What Is Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate?
Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is an aroma molecule belonging to the ester family. Symrise markets it under its own name, though other aroma houses offer comparable grades that meet mainstream quality standards.
The material is produced through a straightforward esterification process that joins allyl alcohol with cyclohexylpropionic acid in the presence of an acid catalyst. The result is a very pure liquid that is virtually water-clear at room temperature and remains fluid even in a cool studio or laboratory.
In practical terms it is classed as a workhorse fruit note. Most fragrance labs keep at least a few kilos on hand because it shows up in everything from fine perfume briefs to functional formulas for soap or fabric softener. When stored in a tightly closed amber bottle away from light and heat it keeps its character for roughly two to three years before the fresher facets begin to dull.
Cost wise it sits in the middle ground. It is certainly not the cheapest fruit booster on the market yet it is affordable enough to use at a few percent in large-volume consumer products without blowing a budget.
Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate’s Scent Description
Perfumers group this ingredient into the fruity family.
On a fresh blotter the first impression is juicy apple flesh blended with a splash of sweet pineapple juice. A subtle leafy nuance brings a natural lift while a faint hint of herbal warmth keeps the fruit from feeling candy like. Within minutes the apple note softens into something that feels more like ripe pear skin and the pineapple threads merge with a quiet musky woodiness coming from the cyclohexyl backbone.
Technically it behaves as a middle note. The opening fruit spark can pass for a light top note but its real job is to bridge bright citrus starters with any creamy or woody base that follows. Because it sits in the heart the material helps spread fruit character evenly through the life of the fragrance.
Projection is moderate. In an eau de toilette at one percent it fills personal space without shouting across a room. Longevity on skin is average for a fruity ester, giving around four to six hours before fading, though on a paper blotter the smell lingers lightly for about a day.
How & Where To Use Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate
A perfumer usually turns to this ester when a formula needs the roundness of ripe orchard fruit without veering into candy or jam. It slips easily into an apple accord alongside hexyl acetate or cis 3 hexenyl acetate, lending body and a faint herbal lift that keeps the blend natural. In tropical themes it works with alpha iso methyl ionone or ethyl butyrate to suggest pineapple core rather than sugary syrup.
The material shines in middle registers so it often bridges zesty top notes such as bergamot with a creamy sandalwood or musk base. At low doses around 0.1 % it acts as a texturiser, giving general juiciness to florals like magnolia or osmanthus. Push it to 1 % and the pineapple facet becomes clearer, useful in pina colada inspired gourmands. Between 3 % and the recommended ceiling of 10 % the apple becomes dominant and can read slightly solvent like, so careful modulation is needed in fine fragrance.
Functional products usually sit in the 0.5 % to 2 % range. In shampoo it pairs well with green galbanum notes to create a crisp apple splash. Laundry softeners favour it for its stability through wash cycles, though very high levels may clash with certain aldehydic boosters and create an off skin aftersmell once fabrics are worn.
Overuse risks a plasticky edge and can flatten the overall dynamic contrast of a scent. Because the molecule is quite tenacious for a fruity ester it can mask delicate top notes if layered too heavily. A quick serial dilution to 1 % in ethanol helps evaluate its impact before committing to the concentrate.
No special solubiliser is required yet the ingredient benefits from gentle warming to 30 °C if it has been stored in a cool room, ensuring even blending. Rinse pipettes promptly because the faintly resinous dry down can linger and contaminate subsequent weigh outs.
Safety Information
Always dilute Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate before smelling it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well ventilated space so airborne vapours do not accumulate. Protective gloves and safety glasses guard against accidental splashes on skin or in eyes.
Like many esters it can trigger irritation or sensitisation in some individuals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your healthcare professional before prolonged handling. Short encounters with low concentrations are generally considered safe but extended contact or inhalation of high levels may lead to headaches or respiratory discomfort.
Should the liquid contact skin wash promptly with soap and water. In case of eye exposure rinse with plenty of water and seek medical advice if discomfort persists. Keep containers tightly closed to prevent oxidation that can alter both odour and toxicity profile.
For full guidance always review the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and follow the current IFRA standards for maximum usage levels in each product category. Regulations evolve so recheck documentation periodically to stay compliant and to protect both the end user and your own studio team.
How To Store & Dispose of Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate
Store the liquid in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or windows. A steady room temperature of 15-20 °C works fine but placing it in a fridge dedicated to perfume ingredients can slow oxidation and keep the scent fresher for a few extra months.
Choose amber glass bottles with airtight polycone caps. These liners grip the neck and seal better than common dropper tops which often let air creep in. If you make a dilution, cap it the same way and keep it in a secondary jar so light cannot reach it between sessions.
Try to keep each bottle as full as practical. Less empty space means less contact with oxygen, which in turn means slower colour change and fewer off notes. Before you store anything write the full name, concentration, date of preparation and any hazard phrases on a clear label so there is no confusion later.
Despite being readily biodegradable you should never pour unused concentrate straight into a sink. Small hobby amounts can be mixed with cat litter or coffee grounds, sealed in a bag then placed in household waste if local rules allow. Larger volumes belong in a sealed drum that goes to a licensed chemical disposal service. Rinse used pipettes with a little alcohol, wipe them, then wash with soap and water to avoid leftover smell in future blends.
Summary
Allyl Cyclohexyl Propionate is a clear ester from Symrise that brings realistic apple and pineapple tones to a perfume’s heart. It bridges bright citrus openings with creamy or woody bases and in moderate amounts gives round juicy texture without turning the mix into candy.
The material lasts about a day on blotter, stays stable in most cleaning or beauty formulas and sits in the mid price bracket so it is friendly to both fine fragrance and mass products. Keep an eye on dosage because too much can read plasticky and may hide lighter top notes.
Commercial buyers can order drum or pail sizes direct from Symrise or other aroma houses that offer generic equivalents. Hobby perfumers will find smaller bottles through specialist re-bottlers and online supply shops that cater to indie blends and test runs.