in solvent extraction, became a cornerstone of French haute parfumerie, prized for its unparalleled richness compared to the lighter distilled oil.

Olfactory Profile

Scent Family: Floral — white floral, citrus-floral

Main Descriptors: The absolute opens with a radiant, sweet-citrus top that quickly unfolds into a lush, honeyed, narcotic white floral heart. Deep indolic and animalic facets give it a seductive, skin-like warmth, while green and herbaceous undertones lend freshness. The drydown is balsamic, powdery, and long-lasting.

Intensity: Highly concentrated — even small amounts impart significant character to a blend.

Tenacity: Exceptional. Lasts over 120 hours on a smelling strip; excellent substantivity on skin.

Volatility: Heart to base note. Provides lasting depth and radiance.

Applications in Fine Fragrance

Orange Flower Absolute is a perfumer's specialty ingredient, lending opulence, complexity, and sensuality to a wide range of compositions.

  • White floral accords (0.5–3%) — Enriches jasmine, tuberose, and honeysuckle compositions with honeyed depth

  • Oriental & ambery accords (1–5%) — Adds narcotic warmth and balsamic sweetness

  • Citrus-floral accords (0.5–2%) — Bridges fresh citrus top notes and rich floral hearts

  • Chypre & powdery accords (0.5–2%) — Contributes a velvety, powdery softness

Performance in Formula

  • Fixative Power — Outstanding; anchors lighter citrus and green notes in the blend

  • Radiance Effect — Strong diffusion that adds luminosity and presence

  • Stability — Terpenes may polymerize when oxidized; methyl anthranilate can react with aldehydes causing discoloration in alkaline bases

  • Compatibility — Excellent combinations with all citrus oils, petitgrain, jasmine, rose, myrrh, sandalwood, and musks

  • Solubility — Some solubility challenges in aqueous formulas; performs best in alcoholic bases

Industrial & Technical Uses

  • Functional Perfumery — Used in premium home fragrances, candles, and incense

  • Personal Care — Valued in luxury soaps, body oils, and bath products

  • Flavor Industry — Limited use in specialty food flavoring (e.g., confectionery, beverages)

  • Cosmetics — Incorporated into high-end skincare for fragrance and sensory appeal

Regulatory & Safety Overview

IFRA Status: Restricted — max 0.7% in finished product (Category 4, IFRA 51st Amendment). Contains linalool and limonene, both EU-regulated allergens requiring label declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.

EU Cosmetics Regulation: Permitted; allergen disclosure required for linalool and limonene content.

GHS Classification: Miscellaneous hazard (Class 9 for shipping)

Toxicology

  • Sensitization — Low risk at recommended IFRA usage levels; contains potential allergens (linalool, limonene)

  • Phototoxicity — Not considered phototoxic at standard use levels

  • General — Safe for use within IFRA guidelines

Sustainability Credentials

As a 100% pure and natural extract, Orange Flower Absolute supports sustainable sourcing when obtained from responsibly managed orchards. Many North African and Mediterranean producers practice traditional, low-impact cultivation methods.

References

  • Arctander, S. — Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin

  • Surburg, H. & Panten, J. — Common Fragrance and Flavor Materials

  • The Good Scents Company — Bitter Orangeflower Absolute data sheet

  • IFRA — 51st Amendment, Standards Library