Calone: 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
Share:
Inside this article:

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 Calone?

Calone is a synthetic aroma chemical famous for its ability to recreate the sensation of a salty sea breeze. The material was first introduced by the house now known as DSM-Firmenich, who still sell it under the registered name CALONE. Over time other aroma suppliers have produced their own versions, so the name has become a convenient shorthand for the whole family of marine notes.

In its raw form the ingredient arrives as a fine white crystalline powder. It is produced through multi-step chemical synthesis that links smaller molecules into a larger ring-shaped structure. Modern production follows green chemistry principles where possible, reducing waste and energy use without changing the character of the final material.

Perfumers reach for Calone when they want to add an instant feeling of open water, beach air or dewy freshness. It surged in popularity during the 1990s and remains a staple in fine fragrance, personal care products and home scenting. When stored in a tightly closed container away from heat and light it keeps its full strength for roughly three to five years before very gradual oxidation begins to dull the scent.

From a cost perspective Calone sits in the mid range of synthetic materials. It is not as cheap as simple citrus molecules yet far less expensive than rare naturals, which makes it attractive for both prestige perfumes and everyday products.

Calone’s Scent Description

Calone is grouped into the aquatic olfactory family. Off a blotter the first impression is a crisp splash of ocean air mixed with mineral saltiness. Within seconds a cool watery sweetness emerges that recalls honeydew melon, crushed cucumber and a hint of lotus petal. Underneath, a faint metallic edge adds realism to the shoreline effect while subtle floral nuances keep the note from feeling purely marine.

Perfumers divide a fragrance into top, middle and base notes based on how fast each material evaporates. Calone sits between the top and the heart. It bursts out quickly enough to color the opening yet retains enough weight to linger through the middle stages, lending an airy lift for several hours before softly fading.

The projection of Calone is notable: even at low concentration it diffuses widely and can dominate a composition if not balanced with woods, musks or citrus. On skin the molecule typically remains noticeable for six to eight hours, though in soap, shampoo or candles it can be smelled long after the product has dried or cooled.

How & Where To Use Calone

Perfumers reach for Calone when they want to inject an unmistakable sea breeze into a formula. It shines as the main driver of a marine accord or as a supporting actor that freshens florals, citruses or even light woods. A few drops instantly add the sensation of cool ocean air so it often replaces softer watery materials whenever extra lift and staying power are required.

Typical usage ranges from traces to about 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent it whispers a watery nuance that blends almost invisibly with melon, cucumber or violet notes. Around 1 percent the salt spray effect becomes clearly noticeable and can brighten body lotions, shampoos and shower gels. Push it toward the 3–5 percent end of the scale and the material dominates, giving the bold tidal wave made famous by many 1990s blue perfumes.

Calone’s smell profile shifts with dosage. In low amounts it feels fresh and slightly fruity. Medium levels reveal a clearer briny splash. Very high concentrations can tip into metallic, fishy or even iodine territory, a reminder that more is not always better. Over-use may also cause “soaping out” in alcohol-based fine fragrance where the scent becomes flat rather than expansive.

The ingredient dissolves readily in ethanol and cosmetic grade dipropylene glycol, making dilution straightforward. Because the raw material is a crystalline powder it helps to warm the solvent gently or stir for a few minutes to speed dissolution. Once diluted to 10 percent or below the solution handles like any other liquid aromatic and can be weighed or pipetted without fuss.

Calone works beautifully in fresh fougères, seaside florals, airy musks and functional products such as fabric softeners. It can clash with dense orientals or heavily gourmand accords where its watery lift feels out of place. Balance it with citrus top notes, ozonic aldehydes or light woods for a coherent composition then add a touch of musk or soft amber to round off any rough edges.

Safely Using Calone

Dilution is key so prepare a 10 percent solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before evaluating its odor. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead smell from a blotter or small vial at arm’s length. Always work in a well-ventilated space to keep airborne concentration low and wear protective gloves and safety glasses to prevent skin or eye contact.

Like many aroma chemicals Calone can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Brief exposure at low levels is generally considered safe yet prolonged handling of concentrated material may lead to headaches or respiratory discomfort. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before working with fragrance ingredients.

Store the powder or its dilutions in airtight amber glass away from heat and direct light to preserve freshness. Dispose of unwanted material following local regulations for non-hazardous chemical waste; never pour large amounts down the drain. Clean tools with ethanol and let them dry completely before reuse to avoid cross contamination.

Always consult the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor since updates can change recommended handling procedures. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure your finished fragrance remains both enjoyable and safe for everyone who encounters it.

How To Store & Dispose of Calone

Calone keeps its punch longest when shielded from light and heat. A regular cabinet that stays below room temperature will do but a fridge set aside for fragrance materials can push shelf life past the usual two to three year mark. Whatever space you pick make sure the container is dry and upright so moisture cannot creep in and clump the powder.

Air is the other enemy. Use bottles that can be filled to the shoulder and close them with polycone caps that form a tight seal. Dropper bottles may look handy yet they invite slow leaks and oxidation. For working solutions top up the bottle after each use or move the remainder to a smaller vial so less oxygen sits in the headspace.

Label every container with the name Calone plus its CAS number 28940-11-6 and note any hazard phrases from the Safety Data Sheet. Clear labels help avoid mix-ups and let anyone on your bench know how to handle spills or skin contact.

When the material has lost its freshness or you simply need to clear shelf space treat it as non-hazardous chemical waste unless your local rules say otherwise. Small amounts of leftover dilution can be wiped with paper towels then tossed in regular trash. Larger volumes should go to a waste collection point that accepts organics for controlled incineration. Calone is not classed as readily biodegradable so avoid tipping it down the drain where it can linger in water systems.

Rinse empty bottles with ethanol, let them dry fully then either recycle the glass or reuse it for other aroma chemicals. Keep your workspace tidy and you will cut down on cross contamination and wasted raw material.

Summary

Calone is a synthetic marine note from DSM-Firmenich that smells like salty sea air wrapped in a watery melon glow. It launched the wave of oceanic perfumes in the 1990s and is still prized whenever a formula needs a clean blue sparkle that lasts.

The material is affordable, stable under normal storage and easy to blend once you make a 10 percent solution. It excels in fresh fougères, coastal florals and functional products but can feel out of place in heavy gourmands or spicy orientals. Keep dosage modest to avoid metallic or iodine facets sneaking in.

Commercial houses buy Calone by the kilo from major fragrance suppliers yet hobbyists can find smaller amounts through reputable resellers and generic manufacturers that list the same CAS number. With smart storage and thoughtful use this crystalline powder will remain a go-to tool for adding endless summer to your creations.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.