What Is Cyclopentadecanone?
Cyclopentadecanone, also known as normuscone, is a large-ring ketone prized for its soft musky scent. It belongs to a family of macrocyclic molecules that were first explored in the 1950s as ethical alternatives to natural animal musk. While tiny amounts can be found in nature, the material used in cosmetics is almost always produced in the lab. Manufacturers start with plant-derived fatty acids, often from castor oil, then build the 15-carbon ring through a series of fermentation, condensation and purification steps that meet cosmetic-grade safety standards.
Because of its pleasant odor and gentle profile, cyclopentadecanone appears in many fragranced products you might keep on your vanity. You will find it in body sprays, roll-on and stick deodorants, fine fragrances, scented lotions, creams, facial masks and even some hair care finishes where a clean skin-like aroma is desired.
Cyclopentadecanone’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In topical formulas this ingredient serves two main purposes that both center on scent and odor control.
- Deodorant – Its musk note helps suppress or mask unpleasant body odors, keeping underarms and skin-to-skin areas smelling fresh for longer
- Fragrance – Adds a smooth subtle musk accord that rounds out a perfume blend, softens sharp notes and contributes to an overall pleasant product experience
Who Can Use Cyclopentadecanone
Cyclopentadecanone is considered gentle enough for most skin types, including normal, dry, oily and combination. People with very sensitive or fragrance-allergic skin should be more cautious since any perfume material can be a trigger for them.
The molecule is made in the lab from plant-derived feedstocks and contains no animal parts so it is suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety data show no known issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the ingredient is used at typical cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new personal care products, just to be sure.
Cyclopentadecanone does not increase photosensitivity and it has no special handling rules beyond the usual scent-related care of keeping products away from the eyes.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical cyclopentadecanone vary from person to person. The points below list potential issues only; most users will not experience any problems when the ingredient is formulated and used correctly.
- Mild skin irritation
- Redness or itching in fragrance-sensitive individuals
- Allergic contact dermatitis in rare cases
- Stinging if applied to broken or freshly shaved skin
- Eye watering and irritation if the product gets into the eyes
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 (very low likelihood of clogging pores)
Cyclopentadecanone is a lightweight aromatic ketone used at tiny fragrance levels, usually well below 1 percent of a formula. It is not an oil, is non occlusive and does not sit on the skin in a way that blocks follicles. For these reasons it earns a score of 1 rather than a perfect 0, since any lipophilic substance could theoretically contribute to buildup in rare cases.
This low score means the ingredient is generally fine for people who are prone to acne or breakouts.
As always the full product base, application habits and individual skin physiology play a bigger role in pore congestion than this single component.
Summary
Cyclopentadecanone acts primarily as a deodorant helper and fragrance note. Its macrocyclic musk structure binds to odor molecules, softens sharp top notes and leaves a clean skin-like trail that lingers for hours. These qualities make it a quiet workhorse in body sprays, stick deodorants, lotions, creams and niche fine fragrances.
While appreciated by formulators for its smooth scent, it is not a household name because it sits behind the scenes at low percentages and is often listed under the catch-all term fragrance.
Safety reviews rate it low-risk for irritation, non sensitizing for most users and non phototoxic. Still, everyone’s skin is different so it is wise to patch test any new product that features this or any other perfume ingredient.