What Is Citronellol 70?
Citronellol 70 is a high-purity grade of the well-known fragrance material citronellol. The number refers to the concentration of its most olfactorily active isomer, giving perfumers a reliable and consistent profile. It first appeared in the fragrance industry in the late 1990s as part of an effort to offer cleaner, greener building blocks for modern formulations.
The ingredient is produced through chemical synthesis, starting from simpler plant-derived molecules that are transformed in a few carefully controlled steps. This route allows large scale supply without straining natural resources, and it aligns with green-chemistry goals such as waste reduction and energy efficiency.
At room temperature Citronellol 70 is a clear, mobile liquid that pours easily and blends smoothly with common perfume solvents. It is readily biodegradable and shows good stability in a broad range of consumer products, which makes it a dependable choice in everyday manufacturing.
In terms of availability the material is widely stocked by fragrance houses and raw-material distributors. Its production method keeps it in the affordable bracket, so it is used by both niche artisans and major brands. Because it performs well in fine fragrance, toiletries, home care and even candles, it has become a staple on perfumers’ formula sheets.
What Does Citronellol 70 Smell Like?
Citronellol 70 sits squarely in the floral family. On a blotter it first releases a fresh burst that recalls crushed rose petals mixed with lively geranium leaves. Almost at once a bright citronella nuance joins in, giving a sparkling lift and a light lemony twist. As the minutes pass the scent softens into a gentle petal-like floralcy backed by a mild green tone, never turning heavy or cloying.
Perfumers break a fragrance into top, middle and base notes to describe how it unfolds over time. Citronellol 70 is firmly a middle or heart note. It steps in once the initial top notes have faded then stays present long enough to bridge into the drydown, supporting the base without dominating it.
Projection is moderate: it radiates a comfortable aura without taking over a room. Longevity on a blotter is solid, usually lasting several hours before it settles into a faint rosy trace. This balance of presence and restraint explains why it is so often chosen to build realistic, long-lasting floral accords.
How & Where To Use Citronellol 70
Perfumers generally find Citronellol 70 a friendly teammate. It pours easily, blends without fuss and has a predictable drydown that lets you focus on the creative side rather than wrestling with technical quirks.
In a formula it shines as a rosy heart note, so it is a go-to whenever you need to build or freshen a rose, geranium or peony accord. Because its profile sits between natural rose oil and crisp citronella it can lift a floral bouquet while adding a subtle green sparkle. You might reach for it instead of or alongside natural rose to keep costs under control, to improve stability in soap or detergent bases or to give extra projection to a delicate petal theme.
Citronellol 70 also plays well in modern fresh florals that lean on muguet or transparent jasmine notes. In tiny traces it lends brightness without clearly reading as “rose.” At higher levels it can push a composition toward a more geranium-leaf direction or even a citronella nuance in a summer splash. Too much though and it may dominate with a sharp lemony edge, so balance is key.
Applications range from fine fragrance and body sprays to functional products like shampoo, shower gel, bar soap, softener and all-purpose cleaners. It is candle-safe and holds its scent in wax without heavy discoloration. Typical usage sits anywhere from 0.1 % for a soft lift up to 5 % in robust home care formulas. In fine fragrance most perfumers stay between 0.5 % and 2 % of the concentrate.
The material is usually pre-diluted to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before weighing so you can measure small additions with accuracy and avoid nose fatigue. No special antioxidants or stabilisers are required, just store the stock bottle tightly closed and weighed quickly to limit air exposure.
Safety Information
Working with any fragrance raw material calls for a few basic precautions to keep both the perfumer and the end consumer safe.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % or lower solution on a blotter rather than sniffing the neat liquid.
- Avoid direct inhalation: never smell straight from the bottle and keep sessions short to prevent sensory overload.
- Ensure good ventilation: work near a fume hood or open window so airborne vapours do not build up.
- Wear protective gear: gloves and safety glasses guard against accidental splashes that may irritate skin or eyes.
- Health considerations: some individuals can develop irritation or allergic reactions. Seek medical advice before handling if pregnant or breastfeeding and remember that prolonged or high-level exposure may be harmful even when low levels are generally safe.
For complete peace of mind consult the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and keep an eye on future revisions. Follow any IFRA guidelines for maximum dosage in specific product categories so your formulas remain both compliant and consumer-friendly.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under the right conditions Citronellol 70 remains in spec for roughly 24 to 36 months. A faint shift in color or a weaker floral note usually signals it is time to replace your stock.
Refrigeration is helpful but not essential. A cool dark cupboard shielded from direct sunlight and strong heat sources will slow oxidation just fine. Aim for a stable temperature below 20 °C and avoid frequent temperature swings.
Choose bottles with polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. They seal tightly and cut down on air exchange far better than glass dropper tops which tend to wick fumes and leak. After every weighing wipe the threads clean and screw the cap back on firmly so vapors do not creep out.
Try to keep containers as full as possible. Transferring the remainder to a smaller bottle once you have used half the contents greatly reduces the headspace and the oxygen that can trigger degradation.
Label every vessel clearly with the material name, batch number, concentration if diluted and the main safety phrases so no one has to guess later. A date of opening stamp is also handy for shelf-life tracking.
For disposal, small rinse residues can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water since the molecule is readily biodegradable, provided local regulations allow it. Larger volumes or outdated stock should be collected in a sealed container and handed to a licensed chemical waste contractor. Never pour bulk liquid into soil or open waterways and always check your municipal guidelines first.
Summary
Citronellol 70 is a high-purity rosy heart note that blends a classic rose petal vibe with fresh geranium leaves and a light citronella sparkle. In the lab it is easygoing, affordable and compatible with everything from fine fragrance to laundry detergent.
Use it to brighten a bouquet accord, extend natural rose, sharpen muguet themes or add a gentle green twinkle to citrus colognes. Its reliable stability and moderate cost have secured it a permanent place on modern formula sheets.
Just store it cool, keep air out and balance the dosage so the lemony edge does not take over. Treated with a little care Citronellol 70 is a fun versatile tool that rewards both beginners and seasoned perfumers with a clean long-lasting floral lift.