What Is Bergalin?
Bergalin is a modern aroma molecule first introduced to the fragrance industry in the early 2000s by the research team that later became part of DSM-Firmenich. It arrived as a technical response to growing demand for fresh citrus notes that avoid the allergenic profile of traditional materials.
The ingredient is obtained through multi-step chemical synthesis, a controlled process that assembles simple building blocks into the finished perfume-grade liquid. The entire production runs on electricity sourced from renewable power and takes place at a dedicated facility high in the Swiss Alps, a site famed for its stringent quality and environmental standards.
At room temperature Bergalin is a clear to very pale yellow liquid with a low viscosity that pours easily, simplifying handling for compounders. Being entirely man-made it is classified as a synthetic, although its aroma profile was designed to emulate nuances found in nature.
Formulators appreciate its stability in a wide pH range, which allows use in everything from fine fragrance to household cleaners. Thanks to reliable supply chains and efficient manufacturing, Bergalin is generally considered an accessible, budget-friendly option rather than a luxury raw material.
What Does Bergalin Smell Like?
Perfumers place Bergalin squarely in the citrus family, the olfactory grouping known for bright uplifting tones that open many modern compositions.
Off a blotter the very first impression is a lively burst of bergamot peel, sparkling and slightly sweet. Within seconds a soft lavender facet appears, adding a gentle aromatic touch that keeps the citrus from feeling too sharp. As the minutes pass a subtle tea-like dryness emerges, rounding out the profile and giving the material an elegant clarity. Overall the scent feels fresh, breezy and clean, reminiscent of linalyl acetate yet noticeably smoother on the skin.
In the traditional perfume pyramid Bergalin acts primarily as a top note with enough weight to drift into the early heart of a blend. It lifts the opening then supports floral or herbal middle notes before fading without leaving heavy residue.
Projection is moderate, creating a pleasant aura rather than a loud halo. Longevity sits on the upper end for a citrus-leaning material, often traceable for two to three hours on a strip and somewhat less in very light eau de cologne formats. This balanced performance makes it a versatile choice for perfumers looking to add radiance without compromising lasting power.
How & Where To Use Bergalin
First things first, Bergalin is simply pleasant to handle. It pours easily, mixes without fuss and rarely throws off unexpected off-notes, making it a friendly teammate on the blending bench.
Perfumers call on it when they need the brightness of bergamot and the softness of lavender yet want to dodge the allergenic worries tied to natural oils or linalyl acetate. It slots neatly into citrus top accords, modern fougères, spa-like tea signatures and even clean musk bases that need a quick lift.
Typical inclusion sits anywhere from a whisper of 0.1 % to a more assertive 5 % of the total concentrate. In trace amounts it simply polishes other citruses, giving a diffusive sparkle you notice more when it is gone than when it is present. Around 1 % it starts to read clearly as bergamot peel with a herbal edge. Push it closer to 5 % and the lavender facet blooms while the tea note becomes more pronounced, which can be delightful in green colognes but may overtake delicate florals.
Projects that benefit most are fine fragrance, body wash, shampoo and fabric care where stability across pH and heat cycles matters. It holds up well in soap and detergent bases, though very high alkaline levels can shave a little of its freshness. Candles are possible but test carefully because prolonged high heat may thin out the top note faster than in cool applications.
Prep work is minimal. Pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier measuring, label the stock with its 84 °C flashpoint and you are ready to go.
Safely Information
Like all concentrated aroma materials Bergalin demands a few sensible precautions during handling.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution in a suitable solvent before evaluating its scent
- Avoid bottle sniffing: do not inhale vapors directly from the neck of the container
- Ventilation: blend in a well-aired workspace so airborne molecules disperse quickly
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep liquid off skin and out of eyes
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals can irritate skin or trigger allergies. Consult a medical professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Short low-level exposure is generally safe but long or concentrated contact can be harmful
For complete peace of mind always read the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and refer to IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels. Regulations evolve so make a habit of checking these documents whenever you receive a new batch.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions a sealed bottle of Bergalin will stay fresh for roughly two to three years before the scent starts to dull. That shelf life can stretch a little longer if you store the material with care.
Refrigeration is optional yet helpful. A stable cool cabinet or fridge set around 5 °C slows oxidation and keeps the citrus facets lively. If a fridge is not practical place bottles in a dark cupboard away from direct sun hot radiators or rumbling machinery that can warm the glass.
Choose containers with airtight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These caps form a snug seal that dropper tops often fail to match. Each time you decant aim to fill the receiving bottle close to the shoulder so less air lingers inside. Lower oxygen means fewer degradation reactions and a brighter aroma over time.
Label every vessel at once. Write the name Bergalin the date of transfer and a note on its 84 °C flashpoint along with any personal safety codes your workspace follows. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and make end-of-life handling simpler.
For disposal never pour unused concentrate down the sink. Small volumes can be soaked into an inert absorbent like kitty litter then placed in a sealed bag for chemical waste collection. Larger lots should go to a licensed hazardous waste handler. Bergalin is partly biodegradable under aerobic conditions yet the process is slow so controlled disposal is kinder to waterways and soil.
Summary
Bergalin is a lab-made citrus note that blends lively bergamot with a soft lavender twist and a hint of dry tea. It gives perfumers an easy non allergenic stand-in for linalyl acetate and works in an array of projects from bright colognes to laundry care.
The liquid is stable in many bases affordable to source and fun to dose whether you just need a sparkle at 0.1 percent or a clear signature at 5 percent. Keep the flashpoint and mild top-note fade in mind when formulating hot throw candles or very alkaline soaps.
Its green power manufacturing and broad utility have made Bergalin a popular pick on the modern aroma chemical shelf proving that smart chemistry can deliver both performance and practicality.