What Is Caryophyllene Acetate?
Caryophyllene acetate is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene ester first identified by chemists studying clove leaf oil in the early 1940s. Today it is produced on a larger scale by fractional distillation of essential oils such as clove bud then followed by gentle acetylation of the parent molecule beta-caryophyllene. This approach keeps the material classed as nature-derived even though the final touch happens in a controlled factory setting.
At room temperature the ingredient sits as a clear mobile liquid that can show faint yellow highlights depending on batch age and storage. It pours easily without visible crystals and has a slightly higher heft in the hand than water thanks to a density just under one gram per millilitre.
Caryophyllene acetate is a solid workhorse in the perfumer’s palette and can be found in a wide range of consumer products from fine fragrance to household cleaners. It is produced in good volumes worldwide so it is generally viewed as a mid-priced material rather than a luxury rarity. Most laboratories keep it in stock because of its steady demand and stable shelf life.
What Does Caryophyllene Acetate Smell Like?
Perfumers usually file this molecule in the woody family. Off a blotter it opens with a smooth polished wood tone touched by a subtle fruity sweetness. Think of fresh sawdust from a light cedar plank that has been drizzled with a hint of pear syrup. As the minutes pass a mild dryness creeps in which keeps the sweetness in check and prevents any cloying effect.
On the fragrance timeline caryophyllene acetate sits firmly in the base note area. It does not flash off quickly like citrus materials and it lacks the lofty lift of most florals. Instead it anchors a composition giving it depth that can last well through the drydown.
Projection is moderate. The material will not fill a room on its own yet it creates a soft aura that the wearer can notice with ease. Longevity is strong with a single application on a blotter remaining detectable for many hours often into the next day before fading away completely.
How & Where To Use Caryophyllene Acetate
Truth be told this is a pretty friendly material to have on the blotter. It pours without fuss, mixes easily and rarely throws any surprise off notes, so most perfumers reach for it with a smile rather than a wince.
In a composition it shines as a soft woody modifier that can round out dry cedar, sandalwood or vetiver accords while adding a faint fruity glow. If a formula feels too sharp it slips in like a buffer, polishing rough edges without burying the character of the other woods. When a perfumer needs an easy bridge between woody and fruity facets it often beats heavier molecules such as cedryl acetate which can dominate the mix.
Caryophyllene acetate sits happily in base accords for modern fougères, gourmand woods and even certain florals where a discreet woody backbone is wanted. In fine fragrance it pairs well with pear, coconut or spicy clove accents. In functional products it survives the rigours of hot soap saponification and candle wax melt points, yet it is gentle enough for skin care formats like shampoo and shower gel.
The sweet spot for use is usually traces up to around 2 %, occasionally 5 % in very woody bases. At fractions of a percent it whispers a juicy nuance that can brighten dry woods. Push it past 3 % and the woodiness becomes dominant, edging toward a slightly dry sawdust tone that may flatten brighter top notes, so balance is key.
Most labs keep a 10 % ethanol or dipropylene glycol dilution ready for speed weighing, though the neat material is fluid enough to use directly if accuracy allows. No special stabilisers are needed and it plays nicely with common solvents and fixatives.
Safety Information
When working with any aroma chemical a few basic precautions help keep the creative process safe and comfortable.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution so the nose is not overwhelmed and subtle nuances are easier to judge
- Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle: waft the diluted blotter toward your nose instead of diving into the neck of the container
- Work in a well ventilated space: good airflow prevents a build up of vapours that could cause headaches or irritation
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: direct skin or eye contact with neat material can lead to discomfort or sensitisation over time
- Health considerations: some users may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, brief exposure to low levels is typically safe but high or prolonged contact should be avoided, and anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a medical professional before frequent handling
Always refer to the most recent safety data sheet supplied with your batch and check it periodically for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure your creation is both beautiful and safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in the right conditions caryophyllene acetate usually stays in good shape for roughly three to four years before any noticeable drop in quality appears. Fresher batches always smell livelier yet a well stored bottle can remain perfectly serviceable for day-to-day work across that time span.
Refrigeration is not essential but a shelf in the lab fridge can stretch the life of both the neat material and its dilutions. If cold space is limited a cool dark cupboard away from heat sources or direct sunlight is still fine.
Use screw caps fitted with polycone liners for tight seals. Dropper bottles look handy yet they tend to leak vapor and invite oxidation. Top bottles up or move leftovers into smaller containers so the headspace stays minimal.
Label everything clearly with the name batch date and any hazard symbols so no one is left guessing months down the line. Good lab practice saves time and avoids costly mistakes.
For disposal small test quantities can be blended into an absorbent carrier like paper towel or cat litter then placed in regular chemical waste according to local rules. Larger volumes should go through a licensed waste handler. The molecule is not readily soluble in water and breaks down slowly so avoid tipping it straight into the sink.
Summary
Caryophyllene acetate is a nature-derived woody ester that delivers a smooth sweet wood tone with a light fruity twist. It sits in the base of a perfume adding depth polish and quiet lasting power.
Easy dosing, stable handling and a friendly price tag make it a fun tool for both fine fragrance and functional products. It bridges woody and fruity notes, tames harsh edges and survives hot soap or candle wax without fuss.
Its popularity keeps stocks steady worldwide yet remember to guard against oxidation and keep usage levels balanced so you do not flatten brighter top notes. Work within IFRA limits and you will have a versatile staple ready to lift many different accords.