TAGETES ERECTA FLOWER OIL

About TAGETES ERECTA FLOWER OIL

Tagetes erecta (marigold) flower essential oil used as a fragrance ingredient, containing alpha-thujone and thiophenes that present photosensitization and mild toxicity concerns requiring IFRA compliance.

Detailed Analysis

Tagetes Erecta Flower Oil is the volatile oil expressed from the flowers of Tagetes erecta L. (Mexican marigold), containing alpha-thujone as a major component along with thiophene derivatives. Alpha-thujone is a known neurotoxin in high doses but presents minimal absorption risk from topical application at permitted concentrations. The thiophene compounds are phototoxic, causing skin sensitization upon UV exposure. IFRA restrictions limit Tagetes oil concentration in finished products, and the EU Cosmetics Regulation requires IFRA compliance for fragrance ingredients. The restriction note about ozone-depleting substances references the historical use of petroleum-derived solvents in oil extraction rather than the ingredient itself.

What It Does

Skin Benefits

• ✓ Fragrance and perfuming properties from volatile aromatic compounds
• ✓ Natural preservative contribution due to antimicrobial components
• ✓ Limited legitimate skin benefits—primarily a fragrance material

Known Concerns

• ⚠ Alpha-thujone content is neurotoxic at high systemic doses but low topical absorption risk
• ⚠ Phototoxic thiophene derivatives cause photosensitivity reactions
• ⚠ IFRA restrictions limit maximum use concentration in finished products
• ⚠ Potential sensitization from concentrated essential oil application

References