What Is Lilyflore?
Lilyflore is a modern aroma chemical created by Firmenich in 2005 as part of their research into new floral building blocks. It is made through a multi-step synthesis that starts with simple petrochemical feedstocks, bringing the fragrance world a note that does not exist in nature at a usable strength. Because the material is produced in a lab it is classed as synthetic, not natural.
At room temperature Lilyflore appears as a clear liquid that can form fine crystals in cooler conditions. When warmed slightly it returns to a uniform fluid, making it easy to weigh and blend. The ingredient is stable under normal manufacturing conditions and keeps its quality over long periods, a trait highly valued by perfumers.
Usage of Lilyflore is widespread in fine fragrance and functional products alike. It is often chosen to provide volume where natural lily of the valley extracts fall short or are restricted. Cost sits in the mid-range for specialty floral molecules so it is accessible for mass and prestige formulas without straining a budget.
Its non-sensitizing profile and high flashpoint make it a practical choice for many applications. Thanks to reliable supply and predictable performance, Lilyflore has become a staple on the perfumer’s palette rather than a niche novelty.
What Does Lilyflore Smell Like?
Lilyflore is grouped in the floral family. Off a blotter it opens with a gentle watery lift that recalls morning dew on white petals. Almost at once a classic lily of the valley character unfolds, soft yet present, giving the impression of fresh cut stems and clean air. As minutes pass a powdery nuance appears adding a silky comfort while keeping the whole effect light.
In the traditional top, middle and base note structure Lilyflore sits firmly in the heart. It is usually noticeable a few minutes after application then stays coherent for hours, acting as the backbone of a floral accord while letting brighter top notes sparkle above it and deeper woods or musks support beneath.
Projection is moderate. It does not shout across a room yet it creates a clear aura around the wearer or product, especially when used at generous levels. On a smelling strip the molecule remains detectable for close to a month which translates to impressive longevity on skin and in home care formulas.
How & Where To Use Lilyflore
If you like materials that behave themselves on the blotter and pour without fuss Lilyflore is a joy. It measures out cleanly, dissolves quickly in alcohol or oil and rarely throws surprises during compounding.
Perfumers pick Lilyflore whenever they want lily of the valley brightness but need more body than hydroxylcitronellal or want a cleaner profile than traditional muguet bases. It slips into heart accords to lift white florals, narcissus, lilac or peony and can even freshen citrus or fruity tops by adding a dewy facet.
At trace levels (0.05 % or less in concentrate) it gives a gentle watery shimmer that makes room fragrances feel airy. Around 0.5 % to 2 % the true lily of the valley bouquet blooms, adding powdery comfort and noticeable sillage. Push it toward 5 % in the perfume oil and the note starts to dominate, becoming almost crystalline and slightly soapy which is great for detergents and soaps but can flatten more delicate fine fragrance work.
Application wise it excels in fine fragrance, soap, shower gel, detergent and fabric softener where its stability survives both pH swings and heat. It is only moderate in high foam shampoos and all-purpose cleaners where shampoos can mute its radiance and strong surfactants may cover its subtleties. In candles it performs but needs support from high-boiling florals to avoid a thin hot throw.
No special prep is usually needed beyond warming a chilled drum to melt any crystals and giving the material a gentle stir. It dissolves well in ethanol, DPG or IPM and blends smoothly with most bases so you can add it early or late in compounding without issues.
Safely Information
Like any aroma chemical Lilyflore demands sensible handling to protect both the user and the quality of the material.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % solution in alcohol or a blotter dip rather than smelling neat material
- Avoid direct inhalation: never sniff straight from the bottle work in a well ventilated space or under a fume hood
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep skin and eyes free from accidental splashes
- Health considerations: some people may experience irritation or allergic reactions consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding brief low level exposure is generally safe but prolonged or high concentration contact can be harmful
Always consult the latest supplier MSDS and review it regularly as recommendations can change over time. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable levels in each product type to keep every formula both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept sealed and out of light Lilyflore stays fresh for around two years, often longer before any drop in strength or color is noticed. Some labs report five year stability for unopened drums stored under good warehouse conditions.
Refrigeration is helpful if you have the space, yet not essential. A shelf in a cool room away from direct sun and heaters works fine for day to day use. Temperatures between 10 °C and 25 °C keep crystals from forming too often and slow down oxidation.
Transfer the material into glass or HDPE bottles fitted with polycone caps for the best seal. Dropper bottles let air creep in and should be avoided for long term holding. Top up small working bottles frequently or move what is left into a smaller container so the headspace stays minimal.
Label every bottle with the name Lilyflore, the date it was opened and the main safety phrases from the SDS. Clear notes save time later and help anyone on the bench know what they are handling.
Lilyflore is classed as readily biodegradable but never tip it down the drain in bulk. Collect unwanted concentrate or rinse water in a closed container and send it to a licensed chemical waste company. Wipe spills with absorbent material then bag and dispose of that waste through the same route. Empty bottles can be triple rinsed, air dried and recycled if local rules allow.
Summary
Lilyflore is a lab made lily of the valley note that gives perfumes a bright watery floral heart. It smells clean, slightly powdery and holds its own for hours, making it handy in fine fragrance, soaps, detergents and more.
Perfumers like it because it is easy to blend, lasts well and costs less than many specialty florals. Slip a trace in a citrus accord for dewiness, dose it higher for a blooming white floral or layer it with woods to keep them airy. It is a fun ingredient that plays well in many styles.
Keep an eye on oxidation and headspace, budget mid tier pricing into your formula and remember its clear lily profile can outshine softer flowers if pushed too far. Treat those points with care and Lilyflore will stay a star on your shelf for years.