What Is Bourgeonal?
Bourgeonal is a synthetic aroma chemical created by the fragrance house Givaudan. While Givaudan developed and popularised the material, other suppliers around the world now offer generic versions that match the same purity standard.
Chemically it belongs to the family of aromatic aldehydes, produced through a multi-step process that starts with petrochemical feedstocks then moves through controlled condensation and purification to reach perfumery grade quality. The resulting liquid is clear and colourless at room temperature, with a moderate viscosity similar to light plant oils.
Formulators value Bourgeonal because it delivers a crisp watery muguet effect that is hard to obtain from natural extracts alone. It appears in fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, household cleaners and air care products, so chances are you have already encountered it without realising.
As a raw material it is relatively affordable for most creative briefs. That price point, combined with high olfactive impact, makes it a workhorse in modern perfumery rather than a niche luxury.
When stored in a tightly closed container away from heat and direct sunlight, Bourgeonal keeps its full performance for about two years. After that the aroma slowly loses brightness, yet stays usable in many functional applications.
Bourgeonal’s Scent Description
Bourgeonal is placed within the broad floral family, more specifically the muguet or lily of the valley subgroup.
On a blotter the first impression is a burst of fresh green stems followed by a dewy white floral heart. Think cut grass, crushed leaves and a spray of valley lilies floating in spring water. As the minutes pass a subtle soapy sweetness rises, rounding out any sharp edges without turning sugary.
In the traditional fragrance pyramid perfumers classify Bourgeonal as a middle note. It arrives quickly after top notes evaporate, then anchors the heart of the composition for several hours before yielding to deeper base materials.
Projection is lively, giving a noticeable radiance that can lift an entire accord even at low dosage. Longevity is solid for a floral aldehyde: expect four to six hours on skin and several days on a blotter, making it reliable for both fine fragrance and functional products.
How & Where To Use Bourgeonal
Perfumers reach for Bourgeonal when they want a lively lily-of-the-valley effect that cuts through a formula without feeling harsh. It excels in the top and heart where it can lift a bouquet of rose, jasmine or peony while adding a cool watery touch. Used at trace levels it simply brightens other florals, at one to two percent it becomes clearly detectable, and closer to the five percent ceiling it dominates the accord with a bold green muguet flash.
The molecule pairs well with citrus aldehydes, leafy galbanum notes and transparent musks. In modern aquatic florals it bridges ozonic materials with the petal heart, giving the blend natural-smelling freshness. In soap it provides immediate bloom that survives the curing process. It also shines in shampoos, fabric softeners and room sprays thanks to its excellent stability in both water-rich and surfactant bases.
There are limits. Very sweet gourmands or deep oriental blends can swallow the note unless it is pushed high, yet too much risks a piercing, metallic edge. Overuse can also make a detergent smell “detergent-like” rather than fine fragrance-like, so most perfumers keep it below three percent in final concentrate for personal care and a bit higher in hard-surface cleaners where punch is desired.
Before weighing, give the bottle a gentle roll to make sure any cold-thickened fraction re-dissolves. Diluting to ten percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol makes it easier to dose accurately and reduces the shock of smelling it neat. Because the material is aldehydic it can react with strong bases, so check pH if you plan to blend into very alkaline products.
Finally, remember that Bourgeonal has strong blooming power. Small adjustments can create big changes, so build accords stepwise and smell each iteration over several hours to be sure the lily nuance sits where you want it.
Safely Using Bourgeonal
Start every session by working in a well-ventilated space. Transfer a small amount into a dropper bottle and dilute before evaluation. Avoid taking a direct sniff from the stock bottle because the high vapor concentration can overwhelm your senses. Gloves prevent the liquid from contacting skin and safety glasses shield your eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many fragrance ingredients, Bourgeonal may cause irritation in some people. If you notice redness, itching or any discomfort wash the area with soap and water and stop handling the material. Consult a medical professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding as extra caution is advised.
Short encounters with low concentrations are usually tolerated well, yet prolonged exposure or handling undiluted material can bring headaches or respiratory irritation. Keep containers closed when not in use and label every dilution clearly to avoid accidental misuse.
Dispose of spills with absorbent paper, then place the waste in a sealed bag before putting it in chemical refuse. Never pour large amounts down the drain because Bourgeonal is classified as harmful to aquatic life.
For the most up-to-date safety limits and environmental guidance always review the current Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and follow the latest IFRA usage standards. These documents are revised from time to time so schedule regular checks to stay compliant and keep your workspace safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Bourgeonal
Keep Bourgeonal in a cool dark cabinet away from heaters or direct sunlight. A refrigerator set around 5 °C can add extra months of freshness but is not essential if the room stays below about 20 °C.
Use bottles with tight polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These seals cut down on air leaks much better than glass droppers which often wick and drip. Fill each bottle as close to the top as practical so there is little headspace where oxygen can start the slow process of oxidation.
Label every container the moment it is filled. Write the name Bourgeonal the date it was poured any solvent used and key hazard notes such as “harmful to aquatic life.” Clear labels prevent mix-ups during busy blending sessions.
Disposal is simple yet must be done with care. Small leftover samples can be soaked into paper towel or kitty litter then placed in a sealed bag and sent to chemical waste. Larger volumes should be handed over to a licensed disposal service. Bourgeonal breaks down readily in the environment but its concentrated form is still toxic for water organisms so never pour it down a sink or outside drain.
Summary
Bourgeonal is a Givaudan floral ingredient prized for its bright green lily-of-the-valley scent. It gives top and heart notes instant lift while holding on longer than most fresh materials.
The molecule shines in soaps shampoos fine fragrances and air care where its power and bloom stand out. It stays stable across a wide pH range and costs are moderate making it popular for both luxury blends and large-scale toiletry lines.
Perfumers love its clarity yet must watch dosage because too much can feel sharp or “soapy.” Store it cool keep bottles full use tight caps and it will stay fresh for years. Dispose of waste responsibly since high concentrations harm aquatic life even though the material is readily biodegradable once diluted.
Commercial houses can buy Bourgeonal direct from Givaudan or other bulk suppliers. Smaller labs and hobbyists will find repackaged grades from specialty resellers or generic makers sold in 10 ml to 1 kg sizes so testing a new idea is easy without buying a full drum.