Compound Monograph
Linalyl Acetate
Linalyl acetate is the acetate ester of linalool and one of the main aroma components of lavender and bergamot oils.
Classification
Linalyl Acetate is a monoterpene ester, part of the terpenoids class. The largest class of plant compounds, built from five-carbon isoprene units — the essential-oil aromatics, resins, bitter principles, saponins, and plant sterols.
Where Does It Come From? (4)
Linalyl Acetate is a naturally occurring monoterpene ester, found in Lavender, Bergamot, Clary sage and 1 other source. It is well tolerated orally (low toxicity).
Research & Evidence
Linalyl acetate is the acetate ester of the monoterpene alcohol linalool and is, together with linalool itself, one of the two dominant constituents of lavender essential oil; it is also abundant in bergamot, clary sage and other oils. It is widely used as a fragrance and flavour ingredient and contributes much of lavender’s sweet, floral character. Lavender oil — in which linalool and linalyl acetate are the principal actives — has been studied for relaxation and anxiety-related effects, but these reflect the whole oil rather than this ester in isolation.
Toxicity & Safety
As a common, widely consumed flavour and fragrance compound, linalyl acetate is generally regarded as low in toxicity at the levels used. As with many fragrance terpenes, undiluted exposure can be irritating or sensitising to skin in some people.