# Citronellyl Phenylacetate

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**Safety rating:** UNKNOWN
**CAS number:** 139-70-8
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Citronellyl phenylacetate (CAS 139-70-8) is an organic compound used as a flavoring agent in food products. It is not currently approved as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the FDA, though it has no reported adverse events or recalls associated with its use.

## Regulatory status

| Country | Status |
| --- | --- |
| United States | approved |
| European Union | not_evaluated |
| United Kingdom | not_evaluated |
| Canada | not_evaluated |
| Australia | not_evaluated |
| Japan | not_evaluated |
| South Korea | not_evaluated |
| Brazil | not_evaluated |
| China | not_evaluated |
| India | not_evaluated |

## Detailed analysis

## What is Citronellyl Phenylacetate?

Citronellyl phenylacetate is a synthetic organic compound belonging to the ester chemical class. It is composed of citronellol (a terpene alcohol found in essential oils) combined with phenylacetic acid. The compound is characterized by a fruity, floral aroma with woody undertones, making it valuable in the flavor and fragrance industries.

The chemical structure consists of a phenylacetate moiety attached to a citronellyl group, creating a molecule with distinct sensory properties. This compound exists as a pale yellow to colorless liquid at room temperature.

## Common Uses

Citronellyl phenylacetate is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the food and beverage industry. Its applications include:

- Flavor enhancement in confectionery products
- Contribution to fruity and floral notes in beverages
- Flavoring component in baked goods
- Enhancement of dessert formulations
- Potential use in savory applications requiring complex flavor profiles

The compound is typically used in very small quantities, measured in parts per million (ppm), due to its potent aromatic properties. Beyond food, it is also employed in fragrance formulations for cosmetic and personal care products.

## Safety Assessment

According to the FDA database, citronellyl phenylacetate has generated zero adverse event reports and zero product recalls. This absence of reported incidents suggests no known safety concerns have been formally documented in the United States regulatory system.

The compound has not been formally evaluated and approved as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA. This does not necessarily indicate the substance is unsafe; rather, it indicates that a formal GRAS determination has not been completed. Many flavoring agents operate under different regulatory pathways, including the Flavor and Extract Manufacturers' Association (FEMA) GRAS process, which differs from the FDA GRAS determination.

Limited published toxicological data is available in the scientific literature specifically for citronellyl phenylacetate. However, as an ester of citronellol and phenylacetic acid—both compounds with established use in food and cosmetics—the individual components have historical safety profiles. Citronellol is widely used in fragrances and essential oil applications, while phenylacetic acid derivatives have been extensively studied.

## Regulatory Status

In the United States, citronellyl phenylacetate is not listed on the FDA's GRAS substances list. However, its status as a non-GRAS ingredient does not prevent its use in foods if it has been approved through other regulatory mechanisms or petition processes.

The European Union's approach to flavoring substances differs from the U.S. system. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) maintains a database of approved flavoring substances, and citronellyl phenylacetate may have different approval status in European markets compared to the United States.

Manufacturers and formulators using this ingredient should verify current regulatory requirements in their specific jurisdictions and maintain appropriate documentation regarding the ingredient's sourcing and intended use levels.

## Key Studies

Published scientific literature specifically examining citronellyl phenylacetate is limited. Most relevant data derives from:

- General safety assessments of citronellol and phenylacetic acid as parent compounds
- Fragrance safety databases that include this compound as a minor component
- Industrial toxicology assessments conducted by flavor manufacturers

The absence of comprehensive published studies does not definitively establish safety or danger; it reflects the limited research attention given to individual minor flavor compounds. Regulatory agencies typically rely on the safety history of parent compounds and established use levels when formal studies are unavailable.

Manufacturers typically conduct internal safety evaluations before commercialization, following guidelines established by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) and flavor industry standards.

## Sources

- FDA Substances Added to Food (CFSAN)
- OpenFDA Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS)
- OpenFDA Food Recalls
- EFSA OpenFoodTox
- EU Food Additive Portal

## Citation

Additive Facts. "Citronellyl Phenylacetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/citronellyl-phenylacetate. Accessed 2026-05-19.