What Is Indolene 50%/Cso?
Indolene 50%/Cso is a blended aroma chemical designed to make working with a powerful indole derivative easier and safer. First introduced to perfumers in the late 1970s, it pairs a highly scented molecule with a neutral carrier oil so that the concentrate sits at roughly half strength. The result is a product that can be weighed and mixed without the mess or volatility of a pure solid.
The material is created through a straightforward laboratory synthesis that links a nitrogen-rich ring to a long carbon tail. Nothing is taken from flowers or animal sources, so the ingredient is entirely man-made. The carrier portion, however, can include a share of renewable plant oil which helps the sustainability score.
At room temperature the blend looks like a thick golden liquid that moves slowly when the bottle is tilted. Its high molecular weight and low vapor pressure keep it from flashing off too fast during compounding.
Indolene 50%/Cso is a staple in modern jasmine accords and any fragrance that needs a hint of natural depth. It is stocked by most fragrance houses and is usually positioned in the mid price tier, making it accessible for both fine fragrance and functional products.
What Does Indolene 50%/Cso Smell Like?
Perfumers place this ingredient firmly in the floral family. Off a blotter the first impression is a realistic jasmine note backed by a soft animal warmth. As it settles you may catch faint hints of overripe petals, clean skin and a touch of earth that gives the aroma its natural tone. The overall effect is lush rather than dirty and never strays into harsh territory.
Fragrance notes are often described as top, middle and base. Top notes are the ones you smell in the first few minutes, middle notes appear after the top fades and base notes last the longest. Indolene 50%/Cso sits between the middle and base. It starts to show a few minutes after application and then lingers for hours, supporting the floral heart while anchoring the drydown.
Projection is moderate to strong, meaning a small amount can fill the near space around the wearer without becoming overwhelming. Longevity is excellent; a single drop can remain noticeable on a blotter for several days which makes it valuable when a formula needs staying power.
How & Where To Use Indolene 50%/Cso
In the lab this one is a pleasure. It pours without clumping, stays put on the scale and gives off just enough scent to guide you without fogging the room.
Perfumers reach for Indolene 50%/Cso whenever a jasmine accord feels thin or too clean. A few drops lend the lived-in warmth that natural absolute provides at a fraction of the cost. It also bridges gaps in gardenia, tuberose and ylang formulas where a subtle animal nuance is missing.
The material shines in fine fragrance, soap and fabric care. It survives high pH baths, carries well in detergents and even keeps a trace after a hot iron passes over laundered fabrics. Air care is a mixed bag; the low volatility that helps tenacity can mute its presence in fast-diffusing reeds and aerosols.
Manufacturer guidance caps usage at 3 % but most blends sit well below 1 %. In elegant florals 0.1 – 0.3 % is enough. Go higher and the animal facet pushes forward, giving a sultry twist that might overwhelm light bouquets yet suits niche orientals.
Perception changes with dose. At a trace it is sheer jasmine air. At one percent it grows creamy and skin-like. Above two percent it heads into indolic musk territory with hints of stable hay and leather.
Prep work is simple. Warm the bottle to 25 °C if the liquid turns sluggish in winter then weigh straight into the concentrate. Many perfumers keep a 10 % solution in dipropylene glycol or ethanol for quick trials and smelling strips.
Safety Information
Even user-friendly aroma chemicals demand basic precautions to keep blending sessions safe and enjoyable.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % solution on a blotter or in ethanol to evaluate the scent accurately without overloading your senses
- Avoid direct sniffing: never inhale straight from the bottle as concentrated vapors can irritate nose and lungs
- Ventilation: work in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to prevent buildup of airborne particles
- Personal protective gear: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so accidental splashes do not reach skin or eyes
- Health considerations: some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions, brief exposure to low levels is generally safe but high or prolonged contact can be harmful, seek medical advice before use if pregnant or breastfeeding
Always consult the supplier’s most recent MSDS for full hazard data and follow IFRA guidelines for allowed dosage in each product category. Regulations evolve so review documents regularly to keep every formula both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in a tight bottle away from light and heat Indolene 50%/Cso stays fresh for roughly two years. Stored in a fridge at 4 °C it often smells unchanged after four or even five years, but always rely on your nose before use.
Room temperature storage is acceptable provided the space is cool and shaded. Direct sunlight or a warm shelf next to a radiator will speed up oxidation and dull the floral tone.
Use bottles with polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. These liners grip the neck and block air better than standard droppers, which can seep and let the aroma leak out. If you must use droppers place a tight cap over them once the trial work is done.
Try to keep each bottle as full as possible. A small headspace means less oxygen so the yellow liquid keeps its original scent longer. Top up working bottles from your master stock or step down to smaller containers as the level drops.
Label everything clearly with the chemical name, concentration, date filled and any hazard icons. Future you will thank present you when the lab gets busy.
Indolene 50%/Cso is readily biodegradable yet toxic to aquatic life in its concentrated form. Never pour large amounts down the sink. For leftovers under five millilitres dilute in plenty of soapy water then flush while the tap runs if local rules allow. Bigger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste handler or the household hazardous waste depot. Wipe empty bottles with paper, let the paper dry in a fume hood, then discard with regular trash.
Summary
Indolene 50%/Cso is a half strength blend of a classic indole note in carrier oil that brings realistic jasmine and a pinch of clean animal warmth to countless formulas. It smells floral, slightly creamy and just lived in enough to boost the natural feel of white flower accords, gardenia recreations or even amber bases.
The liquid is kind to beginners, pours easily and sticks around on skin and fabric for days so a little goes a long way. Its fair cost and solid shelf life make it a fixture on perfumers’ benches worldwide.
Keep an eye on dose, pH limits and air exposure to maintain the best scent. Treat it with respect, label it well and enjoy the creative freedom it offers in everything from soaps to fine fragrance.