What Is Andrane?
Andrane is a woody aroma chemical created by the fragrance company IFF. While IFF holds the trademarked name, other suppliers sometimes offer the same molecule under more generic labels, so you may encounter it in several catalogs.
The material is produced through a controlled chemical transformation of plant-derived feedstocks, giving it a renewable profile that appeals to modern sustainability goals. The finished substance appears as a clear liquid that ranges from colorless to a faint straw yellow, and it stays fluid at normal room temperatures which makes it easy to work with in both lab and factory settings.
Perfumers reach for Andrane when they want a long-lasting woody backbone without relying on natural wood oils. It performs reliably across fine fragrance, soap and fabric care, though it sees its heaviest use in masculine blends and high-end detergents.
If kept in a tightly closed container away from heat and light, most batches will retain optimum odor quality for around two to three years after manufacture. In the event of slight oxidation the color may deepen, yet the scent profile largely stays intact.
Cost-wise Andrane sits in the mid range. It is not as pricey as some specialty natural extracts yet it is more of an investment than everyday synthetic musks or citrals. Overall its price-to-performance ratio keeps it firmly on the shopping list of many creative perfumers.
Andrane’s Scent Description
Classified within the woody family, Andrane presents a multifaceted wood note that feels polished and refined rather than rough-hewn. Off a blotter the first impression suggests freshly split cedar softened by the creamy richness of sandalwood. Almost immediately a salty ambergris accent surfaces, giving the wood an intriguingly warm, skin-like quality.
As the minutes pass a fine ribbon of tobacco curls through the aroma, adding a dry leafy sweetness that balances the salty woods. There is also a gentle earthy nuance reminiscent of patchouli, yet without the bitterness some find in natural patchouli oil.
Perfumers often talk about top, middle and base notes. Top notes flash off quickly and create the opening, middle notes form the heart that lingers for a few hours, while base notes anchor the fragrance for the long haul. Andrane sits squarely in the base zone yet has enough lift to peek through in the heart as well. This dual presence explains why it can tie a composition together from start to finish.
Projection is significant, especially in the first hour, so only small amounts are needed for noticeable impact. Once it settles it keeps radiating softly for the better part of a day on skin and even longer on fabric, making it a dependable fixative as well as a characterful odorant.
How & Where To Use Andrane
Perfumers reach for Andrane when they need a solid woody backbone that also brings a touch of amber warmth. It excels in cedar or sandalwood accords and can even stand in for a slice of patchouli when the real thing feels too earthy or costly. Thanks to its tobacco nuance it slips easily into boisé-oriental styles, modern fougères and upscale fabric care where a clean yet plush wood note is wanted.
At very low dosages around 0.05 % it smooths rough blends and extends lighter materials like citrus or florals without being noticed on its own. Between 0.3 % and 2 % it becomes a clear cedar-amber accent that projects nicely in the heart and lingers for hours. Formulators sometimes push it to 5 % in woody bases for soaps or detergents but beyond that it can dominate and give a dry plastic edge.
The note behaves differently with concentration. A trace feels salty and airy almost like clean skin while a higher dose turns denser bringing out the cigar-box facet. Overuse can mask delicate top notes and make a perfume feel flat so a quick blotter test at several strengths is highly recommended before locking in the final level.
Andrane is soluble in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or most perfume oils. Because it is powerful pre-diluting to 10 % makes weighing easier and guards against spills that would otherwise scent a lab for days. It is stable in alkaline soap bases and survives hot compounding which explains its popularity in bars and powders. One weak spot is fresh citrus colognes where its inherent warmth can dull sparkle so reach for lighter cedrenes instead.
No special activation or maturation is required. Simply blend, allow the concentrate to rest overnight then evaluate again because its roundness grows as the mix settles. Keep a notebook on how it shifts other woods since small changes in ratio can turn the accord from creamy to sawdust in a snap.
Safely Using Andrane
Dilution is key so always cut Andrane before smelling it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space to prevent inhaling a high vapor dose. Protective gloves and safety glasses safeguard skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many aroma chemicals it can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergic responses in some users. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before handling fragrances of any type. Brief exposure to low concentrations is usually fine but prolonged or high-level contact increases the chance of adverse effects.
The material is non biodegradable which means spills should be contained and wiped with absorbent material rather than washed down the drain. Any waste or empty containers need disposal under local hazardous guidelines to keep waterways clean.
Always consult the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor because formulation limits and hazard classifications can change. In addition double-check the current IFRA standards for the category you are compounding and stay within the recommended maximum concentration for consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Andrane
Keep Andrane in tightly closed glass or aluminum bottles placed in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters and direct sun. A fridge set around 5 °C can stretch the shelf life even longer but is not critical if room temperatures stay steady. Avoid freezing as repeated thaw cycles can pull in moisture.
Use polycone caps on both neat material and dilutions because they seal tightly and cut down on leaks. Dropper bottles often breathe and let the scent escape so reserve them for short term lab work only. Top up containers whenever you can since a full bottle leaves less headspace and slows oxidation.
Label every vessel with “Andrane,” the CAS number 13567-39-0, flammable symbol and any workplace safety codes. Clear dating helps you track age and rotate stock before the aroma starts to fade.
Spills should be blotted with absorbent pads then disposed of with solvent waste. Do not rinse Andrane into sinks as it is not biodegradable and can linger in water systems. Small leftovers can go into the same sealed waste can as used pipettes while larger volumes should be handed to a licensed chemical disposal service. Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol, collect the washings in the waste drum and recycle the clean glass if local rules allow.
Summary
Andrane is a woody aroma chemical from IFF that gives a polished mix of cedar, ambergris warmth, soft tobacco and creamy sandalwood. Perfumers value it for the way it anchors blends, boosts longevity and even stands in for patchouli at times. Its power, stability and mid range cost make it a staple in both fine fragrance and functional products like soap bars and fabric conditioners.
The ingredient stays calm in alkaline bases, handles heat and keeps its punch for years when stored well. Overdosing, however, can add a dry plastic tone so careful testing is wise. Commercial houses buy Andrane by the kilo direct from IFF while hobbyists can find smaller packs from specialty resellers or generic makers who list it under its CAS number.
In short, if you need a reliable woody base note that bridges natural and modern styles Andrane remains a safe and versatile pick just remember to manage its strength and non biodegradable nature during use and disposal.