What Is Bergamote?
Bergamote is a modern aroma chemical developed by dsm-firmenich as a ready-to-use specialty blend. It first reached the perfumer’s palette in 2018 after an internal research program that paired perfumers with the company’s Natural Ingredients Center of Expertise.
The material is produced through careful batch blending. A selection of purified natural fractions, captive molecules and widely used synthetics are combined under controlled conditions to achieve a profile that stays consistent from drum to drum. No single raw material dominates the composition; rather, the balance is engineered during manufacturing so every bottle performs the same in the lab and in finished products.
Although several components start their life in plants, Bergamote as a whole is classed as nature-identical rather than strictly natural. Its design lets brands claim a fresh bergamot character even when tight regulations or supply swings would make pure essential oil impractical.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear, free-flowing liquid that handles easily with standard pipettes or dosing pumps. It mixes into both oil and water-based bases without fuss.
Bergamote is widely used across fine fragrance, body care, home care and candle formulas. Because it already contains stabilizers, it resists discoloration and holds up well in challenging systems such as high-pH detergents.
In pricing it sits comfortably in the mid-range. It costs more than bulk citrus oils yet remains accessible for mass and prestige projects alike. The balance of reliability, versatility and price explains why many briefs reach for it before considering natural bergamot oil.
What Does Bergamote Smell Like?
Perfumers place Bergamote squarely in the citrus family.
On a blotter the first impression mirrors freshly twisted bergamot peel: sparkling, bright and a touch sweet. Almost at once a subtle green edge surfaces, hinting at crushed pine needles without turning woody. As the minutes pass a soft floral whisper floats in, then a mild peppery accent keeps the effect lively rather than sugary.
Citrus materials almost always act as top notes and Bergamote is no exception. It lifts the opening of a composition, sets the mood then steps aside for mid and base notes to shine.
Projection is quick and expansive, giving a clean burst that travels well in the air. Longevity is better than many natural citruses; expect the note to stay recognizable on skin or fabric for about two hours before it melts into the heart of the fragrance.
How & Where To Use Bergamote
Bergamote is a genuinely pleasant material to handle. It pours cleanly, does not cling stubbornly to glassware and the scent blooms the moment it hits a blotter which always feels rewarding in the lab.
Perfumers reach for it when they want the brightness of bergamot without the uncertainty of crop-dependent oil. It slips naturally into classic citrus top accords, cologne styles, modern tea accords or any build that needs a sparkling lift with a hint of coniferous green. Because the note stays intelligible longer than many natural citruses, it can also bridge the gap between top and heart notes, smoothing a formula’s progression.
Typical usage ranges from a trace in delicate florals to around 5 % in zesty colognes or cleaning products that demand a punchy opening. At less than 1 % the material reads mainly as clean freshness. Push it toward the upper end and the pine-needle nuance steps forward giving the blend a crisp outdoorsy accent. Overdosing beyond 5 % rarely causes technical problems but can crowd out subtler partners and make the overall profile feel pointed rather than bright.
Bergamote integrates well in most formats: alcohol, oil, surfactant bases or wax. It tolerates high pH so detergent and softener briefs pose no special risk. In candles the volatility pays off by delivering a quick initial throw, though heavy gourmand waxes can muffle its sparkle so a booster such as limonene may be needed.
Prep work is minimal. A quick roll or gentle stir before weighing ensures any heavier fractions that settled during storage are back in solution, then it is ready to dose. No antioxidants or extra stabilisers are usually required.
Safety Information
Working with Bergamote is straightforward yet certain precautions and considerations still apply.
- Always dilute before evaluation: create a 10 % or weaker solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before smelling
- Avoid direct sniffing: never inhale vapours straight from the bottle to prevent mucous membrane irritation
- Ensure ventilation: blend and weigh in a fume hood or a well ventilated space to keep airborne concentration low
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so accidental splashes do not contact skin or eyes
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals can trigger irritation or allergies. Seek medical advice before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Short low-level exposure is generally safe yet prolonged or high exposure can be harmful
Always consult the latest safety data sheet from your supplier and review it regularly as revisions occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for recommended use levels to keep your creations both compliant and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed and kept under good conditions Bergamote generally holds its quality for about two years past production. After that the top note may start to flatten yet the material often stays usable in non fine fragrance applications.
Refrigeration is not vital but a cool fridge shelf slows oxidation and color shift, so it can buy a few extra months of prime freshness. If fridge space is tight a steady spot in a dark cabinet away from radiators or sunny windows works fine. Aim for temperatures between 10 °C and 20 °C and keep the bottle out of direct light.
For any dilutions choose bottles fitted with polycone caps. The conical insert seals tightly against the neck and blocks air better than standard screw tops. Avoid glass dropper bottles as the rubber bulbs breathe and let volatiles escape. Whatever the container keep it as full as possible so less oxygen sits over the liquid.
Write clear labels that show the name Bergamote, the date the bottle was filled, the solvent and a quick note such as “citrus allergen blend – avoid eye contact”. Sharp labeling stops mix-ups and reminds coworkers of the basic hazards at a glance.
Bergamote contains constituents that are readily biodegradable in normal waste-water treatment yet the neat material can still burden aquatic life. Small lab leftovers should be diluted with plenty of water, absorbed onto paper towel then placed in sealed trash. Larger volumes belong in a licensed chemical waste stream rather than the sink. Rinse empty bottles, allow the washings to evaporate under a hood then recycle the clean glass.
Summary
Bergamote is a specialty citrus blend that gives the bright sparkle of bergamot with a pinch of pine needle green. It behaves like a top note yet lingers longer than most natural citruses, which makes it a handy bridge into the heart of a scent.
In the lab it is fun and forgiving. It lifts colognes, florals, tea accords and even cleaning products without the price swings or phototoxic concerns tied to pure essential oil. Stability is solid across soap, detergent, wax and alcohol so formulators seldom need extra antioxidants.
Cost lands in the middle ground, higher than bulk orange oil but lower than fine natural bergamot, so it suits both mass and prestige briefs. Keep an eye on the dose, store it cool and tightly capped and Bergamote will remain one of the most versatile citrus tools on the shelf.