# Labdanum, Oil (cistus Spp.)

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**Safety rating:** SAFE
**CAS number:** 8016-26-0
**Category:** flavoring
**FDA GRAS:** no
**Adverse events (FDA AERS):** 0
**FDA recalls:** 0
**Last updated:** 2026-04-02

## Summary

Labdanum oil is a natural resinous extract from Cistus species plants, primarily used as a flavoring agent and fragrance component in food and beverage products. It contributes warm, amber-like flavor notes to various food applications and is valued for its aromatic properties in the food industry.

## 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 Labdanum Oil?

Labdanum oil (CAS Number 8016-26-0) is a natural essential oil and resinous extract derived from plants of the Cistus genus, commonly known as rockrose or gum cistus. The oil is obtained through extraction methods from the plant material and contains various organic compounds including pinene, cineole, and other terpenes that contribute to its characteristic warm, amber, and slightly sweet aroma. Labdanum has been used for centuries in traditional applications and more recently in modern food flavoring formulations.

## Common Uses

Labdanum oil functions as a flavoring agent and flavor adjuvant in the food industry. It is typically used in small quantities to enhance or modify the flavor profile of various food and beverage products, including alcoholic beverages, baked goods, confectionery, and flavored waters. The oil is also widely used in fragrance formulations for cosmetic and personal care products. In culinary applications, it contributes depth and complexity to flavor compositions, often serving as a supporting note rather than a primary flavor component.

## Safety Assessment

Labdanum oil is derived from a natural source and has not been associated with adverse events reported to the FDA. The FDA database contains zero recorded adverse events and zero recalls associated with this substance. As a naturally-derived flavoring agent used in traditional applications, labdanum oil has an established history of use in food products. The compound has undergone safety evaluations in various regulatory jurisdictions and is recognized in flavor manufacturing standards. Like all essential oils and concentrated plant extracts, labdanum oil is used in food applications at very low concentrations, which further supports its safety profile in typical food use scenarios.

## Regulatory Status

Labdanum oil is not currently on the FDA's Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list. However, this classification does not indicate that the substance is unsafe; rather, it reflects that the manufacturer has not sought or obtained GRAS status through the formal FDA petition process. The additive is permitted in food applications in various jurisdictions based on established flavor use levels and traditional food safety practices. The European Union's Food Flavouring Regulation and other international food safety bodies recognize labdanum-derived compounds in flavor applications. Individual manufacturers using labdanum oil in food products are responsible for ensuring compliance with applicable food safety regulations in their respective markets.

## Key Studies

Scientific literature on labdanum oil primarily focuses on its chemical composition, aromatic properties, and traditional uses rather than toxicological studies, reflecting the substance's established history in food and fragrance applications. Research has characterized the volatile and non-volatile components of labdanum oil and documented its organoleptic properties. The lack of reported adverse events in regulatory databases, combined with centuries of traditional use and current regulatory acceptance in multiple jurisdictions, supports the safety profile of this flavoring agent when used appropriately in food manufacturing at typical concentration levels.

## 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. "Labdanum, Oil (cistus Spp.) — Safety, regulation, and evidence." https://additivefacts.com/additives/labdanum-oil-cistus-spp. Accessed 2026-05-19.