What Is Dihydro Cyclacet?
Dihydro Cyclacet is an aroma molecule created by chemists in the early 1970s while they were exploring new ways to make fresh smelling materials for fine fragrance. It is produced by hydrogenating a parent material known as Cyclacet, a step that removes a double bond and changes the scent profile. This process takes place in modern perfumery labs using catalysts and controlled temperatures, so the result is a highly pure liquid.
The ingredient is classed as synthetic rather than natural because it is made entirely through industrial chemistry rather than being distilled from a plant. At room temperature it appears as a clear liquid that can look almost water-like, sometimes showing a faint straw tint if it has been stored for a while.
Perfumers reach for Dihydro Cyclacet quite often, especially when they need a green accent that stays on skin longer than most herb notes. It shows up in prestige fine fragrances as well as everyday household products thanks to its cost effectiveness and excellent stability. While not considered rare or pricey, it is valued for the lift it gives to modern compositions.
What Does Dihydro Cyclacet Smell Like?
This material sits firmly in the herbal family. Off a blotter it opens with a vivid green snap that brings fresh basil leaves to mind rather than the slightly fruity edge of its parent Cyclacet. There is a cool, slightly stemmy nuance that makes the note feel natural and garden-fresh, yet the overall effect remains clean and refined.
In the language of perfumery we speak about top, middle and base notes. Tops are the first to appear, middles form the heart of the perfume and bases are the long-lasting anchor. Dihydro Cyclacet behaves like a middle note with a hint of top note sparkle. It arrives quickly yet keeps humming along for several hours, bridging bright citrus or leafy openings to the softer woods and musks beneath.
The molecule is potent so a small amount gives strong projection during the first hour. Its longevity on skin is solid, often carrying the green facet four to six hours before it fades into the background. In blends it can extend the lift of lighter herbs, making the whole formula feel more vibrant for longer.
How & Where To Use Dihydro Cyclacet
Most perfumers find Dihydro Cyclacet a pleasure to handle. It is liquid, pours easily and the scent pops right out of the bottle without any harsh off notes that need masking. The material blends smoothly into alcohol or common carriers so measuring and weighing stay drama-free.
Formulation wise it earns a spot wherever a crisp basil like greenness is needed. It can act as a single green accent or join other molecules to build an herbal accord beside linalool, eucalyptol or galbanum derivatives. When the brief calls for a fresher twist than Cyclacet, or a greener edge than hexyl acetate, many perfumers reach for this hydrogenated cousin.
Typical inclusion sits from traces up to about 2 % of the concentrate, though going as far as 5 % is possible in very green concepts. At low levels it adds a gentle leafy lift that feels transparent. Push the dose and the basil character becomes unmistakable and can steer the whole perfume toward a kitchen-garden vibe. Because it behaves like a strong middle note it also extends fleeting top notes such as citrus, mint or cut grass aromachemicals.
Applications range widely. Fine fragrance welcomes its stability and smoothness. Fabric softeners and powder detergents keep the smell intact through harsh processing so it stays present on laundered cloth. It is less suited to high heat candles where herbal facets can thin out quickly, and very delicate colognes may need a lighter hand to avoid an overly vegetal tone.
Prep work is minimal. A quick pre-dilution at 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol gives easier dosing and a gentler pick-up on a smelling strip. No special antioxidants or stabilisers are required as the molecule already shows excellent shelf life.
Safely Information
Working with any concentrated aroma material calls for a few common-sense precautions to keep the creative process safe and pleasant.
- Always dilute before smelling: Make up a 10 % or weaker solution so the true character emerges without overwhelming the nose
- Never smell directly from the bottle: Wafting vapour straight into the nostrils can cause irritation and dull your sense of smell
- Use good ventilation: Blending in a space with moving air prevents a build-up of chemical fumes
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: Direct skin or eye contact with neat material can lead to discomfort and possible sensitisation
- Health considerations: Some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before handling concentrated fragrance ingredients. Short encounters with low levels are usually safe but long or repeated exposure to higher doses can be harmful
Dihydro Cyclacet is straightforward to handle yet responsible practice is vital. Always review the most recent Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and check it often for updates, then follow the applicable IFRA guidelines to stay well within recommended limits.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care Dihydro Cyclacet stays fresh for four to five years before any noticeable drop in strength or clarity. Some perfumers keep it even longer with no obvious changes, especially if the bottle has been opened only a few times.
Refrigeration is optional but helpful. A steady 4 °C slows oxidation and keeps the colour crystal clear. If fridge space is limited a cupboard or cabinet that remains cool, dry and shaded will do the job. Direct sunlight or the warmth from a radiator speeds up degradation so avoid both.
Use bottles that seal tightly with polycone caps for neat material and for dilutions. The soft cone presses against the glass making a vapor-tight closure, something most glass droppers cannot guarantee. Dropper bottles also pull air in as the pipette fills which increases exposure to oxygen.
Whatever container you choose try to keep it topped up. Decant larger purchases into a few small bottles so each stays nearly full until needed. Less headspace means less air, fewer dissolved oxygen molecules and a lower chance of off odours appearing.
Label every bottle clearly with the name, concentration, date and the standard hazard phrases found on the Safety Data Sheet. A quick glance months later should tell you exactly what is inside and how to handle it.
Dihydro Cyclacet is classified as non-biodegradable so never pour leftovers down the sink. Small amounts can be soaked into cat litter or paper towels, sealed in a plastic bag then disposed of in household waste if local rules allow. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical disposal facility together with any contaminated rags or gloves.
Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent, let the solvent evaporate in a fume hood or outdoors then recycle the glass. Cap and pipette parts usually belong in general waste unless your recycler accepts mixed materials.
Summary
Dihydro Cyclacet is a synthetic aroma molecule that gives perfumes a vivid herbal flash reminiscent of just-picked basil. It is versatile, sits in the middle register and lasts longer than most green notes which makes it handy for extending crisp top accords into the drydown.
Formulators like its clean profile, excellent stability and friendly cost so you will find it in fine fragrances, detergents and fabric conditioners alike. Success comes from dosing with care because a little already packs a punch.
With decent shelf life, simple storage needs and a user-friendly liquid form this ingredient is fun to blend whether you are building bright citrus herb accords or adding a naturalistic twist to woody bases. Just remember it is non-biodegradable and potent, so respect safe handling guidelines and dispose of any waste responsibly.