What Is Fraise?
Fraise is an aroma chemical created to give perfumers a reliable strawberry effect that stays consistent from batch to batch. First introduced to the market in 1991 after research by a European fragrance house, it was designed as a cost-effective alternative to the limited supply and variable quality of natural strawberry extracts.
The material is produced through a straightforward synthetic process that joins small organic building blocks in a reactor, then purifies the result through distillation. Because the method starts with petrochemical or plant-derived feedstocks rather than pressed fruit, Fraise is classed as a purely synthetic ingredient.
At room temperature the substance is a clear to slightly pale yellow liquid that pours easily and blends without visible residue. It is stable in both water-based and oil-based formulas which makes it popular with perfumers and product chemists alike.
In terms of market use Fraise is common. You will find it in everything from designer fine fragrances to everyday household cleaners. Thanks to its efficient manufacturing route it sits in the lower price bracket, so brands can add a generous dose without pushing up production costs.
What Does Fraise Smell Like?
Fraise is grouped in the fruity family. On a blotter it opens with a bright burst that immediately calls to mind fresh wild strawberries picked at peak ripeness. There is a juicy sweetness similar to biting into the red flesh yet it keeps a gentle green edge that prevents the note from becoming syrupy. Underneath, a faint tang hints at the tiny seeds and leafy hull which gives the impression of a whole berry rather than a candy replica.
Perfumers talk about top, middle and base notes to describe the life of a fragrance as it evaporates from skin or fabric. Top notes are the first to reach your nose then they fade, middle notes form the heart and linger longer while base notes are the slowest to lift and often last for hours. Fraise sits firmly in the top note group. It flashes its strawberry sparkle early in the wearing experience and then hands over to supporting ingredients within 30 to 60 minutes.
Projection is moderate. It creates a noticeable but not overpowering aura around the wearer or product, roughly an arm’s length in average use. Longevity depends on the formula but as a rule Fraise’s own scent is short to medium. Skilled perfumers often pair it with creamy musks or subtle woods in the base to anchor the fresh fruit impression for a longer ride.
How & Where To Use Fraise
Fraise is a friendly ingredient that behaves well on the bench so most perfumers enjoy working with it. It blends without fuss, stays clear in solution and keeps its fresh vibe even after months on the shelf.
In a formula it acts as an instant strawberry pop. You can drop it into a fruity top accord to sharpen realistic berry notes or let it sit over florals like jasmine and rose for a playful twist. Citrus compositions gain a red fruit sparkle when a touch of Fraise joins orange or grapefruit while gourmands use it to brighten vanilla and chocolate bases.
Perfumers reach for Fraise when they need a true wild strawberry character that will stay consistent across large production runs. Natural extracts vary in quality and price so this synthetic option offers reliability at a fraction of the cost. It is also colour stable, which helps when the finished product needs to stay crystal clear in a bottle or soap bar.
The material excels in fine fragrance, shampoos and shower gels where the juicy top note can shine. It performs well in candles too, though high heat can shorten its life so pair it with a berry lactone or a creamy musk for depth. In heavy duty detergents its nuance can be swallowed by strong bases so you may need to push the dose or reinforce it with supporting esters.
Typical usage sits anywhere from a trace to about 5 percent of the concentrate depending on how loud you want the strawberry. At very low levels Fraise contributes a fresh, almost green lift that reads as general fruitiness rather than obvious berry. Above 2 percent it declares itself as strawberry and at the upper end it can edge toward candy if not balanced with leafy or acidic elements.
No special prep is needed beyond normal weighing and dilution. It dissolves easily in alcohol and in most standard fragrance solvents so there is no need for heat or extended mixing. Just remember to label your dilution clearly; Fraise at 10 percent in ethanol is a handy strength for quick trials.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma chemical comes with a few basic precautions to keep the lab safe and the user healthy.
- Always dilute before smelling: concentrated Fraise can overwhelm the senses and mask subtle facets
- Never sniff straight from the bottle: use a blotter or a pipette drop on a strip to judge the scent
- Ventilation is key: handle the material in a well ventilated space to avoid breathing high vapour levels
- Protective gear: gloves and safety glasses prevent accidental skin or eye contact
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals can trigger irritation or allergies, prolonged or high exposure may be harmful and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before handling
The safest practice is to consult the latest material safety data sheet from your supplier and to follow IFRA guidelines for any current usage limits. Revisit these documents periodically as regulations and hazard classifications can change.
Storage And Disposal
Unopened bottles of Fraise generally stay in good shape for two to three years. Once the seal is broken expect roughly 18 months of peak quality before the note starts to dull. Cooler storage slows that clock so a spot in the fridge can buy extra time, though a normal cupboard works if the area remains below about 20 °C.
Keep the liquid in a dark place away from direct sun and heating vents. Light and warmth speed up oxidation which mutes the bright strawberry sparkle. Use amber or opaque glass with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. Dropper bottles look handy but they let air creep in and that shortens shelf life.
Try to store bottles as full as possible. Topping up with inert gas or transferring leftovers to smaller vials cuts exposure to oxygen. Write the date opened on a piece of tape so you can track age at a glance. Clear labeling with the name Fraise and its hazard symbols helps everyone in the workspace know what is inside.
If you spill some, wipe it with an absorbent pad then wash the area with soapy water. Small rinse-offs from cleaning glassware can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water, but check local rules first. For larger volumes mix the liquid with cat litter or vermiculite, seal it in a bag and take it to a chemical waste site.
Fraise is considered readily biodegradable in standard lab simulations, still it is best practice to avoid pouring concentrated amounts into natural waterways. Empty bottles should be triple rinsed, defaced and recycled where glass is accepted.
Summary
Fraise is a synthetic ingredient that delivers a lively wild strawberry note right out of the bottle. It shines in the top of a fragrance, adding juicy realism without drifting into candy. Because it blends easily and costs little, perfumers slip it into citrus, floral, gourmand and even cleaning accords whenever they want a fresh fruit lift.
Its stability is solid, especially when stored cool and capped tight, yet the scent can fade if left sitting half empty in warm light. The low price tag invites generous dosing, but remember that high levels can smell sweet and one-dimensional unless balanced with leafy or tart partners.
Overall Fraise is a fun, versatile tool that earns its spot on any fragrance shelf. Whether you are sketching a summer eau de toilette, boosting a shampoo or giving a candle a playful kick, this little berry note rarely disappoints.