What Is Linalyl Cinnamate?
Linalyl Cinnamate is an aroma chemical prized by perfumers for the smooth sweetness it brings to floral and oriental blends. The material was first brought to market by Givaudan, a leading name in fragrance raw materials, although several other suppliers offer equivalent grades today.
Chemically, it is an ester produced by reacting naturally occurring linalool with cinnamic acid. This straightforward process yields a clear, colourless liquid that pours easily and dissolves well in most perfume solvents.
The ingredient sits comfortably in the workbench of modern fragrance houses. It appears in both fine fragrance and functional products thanks to its versatility as a blending agent and light fixative. Usage levels tend to remain modest, yet the material is far from rare and is generally available throughout the year.
In terms of longevity, unopened drums stored under good warehouse conditions will usually stay in specification for two to three years. Once a container is opened, most labs aim to finish it within twelve months to keep the odour profile at its freshest.
Cost wise, Linalyl Cinnamate falls in the mid range for specialty esters. It is not classed as a luxury molecule, yet it represents more of an investment than basic solvents or citrus oils.
Linalyl Cinnamate’s Scent Description
Perfumers slot Linalyl Cinnamate firmly within the floral family. Off a blotter, the first impression is a gentle, creamy floral tone reminiscent of fresh petals cushioned by soft fruit nectar. Within seconds a subtle balsamic warmth shows up, adding depth and a slightly spicy glow that hints at cinnamon without turning gourmand.
Underlying the floral heart is a faintly woody sweetness that keeps the note from feeling high pitched. The overall effect is smooth, rounded and naturally sweet rather than candy like, making it ideal for building delicate bouquets or polishing fruity accords.
When mapping a fragrance pyramid, Linalyl Cinnamate settles into the middle zone yet has enough weight to shade into the early base. It bridges the bright top materials and the heavier fixatives, helping the blend move from one phase to the next without abrupt gaps.
Projection is moderate; the molecule creates an intimate aura rather than a room filling cloud. On a blotter, a well dosed strip will stay discernible for around eight hours before fading, which reflects its role as a subtle support rather than a starring soloist.
How & Where To Use Linalyl Cinnamate
Perfumers usually reach for Linalyl Cinnamate when they want to lend a seamless sweetness that pulls a floral heart together without shouting for attention. In an orange blossom or neroli accord it fills the space between sparkling top notes and creamy bases, smoothing rough edges that might come from sharper materials like petitgrain or phenyl ethyl alcohol. In a fruity theme it lifts pear, peach or apricot facets while toning down excessive tartness from citrals.
The molecule also shines in oriental blends where a perfumer wants a light hand rather than a dense resinous feel. Paired with benzoin or vanilla it adds a polished glow that keeps the mix from turning heavy. Some creators even slip small doses into woody ambers to soften the transition from heart to base, giving the overall scent a more natural curve.
Typical inclusion ranges from a trace of 0.1 percent for a subtle floral tweak up to about 3 percent for noticeable sweetness. Givaudan lists 0.5-5 percent as acceptable so there is room to experiment, yet most formulas stay below 2 percent to avoid crowding other mid notes. At low strength the material feels petal-like and airy. As you push past 3 percent the balsamic aspect steps forward and the blend can start to smell syrupy or even oily on skin.
Over-use comes with two main risks. First you may lose definition in the heart of the perfume because everything melts into one sweet blur. Second the fruity tone can read as overripe if there are already heavy lactones or fruit esters present. When testing, build concentration in small increments to find the point where the desired lift is achieved then stop.
Advance prep is simple. The ester dissolves easily in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or IPM so a 10 percent solution is ideal for bench work. This keeps weighing accurate and allows quick blotter evaluation. The liquid is clear but always filter through a coffee filter or 0.45 µm pad before charging a bulk batch to remove any dust picked up during handling.
Avoid storing the solution in light-exposed glass because the cinnamate part of the molecule can yellow over time. Amber bottles kept below 20 °C reduce that risk. Label every mix with date, strength and solvent so you know exactly what went into the trial when you return for modifications.
Safely Using Linalyl Cinnamate
Good lab practice starts with dilution. Always make a working solution before smelling or blending so the vapour concentration stays low. Never sniff straight from the bottle as the neat aroma can overwhelm your senses and lead to inaccurate evaluations. Work near an extraction hood or open window to keep fresh air moving.
Personal protection matters. Gloves prevent the liquid from contacting skin and safety glasses keep stray splashes out of your eyes. If any material does touch skin wash the area with plenty of soap and water. Remove contaminated clothing and launder before wearing again.
Most people can enjoy brief exposure to low-level dilutions without trouble yet some individuals may experience irritation or sensitisation. If you know you have fragrance allergies approach with caution. Always consult a medical professional before working with this or any aroma chemical during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Prolonged handling of high concentrations can dry the skin and may cause redness. Inhalation of heavy vapour over extended periods could lead to headaches or dizziness. These effects are avoidable by keeping sessions short, capping bottles promptly and ventilating the workspace.
Spills are easy to manage because the liquid is non-hazardous to the environment and readily biodegradable. Blot small spills with paper towels then wash the area with warm soapy water. Collect larger quantities in a sealed container for licensed chemical disposal rather than pouring down the drain.
Finally, rely on up-to-date safety documents. Always read the supplier’s latest Material Safety Data Sheet before use and check it periodically for revisions. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum concentration in finished products to ensure consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Linalyl Cinnamate
Good storage keeps Linalyl Cinnamate smelling fresh and working at full strength. A fridge set between 4-8 °C gives the longest shelf life but a cool cupboard that stays below 20 °C also works when space is limited. Darkness matters more than cold so never leave bottles on a sunny bench or near hot equipment.
Choose glass or metal containers fitted with polycone caps because they seal tightly and resist leaks. Avoid dropper tops since they let air creep in and promote oxidation. Whenever possible transfer the liquid to a smaller bottle as you use it so the headspace stays minimal. Less empty space means less oxygen and a slower fade in quality.
Store dilutions in amber or opaque bottles to block light. Mark every container with the ingredient name, CAS number, solvent type, strength and date made. Add any hazard pictograms or safety notes called for by your local rules so anyone picking up the bottle knows what is inside at a glance.
Linalyl Cinnamate is readily biodegradable and rated non-hazardous to aquatic life. Small lab amounts left over from testing can be washed away with plenty of soapy water unless local regulations say otherwise. Collect larger volumes in a sealed drum and hand them to a licensed waste contractor or your community hazardous waste center. Rinse empty bottles, deface the labels then recycle the glass if your municipal service allows.
Summary
Linalyl Cinnamate is a clear liquid ester from Givaudan that brings sweet floral fruit and a mild balsamic glow to fragrance formulas. Sitting in the heart of a perfume it blends delicate petals, lifts soft fruits and smooths oriental notes without stealing the spotlight.
Perfumers value its eight-hour staying power on a blotter, its easy solubility and its forgiving price compared with rare natural extracts. Stability is good under cool dark storage yet the molecule will yellow and lose sparkle if left warm or exposed to light so basic care goes a long way.
When planning a formula most creatives keep the dose below 2 percent to avoid syrupy overripe effects though the approved range reaches 5 percent for those who want extra sweetness. The material works across fine fragrance, haircare and soap with solid performance in both acidic and mildly alkaline bases.
Commercial houses can source drums direct from Givaudan or other bulk suppliers using CAS 78-37-5. Hobbyists and small brands will find repacked lots and generic equivalents from specialist online retailers that sell by the milliliter or ounce. Wherever you buy, label and store it well then enjoy the smooth natural charm it lends to your next creation.