# Isobornyl Acetate

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> Markdown URL: https://additivefacts.com/additives/isobornyl-acetate.md

**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 125-12-2
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Isobornyl acetate (CAS 125-12-2) is a synthetic flavoring compound derived from borneol and acetic acid. It is used in food products to provide spicy, woody, and camphoraceous flavor notes, and is commonly found in beverages, confections, and baked goods.

## Regulatory status

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

## Detailed analysis

## What is Isobornyl Acetate?

Isobornyl acetate is a synthetic organic compound classified as an ester, formed from the acetylation of isoborneol. It has the molecular formula C12H20O2 and CAS number 125-12-2. This colorless to pale yellow liquid is characterized by a strong, spicy-woody aroma with subtle camphoraceous undertones. The compound is chemically stable and lipophilic, making it suitable for incorporation into various food matrices.

## Common Uses

Isobornyl acetate is primarily used as a flavoring agent in the food industry. Its applications include:

- **Beverages**: Added to soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and cordials to provide complexity and warming spice notes
- **Confectionery**: Used in candies, chewing gums, and lozenges for flavor enhancement
- **Baked goods**: Incorporated into cookies, cakes, and pastries for subtle spice characteristics
- **Seasonings**: Present in some spice blends and flavoring compounds
- **Non-food applications**: Also used in fragrances, cosmetics, and personal care products

The compound typically appears in finished foods at very low concentrations, generally in the range of parts per million (ppm).

## Safety Assessment

Isobornyl acetate has not been formally evaluated by the FDA as a GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) substance, meaning it lacks official FDA GRAS status. However, the absence of GRAS determination does not indicate unsafe status; rather, it reflects the regulatory classification framework.

Key safety observations include:

- **No FDA adverse events reported** associated with isobornyl acetate
- **No FDA recalls** linked to this ingredient
- **Limited acute toxicity**: Animal studies indicate low acute toxicity when ingested
- **Metabolism**: As an ester, isobornyl acetate is metabolized similarly to other acetate esters, with breakdown products eliminated through normal metabolic pathways
- **Allergenicity**: No widely documented allergic reactions or sensitization issues in available literature

The compound's safety profile is supported by its long history of use in flavoring applications and its chemical similarity to other approved flavor compounds. The very low concentration levels used in food applications further reduce potential exposure concerns.

## Regulatory Status

Regulatory oversight of isobornyl acetate varies by jurisdiction:

- **United States**: While lacking GRAS status, isobornyl acetate may be used under FDA flavor regulations if it meets specific conditions. Flavoring substances used in food must be safe at intended levels of use.
- **European Union**: Isobornyl acetate is listed in the EU's flavor compound database and is permitted for use in food flavorings under specified conditions, with maximum use levels defined by the flavor industry.
- **International**: The Flavor and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA) includes this compound in its flavor additive database with an assigned safety classification.

Manufacturers using isobornyl acetate must comply with labeling requirements and use it only at levels consistent with established safety thresholds.

## Key Studies

While comprehensive human clinical trials specific to isobornyl acetate are limited, available scientific literature provides relevant safety information:

- **Metabolic studies** on borneol-derived compounds demonstrate rapid hepatic metabolism and elimination
- **Sensory research** confirms the flavoring efficacy of isobornyl acetate at threshold levels (typically 0.01-1 ppm in finished products)
- **In vitro toxicity assessments** show no significant cytotoxic effects at relevant concentrations
- **Chemical stability data** indicates the compound remains stable under normal storage and food processing conditions

The absence of adverse event reports and recalls, combined with established use in the flavor industry and low exposure levels, suggest an acceptable safety margin for the intended use of this flavoring agent.

## 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. "Isobornyl Acetate — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/isobornyl-acetate. Accessed 2026-05-19.