What Is Berryflor?
Berryflor is an aroma chemical designed to bring a bright fruity twist to perfumes and fragranced products. It was first introduced by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan, one of the world’s largest suppliers of scent ingredients. While Givaudan owns the trademark, other suppliers sometimes offer similar molecules under more generic names so you may see it listed without the brand tag in some catalogs.
The material is made through modern organic chemistry, starting from plant-based and petroleum-derived building blocks that are reacted in several steps. Part of its carbon content comes from renewable sources, which helps reduce the overall fossil footprint. The process is considered standard in the industry, meaning it does not need exotic equipment or unusual solvents.
At room temperature Berryflor is a clear, colorless liquid that looks a bit like water but with a slightly thicker feel when you swirl it in a vial. Because it has moderate vapor pressure it does not vanish the moment the bottle is opened yet it is far from sticky or heavy.
Perfumers reach for Berryflor often, especially when they want to brighten berry accords or soften floral blends. It shows up in fine fragrance, body care, soaps and even some fabric conditioners. Availability is good and pricing sits in the mid-range, so it is neither a luxury specialty nor a bargain basement solvent.
When stored in a cool dark place, tightly closed and away from strong bases or oxidizers, Berryflor keeps its quality for about two to three years. After that time you might notice a slight drop in strength or a hint of off odor which signals it is time to refresh your stock.
Berryflor’s Scent Description
Berryflor falls squarely into the fruity family, though it carries a gentle floral halo that sets it apart from pure berry notes. Off a blotter the first thing you notice is a juicy raspberry nuance that feels natural and mouth-watering. Within seconds a soft petal quality drifts in, similar to fresh jasmine but without the heady darkness that true jasmine can have. Underneath sits a light balsamic sweetness that rounds everything out and keeps the note from turning sour.
In the language of perfumery scents unfold in top, middle or base notes. Tops are the first flash, middles form the heart and bases linger longest. Berryflor settles comfortably in the middle zone. It shows up not right away like a citrus top but also does not wait until the dry-down. You can expect it to peak around ten minutes after application then gently fade over the next few hours.
Projection is moderate. It radiates a friendly arm’s length aura that feels present yet never overwhelming. On a standard paper blotter the aroma stays noticeable for roughly a day which translates to two to four hours on skin depending on the formula around it. In heavier compositions supported by woods or musks it can last a touch longer, while in light colognes it bows out sooner.
How & Where To Use Berryflor
Perfumers reach for Berryflor whenever a bright raspberry twist is needed without tipping a blend into candy territory. Its floral undertone lets it slip into feminine bouquets while the gentle balsamic tail smooths sharp edges in masculine or unisex styles. Common partners include rose, jasmine, violet ionones, soft woods and modern musks. It can also freshen gourmand accords by adding a juicy sparkle on top of vanilla or praline.
Usage levels run from a whisper of 0.1 % for subtle lift to about 5 % for a clear raspberry signature. Givaudan lists an upper guideline of 25 % in certain functional bases but fine fragrances rarely climb that high. At low doses the material smells airy and fresh. Medium strength brings out the floral heart while heavy overdosing pushes a syrupy facet that can clash with delicate notes and mask complexity. Because of this blooming effect many perfumers start with a 10 % ethanol or DPG dilution for easier dosing.
Berryflor shines in shower gels, shampoos and body sprays where its fruitiness survives water and surfactants. It also holds up well in candle wax and burning tests show strong diffusion. A weaker point is long-term substantivity on dry fabric so laundry scents often pair it with fixatives like ambers or macrocyclic musks. High pH cleaners can dull the raspberry tone after a few weeks so stability trials are advised.
Before adding Berryflor to a formula weigh the base note load. Too much woody or smoky material can drown its sparkle. Blend it early in the middle-note stage, smell, then adjust citrus or aldehydes to bridge the top. If the goal is a photorealistic berry accord combine it with traces of blackcurrant bud, ethyl maltol and a soft musk for body. Always record exact percentages because small shifts are easy to overlook when working from dilutions.
Safely Using Berryflor
Dilution is key so prepare a working solution, typically 10 % in ethanol, before smelling or blending. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead waft the scent from a blotter. Work in a well-ventilated space to prevent inhaling concentrated fumes and wear gloves plus safety glasses to protect skin and eyes.
Berryflor is classed as readily biodegradable yet it can cause skin irritation in sensitive users. Anyone with known perfume allergies should handle with extra care. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before working with any aroma chemical. Short sessions at low concentrations are generally safe but prolonged exposure to high levels can bring headaches or respiratory discomfort.
Spills clean up easily with paper towel followed by soap and water. Do not pour large amounts down the drain; collect waste in a sealed container for proper disposal according to local rules. Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark place away from ignition sources and strong acids or bases that could degrade the molecule.
For the most accurate safety advice always read the latest Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and check it regularly for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines on maximum use levels in each product type to keep both you and end users safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Berryflor
Berryflor stays in top shape when kept in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sun. Refrigeration is optional but useful if you stock large volumes or plan to keep a bottle for more than two years. If you chill it, let the liquid warm to room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensation inside the cap.
Choose bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These liners grip the glass neck and slow air exchange better than dropper tops, which often drip and let oxygen sneak in. Fill containers as full as possible or decant into smaller bottles once the level drops below two thirds. Less headspace means less oxidation and a fresher raspberry note.
Label every bottle clearly with “Berryflor,” the CAS number 104986-28-9 and basic hazard icons so you do not mix it up with similar fruity esters. Include the date of purchase and the dilution strength if it is not neat. Good labeling cuts guesswork during later formula checks.
For disposal small hobby quantities can be mixed with cat litter or sawdust, sealed in a bag then taken to a household hazardous waste site. Because Berryflor is readily biodegradable a trace rinse on blotters or glassware is fine to wash down the drain, yet never pour large volumes into sinks or soil where it could harm aquatic life. Businesses with drums or bulk leftovers should use licensed chemical waste contractors who follow local regulations.
Summary
Berryflor is Givaudan’s fruity floral ester that smells like fresh raspberry backed by soft jasmine and a hint of balsamic sweetness. Sitting in the middle note range it lifts top accords and smooths transitions to woods and musks. Its moderate cost plus good performance in haircare, body wash and candles keep it on many perfumers’ short list when a natural-feeling berry nuance is needed.
Strength lies in bright fruity impact yet it can fade on dry fabric or suffer in very high pH cleaners, so pair it with fixatives and run stability checks. The molecule is mid-priced, easier to justify than rare naturals but not as cheap as bulk citrus. It shines when used thoughtfully since overdosing can push it into syrupy territory that masks detail.
You can order Berryflor directly from Givaudan in commercial lots or pick up smaller packs from specialty fragrance suppliers and generic manufacturers that match the CAS number. Whether you blend at home or for a brand this versatile raspberry note earns a place on the bench thanks to its vivid scent, reliable quality and friendly handling profile.