What Is Auratouch?
Auratouch is a modern aroma ingredient unveiled by dsm-firmenich in 2022 after several years of cooperative research between their perfumers and the Natural Ingredients Center of Expertise. It is not a single molecule but a carefully calibrated composition that blends captive synthetics with refined fractions of natural materials. The result is a ready-to-use liquid that behaves like a single raw material in the perfumer’s palette while keeping its precise recipe proprietary.
The manufacturing process relies on gentle distillation and molecular sieving to isolate small aromatic fractions, followed by automated mixing under nitrogen to protect the more delicate components from oxidation. Because the recipe includes natural fractions the finished material is typically classified as of mixed origin rather than purely synthetic or fully natural.
At room temperature Auratouch appears as a clear mobile liquid with a faint straw tint that quickly disappears when the material is spread on a blotter or diluted in alcohol. The product pours easily without crystallising which simplifies large-scale handling in fragrance plants.
Since launch it has gained steady traction with both niche and mainstream perfume houses thanks to its versatility across fine fragrance, personal care and home care bases. Supply is reliable and the cost sits comfortably in the mid range so formulators can use it at noticeable levels without jeopardising target margins.
What Does Auratouch Smell Like?
Auratouch sits squarely in the musk family of perfumery materials. On a fresh blotter it greets the nose with a clean soft musk reminiscent of ambrette seed yet stripped of any fatty or animalic nuance. Almost immediately a subtle pear-like brightness peeks through giving the impression of a naturally airy fabric rather than a heavy blanket of musk.
As the minutes pass the material settles into a smooth slightly creamy heart that feels skin-like and comforting. The ambrette facet lingers lending a faintly fruity warmth that keeps the musk from smelling sterile.
Musk notes typically reside in the base of a perfume and Auratouch follows that rule. It fixes other materials beautifully by extending their life while adding its own discreet signature. You will not detect a sparkling top note burst or a dramatic floral middle from Auratouch alone yet its presence underpins the entire drydown making compositions feel more polished.
Projection sits at a gentle to moderate level. It creates an enveloping aura close to the wearer rather than a loud trail across the room. Longevity, however, is impressive. Even at low dosages the musky glow remains detectable on skin or fabric well past the eight-hour mark which helps finished fragrances maintain a consistent character throughout the day.
How & Where To Use Auratouch
Perfumers generally find Auratouch a pleasure to handle because it pours smoothly and blends without fuss, so it feels friendly on the bench even during hectic comp sessions.
The material shines as the musky backbone of accords that aim for clean skin warmth. It slides effortlessly into soft woods, transparent florals and modern gourmands, supplying lasting body while keeping the overall profile light. When a formula needs lift plus a whisper of ambrette fruitiness without veering animalic this is often the go to choice over standard macrocyclic musks.
In fine fragrance a common approach is to dose it at 0.5 – 2 % of the concentrate, letting it knit together top and heart notes while extending wear. Higher levels up to 5 % push the ambrette nuance forward and create a more noticeable pear musk ribbon suitable for minimalist skin scents or fabric mists. Trace amounts below 0.3 % simply round harsh edges and boost diffusion without being recognised as a note.
Personal care bases such as shampoo, shower gel and soap tolerate Auratouch well and typically use 0.2 – 1 %. The material survives most saponification systems so the musky softness persists after cure. In home care, candles and softeners benefit from its clean radiance but heavy detergent matrices can compress the fruit facet, so pair it with bright top boosters if you need extra sparkle.
No special pre dilution is mandatory though many perfumers prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or DPG for finer dosing. The material is already liquid and filter clear so filtration or warming is rarely needed. Simply keep the working bottle tightly closed to prevent slow oxidation of the natural fractions.
Safety Information
Like all aroma materials Auratouch demands sensible handling to keep creativity safe and comfortable.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % or lower solution on a blotter or in a strip to assess the scent accurately and reduce vapor shock.
- Never smell directly from the bottle: undiluted vapors can overwhelm your nose and mask subtle notes in the rest of your formula.
- Work in a well ventilated area: good airflow prevents buildup of aromatic particles that could cause headaches or respiratory discomfort.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: they protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes when pipetting or pouring.
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience irritation or allergic reactions, consult a doctor if pregnant or breastfeeding, and remember that brief low level exposure is generally safe while prolonged or high doses can be harmful.
Always consult the latest supplier MSDS for definitive data and review it periodically as updates occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable levels in each product category to ensure your creations remain both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When Auratouch is kept in ideal conditions it stays in spec for roughly two years from the production date. Some perfumers report little change even after thirty months yet it is safer to plan on a 24-month working life.
The easiest way to protect the material is to store it in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators and direct sun. Refrigeration is not required but a fridge set around 8 °C slows oxidation and can add several extra months of freshness.
Choose bottles fitted with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The cone creates a tight seal that limits oxygen pick-up each time you open the bottle. Avoid glass dropper tops since their loose fit and built-in air chamber speed up degradation.
Try to keep containers as full as possible. If you draw off a large portion decant the remainder into a smaller bottle to shrink the headspace. Less air means less oxidised musk and a cleaner scent profile over time.
Label every container clearly with the name Auratouch, its concentration if diluted and any key hazard codes from the MSDS. Good labels prevent mix-ups during busy bench work and help colleagues find safety data fast.
Disposal is straightforward but must follow local rules. The blend includes some readily biodegradable natural fractions yet also contains stable synthetics that resist quick breakdown. Never pour leftovers down the sink. Small lab amounts can be soaked into inert absorbent and placed in sealed bags for chemical waste collection. Larger volumes should go to an approved waste handler that can process aromatic organics by controlled incineration.
Summary
Auratouch is a liquid musk accord released by dsm-firmenich in 2022 that mimics the soft fruity warmth of ambrette seed without the heavy animalic side of older musks.
It gives formulas a smooth skin-like glow, extends wear and slips easily into woods, florals, gourmands or almost any clean concept. Dosage can swing from trace smoothing all the way to a starring role in minimalist perfumes.
The ingredient is fun to play with because it pours cleanly, blends fast and behaves well in everything from fine fragrance to soap and candles. Its mid-range cost keeps budgets happy while the good stability means few production headaches.
Keep an eye on shelf life, avoid excess air exposure and respect IFRA limits and you will find Auratouch a versatile partner that earns its spot on the bench.