What Is Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra?
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is an aroma chemical belonging to the ketone family that entered the perfumer’s palette in 2019 after research into upcycling woody industry byproducts. The material is manufactured through a multi-step process that starts with renewable terpenes, followed by catalytic oxidation and selective dimethylation to yield a high-purity ingredient. More than half of its carbon content is bio-based which supports the growing demand for sustainable raw materials.
At room temperature it appears as a clear almost water-like liquid that can sometimes show a very pale yellow hue. The substance is free flowing and easy to dose which makes it attractive in both small lab work and large-scale production runs. With a gas chromatographic purity of at least 90 percent it gives consistent results batch after batch.
Although a relatively new launch Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra has gained rapid adoption because it blends seamlessly with many fragrance styles and stays stable in a wide range of consumer products from fine fragrance to household cleaners. The cost profile sits comfortably in the moderate bracket so creatives can use it generously without blowing the budget yet it still offers enough performance to earn a spot in premium creations.
What Does Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra Smell Like?
This ingredient falls into the woody olfactory family. Off a blotter it opens with a clean cedar wood impression that quickly deepens into a smooth blond wood tone. Within a few minutes an ambery warmth surfaces adding a slightly resinous glow that rounds out the dryness. The overall effect feels polished and modern rather than rustic so it works well in both masculine and unisex formulas.
From a perfumery perspective the material behaves mainly as a middle to base note. It rises gently after the top accords fade providing a solid woody backbone then lingers in the drydown for many hours. Projection is moderate giving a refined aura rather than an overpowering cloud while longevity is excellent; traces remain detectable on a blotter well past the 24-hour mark.
How & Where To Use Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra
Most perfumers will tell you that Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is a pleasure to handle. It pours easily, stays clear in alcohol and does not throw off any stubborn off notes while you blend. Because it is both forgiving and versatile it suits beginners who are learning the ropes and seasoned noses who need a reliable woody fix in a hurry.
The molecule shines when you need a modern cedar or blond wood signature without the pencil shavings effect that some older materials can give. It anchors light florals, bright citruses and musky ambers with equal ease so it often ends up as the common thread in gender-neutral creations. If a formula feels flat yet you do not want to darken it with patchouli or guaiac this ingredient is the one many reach for.
Usage can vary from the faintest whisper to a hefty dose. In delicate eau de colognes traces around 0.1 % add clarity and a subtle dry backbone. Everyday fine fragrances typically sit between 1 % and 5 % where the clean cedar facet pushes forward then settles into a smooth amber-wood in the drydown. For home care bases or woody-centric perfumes you can safely climb toward 20 % and even 40 % when a bold lumber note is the brief. Above roughly 15 % the scent profile turns rounder and more ambery while the fresh cedar snap softens, so adjust other woods and resins accordingly.
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra blends at room temperature with no need for special solvents yet a 10 % ethanol or DPG dilution is recommended for accurate pipetting and quick blotter tests. The material tolerates most pH ranges and survives high-temperature soap cookouts, though extended heat above 90 °C can shave off a little brightness so add it as late as your process allows.
Safety Information
As with any concentrated aroma chemical certain precautions and considerations are required to keep work both safe and comfortable.
- Always dilute before evaluation: Prepare a 10 % solution in alcohol or dipropylene glycol before smelling to avoid sensory overload and potential irritation.
- No direct sniffing from the bottle: Headspace can reach far higher concentrations than you intend which may desensitise your nose and irritate mucous membranes.
- Ensure good ventilation: Work near an extraction fan or open window so vapours disperse quickly rather than lingering in your workspace.
- Wear protective gear: Nitrile gloves and safety glasses help prevent accidental skin contact or eye splashes during weighing and pouring.
- Health considerations: Some aroma chemicals can trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions. Brief exposure to low levels is generally considered safe yet prolonged or high-level contact can be harmful. Consult a healthcare professional before handling if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow any applicable IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels to ensure your finished product is both compliant and safe for consumers.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in the right conditions Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra stays in top form for around two to three years before the odour may start to flatten. Some users report even longer shelf life but aim to refresh stock every thirty-six months to be safe.
Refrigeration is helpful if you have the space. A steady 4 °C slows oxidation and keeps the colour crystal clear. If the fridge is full a cool dark cupboard away from sunlight heaters and hot pipes will do the job. Avoid big swings in temperature as repeated warming and cooling can force moisture into the bottle.
Choose glass or aluminium bottles with tight-sealing polycone caps. They grip the neck and keep air out far better than dropper tops which often leak and suck air back in. Keep bottles as full as you can by moving remaining liquid to a smaller container once levels drop below half. Less air in the headspace means less risk of oxidation and off notes.
Label every container with the name batch date and any hazard icons so no one mistakes it for something else. Add the dilution strength if you have made a working solution so you never guess at concentration later.
For disposal check local rules first. Small laboratory quantities can usually be mixed with plenty of absorbent material like kitty litter then placed in the chemical waste bin. Large lots should go to a licensed disposal firm. The molecule is not readily biodegradable owing to its high log P so do not pour it down the drain unless regulations allow special treatment at the plant.
Rinse empty bottles with alcohol, let them dry, remove or deface labels and recycle the clean glass if your program accepts it.
Summary
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is a modern woody ketone that brings clean cedar blond woods and a touch of amber to any formula. It behaves like a smooth middle-to-base note that lasts all day yet never shouts.
Because it blends with florals citruses musks and resins it shows up in colognes haircare soaps candles and heavy duty cleaners. The material is easy to handle cost friendly and stable across most pH and heat ranges which explains why it has become a go-to for both indie mixers and big fragrance houses.
Keep an eye on oxidation if the bottle sits half empty and remember that at high doses the wood turns rounder and more ambery. Other than that it is a fun no-drama ingredient that rewards play. Reach for it when you need a crisp cedar backbone or want to tie mixed woods together without adding weight.