Damascenone 93% Min.: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 29, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Damascenone 93% Min.?

Damascenone 93% Min. is an aroma chemical created to replicate and amplify the natural smell molecules that give roses, fruits and even aged tobacco their signature warmth. The version most perfumers reach for comes from IFF, a global supplier of fragrance ingredients, yet several other firms make similar grades under generic labels. All versions share the same core molecule, though purity and trace impurities can alter the nuance of the scent.

The material is produced through a multistep synthesis that starts with naturally sourced carotenoid compounds. During controlled reactions the long carotenoid chain is trimmed down and cyclized until the damascenone backbone appears, then the crude mix is purified until at least 93 percent of it is the desired isomer. The result is a clear liquid with a gentle golden tint that stays fluid even in a cool studio.

Damascenone has found its way into fine fragrance, home scenting, hair care and fabric conditioners. Although used at very low dosage, it shows up in countless formulas because it can make other floral notes bloom while also adding a ripe fruit accent. Supply is steady and the ingredient is not considered rare, yet its complex production and high impact keep its cost closer to the premium end than to budget materials.

Stored in a cool dark place, an unopened drum or bottle will usually stay in spec for around two years before the top notes start to fade. Once opened, careful handling and nitrogen blanketing can extend usable life for many more months. In short, it is a reliable workhorse that rewards good storage habits.

Damascenone 93% Min.’s Scent Description

Perfumers file Damascenone under the floral family even though it wears many hats. Smelled on a blotter the first impression is a soft velvety rose that feels more like a petal than a bouquet. Almost at once a juicy plum tone slips in, joined by hints of blackcurrant jam and sun-dried apple. As minutes pass a faint pipe tobacco note surfaces, lending a cozy depth that keeps the overall profile from turning sugary.

In fragrance construction we speak of top, middle and base notes. Top notes sparkle then vanish within minutes, middle notes shape the heart and base notes linger on skin and fabric. Damascenone sits between the heart and the base. It rises early enough to color the floral core yet its low vapor pressure lets it cling for hours, so a small dose can be detected long after lighter notes have gone.

Projection is strong for such a low usage material. Even at fractions of a percent it can push a composition out into the room, giving the impression of fresh petals just crushed in the hand. Longevity on blotter can exceed two days, though the fruity sparkle softens after the first afternoon leaving the warm rosy tobacco trace to anchor the drydown.

How & Where To Use Damascenone 93% Min.

Perfumers reach for damascenone when a composition needs extra lift in the floral heart or a juicy ripple through fruit accords. A trace will bring realism to rose, peony or osmanthus while a slightly higher dose can turn a bland plum or berry accord into something mouth-watering.

The material also excels as a connector that ties top notes to the drydown. Its fruity bloom blends smoothly with citrus or aldehydes yet it hangs on long enough to echo into woody or amber bases. Because of this it appears in both feminine florals and deep masculine blends that benefit from a hint of sweet tobacco warmth.

Typical inclusion levels sit between 0.01 % and 0.2 % for fine fragrance. Household products that rinse off the skin often use even less to stay within IFRA limits. Up to 5 % is technically possible in a concentrate but rarely needed except for creating a premix or modifying another raw material.

Perception shifts with dose. At trace levels the note feels fresh like crushed petals and blackcurrant bud. Push it higher and the profile leans toward dried plum pipe tobacco or even honey. Over-use can drown lighter florals and make a blend smell syrupy so go slow and evaluate in stages.

In detergents the molecule struggles to survive the high pH and heat of the wash which is why performance there is rated poor. It fares much better in fabric conditioner soap and alcohol based fine fragrance where stability is very good.

Before weighing out, prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. The dilution makes it easier to measure milligram amounts and reduces the risk of nose fatigue during smelling sessions. Shake well before each use as slight settling can occur in cold rooms.

Safely Using Damascenone 93% Min.

Dilution is key. Always work from a premixed solution rather than the neat liquid. This simple step lowers the chance of accidental spills and makes the scent easier to judge.

Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle. Instead apply a small drop of the diluted material to a blotter then wave it gently under your nose. This approach prevents the sudden inhalation of a concentrated vapor cloud.

Good ventilation matters. Mix and evaluate in a space where fresh air can circulate so any fumes disperse quickly. A small fan or open window often does the job.

Wear disposable gloves and safety glasses. The liquid can irritate skin and eyes even at modest strength. If contact occurs wash the area with plenty of water and seek medical advice if redness persists.

People vary in sensitivity. Some may experience allergic reactions after repeated exposure. If you notice itching sneezing or headaches step away and reassess your setup.

Consult your doctor before handling aroma chemicals if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Short whiffs of a dilute sample are unlikely to pose a problem yet prolonged or high-concentration exposure should be avoided.

Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark place out of reach of children and pets. Any spills can be absorbed with paper towel then sealed in a plastic bag for disposal with household waste. Do not pour leftovers down the drain unless permitted by local regulations.

Most important of all keep the latest safety data sheet from your supplier on file and check it regularly for updates. Follow IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

How To Store & Dispose of Damascenone 93% Min.

Damascenone 93% Min. lasts longest when it is kept cool and shielded from light. A normal basement cupboard is fine yet a fridge set around 4 °C will squeeze out extra months of freshness if space allows. Whichever spot you choose keep the bottle upright and away from heaters or windows that build heat during the day.

Glass bottles with tight polycone caps are the best choice for both the neat material and any dilutions. The soft liner inside a polycone cap molds to the neck of the bottle and blocks air better than a dropper top. Air is the enemy here because oxygen slowly dulls the rosy fruit tone and can deepen the color. To slow this process transfer the liquid into a smaller bottle once the fill level drops below two thirds so the headspace stays small.

Label every container right after filling. Write the common name Damascenone 93 % Min., the CAS number 23696-85-7, the dilution strength, date of preparation and any hazard symbols suggested on the safety data sheet. Clear labeling saves time later and helps anyone else who may handle your stock.

Set up a separate working bottle for daily weighing and leave the main supply sealed until you need to top up. This habit cuts down the number of times the bulk material meets room air and keeps spills to a minimum.

When the time comes to dispose of leftovers first check local rules on chemical waste. The molecule is readily biodegradable which means it breaks down quite easily in the environment but you should still avoid pouring raw liquid into the sink. Small residues on blotters or pipettes can go in a sealed bag with household trash. Larger volumes can be mixed with sawdust or cat litter then placed in a sealed container and taken to a hazardous waste drop-off site. Rinse empty glass with a little alcohol, allow it to air dry then recycle where facilities exist.

Summary

Damascenone 93 % Min. is a high purity form of the classic rosy fruit aroma note that gives life to countless perfumes. It smells like fresh rose petals blended with plum, berries and a gentle whiff of sweet tobacco creating a bright yet warm signature that glows for hours.

Perfumers prize the ingredient because a trace can lift floral hearts, enrich fruit accords and link fresh top notes to cozy bases. It shows very good stability in fine fragrance soap and fabric softener though it struggles in high pH detergents. Cost per kilo sits in the premium tier yet low use levels keep the actual formula cost moderate.

The material is simple to store and keeps its quality for several years if shielded from air heat and light. It is biodegradable but still needs sensible disposal to respect local regulations. You can buy commercial volumes direct from IFF or pick up smaller hobby sizes from fragrance supply shops and generic manufacturers that work to the same CAS number.

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