
Terpenos are organic compounds found naturally in many plants, especially citrus fruits, conifers and herbs. They are responsible for the characteristic aromas and flavors of fruits, flowers and spices. In modern industry, terpenes play a critical role in the formulation of essential oils and thanks to these, we can know what each essential oil is used for, given its properties.
For those engaged in the manufacture of food, cosmetics or toiletries, understanding the function of terpenes and what each essential oil is used for allows developing more competitive products, attractive to the consumer and aligned with current regulations.
What are terpenes and where are they found?
From a chemical point of view, terpenes are hydrocarbons derived from isoprene, classified according to the number of units they contain: monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, among others.
- Common natural sources:
- Essential oils
- Citrus peels
- Herbs and spices
Key terpenes in the industry to know what each essential oil is for:
- Limonene: Widely used in the chemical industry
- Pineno: present in industrial cleaning products
- Linalool: Widely used in the personal use industry
- Citral: used in the food industry
These compounds are especially valued for knowing what each essential oil is used for within industries, for formulations that seek to avoid synthetic components.
Functions of terpenes in industrial formulations
Terpenes not only provide what each essential oil is used for, but also perform technological functions within the formulation.

In fragrances and flavors:
- Provide olfactory profiles in industrial products
- Improve sensory perception of the product.
- They are compatible with natural and organic ingredients.
In cleaning products and disinfectants:
- They contribute to the finished product.
- Help improve the user experience.
- They may act as co-solvents or stabilising agents.
Relevant physico-chemical properties:
- Controlled volatility
- Solubility in oils, alcohols and natural solvents.
- Stability under controlled temperature conditions
These characteristics make terpenes a useful tool in the development of industrial products and know what each essential oil is for
Control and dosing of terpenes in industrial processes
The use of terpenes in industrial environments requires precision and technical control and dictates what each essential oil serves.
Why is it important to dose correctly?
- Excessive concentration may affect product stability
- Some terpenes have regulated limits of use, especially in food or cosmetics.
Methods to ensure proper dosage:
- Gas chromatography analysis
- Formulations with certified standards
Rigorous control of these variables and knowing what each essential oil is used for improves formulation efficiency and ensures uniform, reliable and safe products.
Outstanding industrial applications
1. Food industry
- Substitutes for synthetic flavours in "clean label" lines.
- Increase in the perceived value of the final product.
2. Cleaning products and disinfectants
- Aromatization of surfaces and industrial spaces.
- Inclusion in formulations for institutional and professional cleaning.
In both sectors, terpenes and knowing what each essential oil is used for make it possible to develop products that are differentiated and aligned with the preferences of the modern consumer, who seeks the natural without sacrificing performance.
Regulatory and technical considerations
The industrial use of terpenes is regulated by various bodies, depending on sector and region.
Relevant regulations:
- FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for food and supplements.
- IFRA (International Fragrance Association) for fragrances and cosmetics.
- REACH (EU Chemicals Regulation) for substances used in cleaning.
Good industrial practice:
- Storage in cool and dark environments to avoid oxidation.
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Use of airtight containers and compatible materials.
Compliance with these regulations is not only mandatory, but also builds trust with distributors and industrial consumers.
Terpenes play a central role in the formulation of industrial products that require aromas or sensory experiences, as well as helping to know what each essential oil is used for.
Their natural origin makes them strategic ingredients for companies seeking innovation, performance and regulatory compliance.
Are you ready to optimize your industrial formulations with terpenes? Frutech offers you our terpene catalog, visit it and choose the one that best suits your industry.