What Is Myrcene 90?
Myrcene 90 is a refined grade of the terpene myrcene that first appeared on the commercial market in 1964 when advances in petrochemical processing made high purity fractions possible. Today it is produced on an industrial scale by isolating myrcene from steam–cracked C5 streams, then running the material through fractional distillation until the content reaches about 90 percent.
As this route relies on petrochemicals, Myrcene 90 is classed as a synthetic molecule even though its building blocks occur in nature. The finished product arrives at the fragrance house as a water-clear liquid with low viscosity, making it easy to pump, weigh and blend.
Because the feedstock is plentiful and the distillation technology is mature, Myrcene 90 sits at the lower end of the price range and is stocked by nearly every aroma supplier. It shows up in everything from fine fragrance to household cleaners due to its versatility, stability and rapid biodegradation, all of which help formulators meet cost and sustainability targets.
What Does Myrcene 90 Smell Like?
Perfumers usually place Myrcene 90 in the broad coniferous family. On a blotter the first impression is bright and fresh with a crisp pine needle vibe that quickly reveals juicy fruit notes reminiscent of ripe mango and stone fruit. A peppery sparkle keeps the profile lively while subtle green stems and a faint aldehydic sheen add lift and clarity.
In an evaporative sense Myrcene 90 behaves as a top-to-mid note. It flashes off faster than woody fixatives yet outlasts most citrus materials, giving a fragrance an energetic start and a soft herbal core before fading.
Projection is moderate, throwing a clear halo for the first hour or so. Longevity is short to medium on skin, typically three to four hours, but the material blends well with woods, musks and resins that can extend its presence if needed.
How & Where To Use Myrcene 90
Myrcene 90 is an easy-going teammate on the bench. It pours like water, blends without fuss and rarely stains, so most perfumers enjoy having it around.
Its crisp pine and juicy mango facets make it a smart starter for fresh fougères, sporty colognes and modern citrus openings. A few drops can lift a grapefruit accord or push a lime note to feel more natural. It is also handy in fruity florals where a hint of green keeps sweetness from turning syrupy.
Perfumers reach for Myrcene 90 when they want conifer freshness without the harsh turpentine edge that some pinenes bring. It slots cleanly into pepper accords, can replace part of a citrus top to add diffusion and gives tropical blends a convincing mango accent that other terpenes cannot match.
In functional products it shines in shampoos, shower gels and detergents, adding brightness that cuts through soapy bases while remaining cost-friendly. It performs less well in sticks or creams that sit on skin all day, as its light body does not anchor well without help from woods or musks.
Typical dosage runs from a trace up to about 5 % of the concentrate depending on the style. At under 0.5 % it reads as a subtle green sparkle. Between 1 % and 3 % the fruity mango comes forward. Push it higher and the peppery bite can dominate, so balance with softer materials if you climb toward the top end.
No special prep is needed beyond the usual weighing and dilution. It stays clear in alcohol and most surfactant bases, and its flashpoint of 40 °C only calls for a closed container and normal fire safety when heating.
Safely Information
Working with aroma chemicals always calls for sensible precautions and Myrcene 90 is no exception.
- Always dilute before smelling: Make a 10 % or weaker solution in alcohol or dip a blotter into a small diluted sample rather than sniffing the neat liquid
- Never smell straight from the bottle: Direct contact with the concentrated vapour can overwhelm the nose and irritate tissue
- Ventilation: Blend and evaluate in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to avoid inhaling high vapour levels
- Personal protective gear: Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid away from skin and eyes
- Health considerations: Some aroma chemicals can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a doctor before handling. Brief exposure to low levels is generally safe but long or high-level exposure may be harmful
For full peace of mind always review the latest MSDS from your supplier, keep an eye on updates and follow any IFRA limits that apply to your fragrance category.
Storage And Disposal
When Myrcene 90 is kept in a well-sealed container away from heat and light it will usually stay within specification for two to three years, sometimes longer if oxygen exposure is minimal. Refrigeration is not essential but a steady 5-10 °C environment can push the usable life even further by slowing oxidation.
Choose a cool dark shelf or cabinet, never a sunny windowsill or a spot above a radiator. Stainless steel or amber glass bottles are ideal. Fit them with polycone caps so the liner creates an airtight seal. Dropper tops look convenient yet they breathe with every squeeze and let in air that dulls the scent over time.
Try to keep containers as full as possible. If a large bottle is half empty decant the remainder into a smaller vessel to shrink the headspace. Less air means less oxidation and a fresher pine-fruity profile whenever you reach for the material.
Label everything clearly with the name, date opened, any dilution percentage and the standard hazard icons. This prevents mix-ups on the bench and helps anyone who handles the stock understand the risks at a glance.
Disposal is straightforward because Myrcene 90 is readily biodegradable. Small rinseings from glassware can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water, subject to local regulations. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste service that combines terpenes with other flammable organics for energy recovery or controlled incineration. Never pour the neat liquid onto soil or into surface water where it could harm aquatic life before it breaks down.
Summary
Myrcene 90 is a high-purity synthetic terpene that brings bright conifer freshness, juicy mango and a hint of pepper to both fine fragrance and functional products. It behaves like a top-to-mid note so it lifts citrus, greens fruity florals and adds snap to sporty woods, all at a budget friendly price.
Easy handling, good stability in most bases and rapid biodegradation make it a popular workhorse on the perfumer’s organ. Just remember its flashpoint is on the low side, the scent fades in a few hours without support and high doses can push the pepper angle too far.
Overall it is a fun versatile ingredient that slots into countless accords from grapefruit cologne to tropical shampoo where a touch of fresh pine-mango magic is welcome.