What Is Lorexan?
Lorexan is a modern aroma molecule created in 1962 by fragrance chemists looking for a bright clean accent that would stay stable in challenging product bases. Developed entirely in the laboratory it has no natural counterpart and is therefore classed as a fully synthetic ingredient.
Production starts from simple petrochemical feedstocks that are refined then put through a multi step process of selective oxidation and isomer separation. The final material contains a minimum of 97 percent of two closely related isomers which gives it the consistency needed for predictable perfumery work.
At room temperature Lorexan appears as a clear mobile liquid with no visible tint making it easy to dose without discoloring finished products. Its flash point of 114 °C also means it is comfortable to handle in most manufacturing environments without special cooling.
Because it retains its character across a wide pH range perfumers reach for Lorexan in fine fragrance fabric softener liquid detergents and even high alkaline soaps. This versatility keeps demand steady around the world. Despite that broad use it falls into the affordable bracket so it rarely puts noticeable pressure on a formula’s cost.
What Does Lorexan Smell Like?
Lorexan is usually filed under the citrus family thanks to its brisk lively character. On a fresh blotter it opens with an immediate flash of lemon peel and sweet lime then quickly reveals a green leafy nuance that stops the citrus from feeling sugary. As the minutes pass a subtle gardenia petal tone comes forward adding a soft almost creamy floral facet that keeps the material from smelling like straight juice.
In traditional perfumery terms Lorexan sits firmly in the top note zone. It is one of the first impressions a wearer will notice yet it lingers longer than many light terpenes giving a smooth bridge into the heart of a composition. Expect a noticeable presence for one to two hours depending on concentration after which it settles quietly without contributing to the base.
Projection is high during the opening since Lorexan is very diffusive. Even at low percentages it can radiate beyond arm’s length creating a bright halo around the wearer. Longevity is moderate on skin but on blotter its signature can be detected for a couple of days making it useful for extending the sparkle of citrus accords without needing heavy amounts.
How & Where To Use Lorexan
Perfumers often describe Lorexan as an easygoing teammate. It pours cleanly, blends without fuss and rarely throws surprises in stability tests, so it is a pleasant material to handle at the bench.
The molecule shines in top note construction. When a citrus accord feels flat or too fleeting a drop of Lorexan brings back sparkle and extends lift for the first hour or two. It dovetails smoothly with bergamot, sweet orange or grapefruit and adds a leafy twist that keeps the mix from turning candied. In floral work it is a quiet helper behind gardenia, jasmine or muguet where it freshens the petal effect without shouting lemon.
Because it is fully synthetic and highly diffusive a little goes a long way. Most formulas sit comfortably between traces and 3 percent of the concentrate, with the upper end of 5 percent reserved for detergents or fabric softeners where heavy washout is expected. At low dosages you get a crisp, almost transparent lemon-green flash. Push past 3 percent and the gardenia facet swells, giving a creamy citrus-floral tone that can dominate lighter materials.
Lorexan’s chemical resilience makes it suitable for almost every household base, from acidic antiperspirants to alkaline soaps. Only strong bleach baths reduce its brightness so perfumers usually replace it with more robust notes in such extreme systems.
No special prep work is required beyond the usual. Prepare a 10 percent solution in ethanol or DPG for precise pipetting, label it clearly, then store with other top note ingredients for quick access.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for sensible precautions and Lorexan is no exception.
- Always dilute before evaluation: Prepare a standard 10 percent solution before smelling to avoid overwhelming exposure
- Avoid direct inhalation: Never sniff straight from the bottle. Use a scented blotter or smelling strip in a fume hood or well-ventilated space
- Ensure good ventilation: Open windows or use extraction to prevent buildup of vapors during compounding
- Wear protective gear: Gloves and safety glasses guard against accidental splashes and skin contact
- Health considerations: Some aroma chemicals can irritate skin or trigger allergies. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before regular handling. Brief contact with low concentrations is generally safe but extended or high-level exposure may be harmful
Always consult the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and review it regularly as information can change. Follow current IFRA guidelines to confirm the permitted use levels in your specific product category.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under good conditions Lorexan can stay fresh for three to five years before any noticeable loss of brightness appears. The key is to slow oxidation since air and heat are its main enemies.
A fridge set at 4 °C offers the longest shelf life, yet room temperature storage works too as long as the bottle sits in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators and direct sun. Big day to night swings in heat should be avoided because they pull extra air into the headspace.
Choose bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and diluted solutions. They seal better than droppers which often let vapor escape and oxygen creep back in. Keep each bottle as full as possible by moving leftovers into smaller glassware so the surface of the liquid has minimal contact with air.
Label every container clearly with “Lorexan,” the concentration, the date made and any hazard symbols. Good labeling saves time at the bench and lowers the risk of mix-ups that could spoil a batch or lead to unsafe exposure.
For disposal do not pour large amounts down the sink. Small laboratory residues can be flushed with plenty of warm soapy water if local rules allow. Bigger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste handler who can incinerate or recover the solvent. Lorexan is only slowly biodegradable so releasing it straight into waterways is discouraged.
Rinse empty bottles, allow them to dry, remove or deface labels then recycle the glass where facilities exist. Follow all regional regulations and keep a record of what leaves your workshop.
Summary
Lorexan is a lab-made citrus ingredient that pairs zesty lemon and lime facets with a green gardenia hint. It opens a perfume with bright clean energy then hangs around long enough to bridge into the heart, making it a handy fixer for top notes.
Because it stays stable from acidic roll-ons to high-pH soaps, perfumers reach for it in fine fragrance, laundry care and everything in between. The price is friendly, the odor impact is strong and the handling is easy which explains its steady popularity.
Add a trace for subtle sparkle or push to a few percent for a creamy citrus floral vibe. Just watch the pH extremes in bleach, keep bottles sealed tight and enjoy experimenting because Lorexan is one of those fun workhorse molecules that slides into countless accords without drama.