What Is Cascalone?
Cascalone is a man-made aroma chemical prized for its fresh watery scent. It was first developed by the fragrance house DSM-Firmenich, although a handful of other suppliers now offer comparable versions under generic names.
The molecule is produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis that starts with simple building blocks and finishes with a highly pure perfumery grade material. Modern green-chemistry guidelines steer much of the process so waste is kept to a minimum.
At room temperature Cascalone arrives as a soft white powder rather than a liquid. Perfumers usually dissolve it in alcohol or a carrier oil before blending, which makes weighing and dosing straightforward.
Since the 2000s the material has found its way into many commercial fine fragrances as well as functional products like shampoos and detergents. It is not as ubiquitous as classic musks yet is common enough that most contemporary perfumers keep it on hand.
When stored tightly closed in a cool dark place Cascalone remains in good shape for roughly three to four years before the scent profile starts to dull. The ingredient sits in the middle price tier: dearer than basic citrus oils but far cheaper than rare naturals such as rose absolute.
Cascalone’s Scent Description
Cascalone is grouped in the aquatic family, the same broad camp that includes familiar marine notes like Calone. On a smelling strip the first impression is a splash of clean ozonic air blended with the suggestion of chilled melon water. Almost at once a light floral nuance peeks through, reminiscent of lily or soft peony petals getting misted by sea spray. A faint sweet fruitiness lingers in the background, keeping the molecule from feeling sharp or overly salty.
Perfumers divide a fragrance into top, middle and base notes to describe how it unfolds over time. Cascalone behaves a little like a chameleon: it flashes its brightest watery facet in the top, then settles into the heart where its floral sweetness continues to wave in and out for several hours. It does not carry the deep weight of a true base note yet it anchors longer than a volatile citrus, making it useful for stretching freshness into the dry-down.
The projection is moderate. It radiates an arm’s length when used generously but never feels heavy or cloying. Longevity on skin is typically six to eight hours, enough to keep a fragrance feeling crisp through most of the day without overpowering companion notes.
How & Where To Use Cascalone
Perfumers reach for Cascalone when they want a clear watery opening that feels more natural and less metallic than classic Calone. It slips easily into marine accords alongside citrus, ozonic aldehydes and light florals, or it can lift fruity bouquets where melon or pear nuances are desired without adding weight. In woody or musky bases a small touch of Cascalone keeps the whole structure feeling freshly laundered.
Typical inclusion levels sit anywhere from a trace to around 5 percent of the concentrate, with 1 percent being a common sweet spot. At sub-1 percent it simply freshens and adds transparency. Between 1-3 percent the fruity aquatic character becomes distinct and can dominate lighter compositions. Above 3 percent it can turn overly sweet, even shampoo-like, and may clash with heavy spices or animalic notes.
The ingredient performs best in top and mid accords so a perfumer might pair it with bergamot or hedione in the opening, then let it fade into soft musks and woods. It shines in summer colognes, fabric refreshers and personal care products where a clean rinse-water effect is welcome. It is less suitable for gourmand or resinous oriental styles where its cool vibe can feel disjointed.
Because Cascalone arrives as a free-flowing powder it should be premixed into ethanol, dipropylene glycol or another carrier at 10 percent for easier weighing and blending. The solution dissolves quickly with gentle stirring and keeps well in an amber glass bottle. Avoid milling or grinding the raw powder as dust can become airborne and waste material.
Overdose risks include an artificial melon note, a plastic edge and a tendency to suppress floral heart materials. A quick trial at three different dilutions on blotters helps find the balance before committing to a full batch.
Safely Using Cascalone
Dilution is key, so always work with a pre-made solution rather than the neat powder. Never sniff directly from the bottle, instead fan a blotter strip in open air to evaluate the scent. Work near an extractor fan or open window to keep vapor levels low and wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent accidental skin or eye contact.
While Cascalone is considered low hazard at the concentrations found in finished fragrances, the dry powder or strong solutions can still irritate skin or mucous membranes. Some individuals may experience allergic responses, so discontinue use if redness or itching occurs. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before prolonged exposure to any aroma chemical.
Short encounters with dilute solutions are unlikely to cause harm, yet repeated high-level handling without protection can lead to sensitization or respiratory discomfort. Clean spills promptly with an absorbent cloth that is then sealed in a bag before disposal.
Always consult the most recent safety data sheet from your supplier and check it periodically as updates are common. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product category and document your formula compliance for future reference.
How To Store & Dispose of Cascalone
Keep Cascalone in tightly sealed glass or high-density plastic bottles placed in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters and windows. A refrigerator set between 4 °C and 8 °C can stretch its usable life but always let cold bottles reach room temperature before opening to prevent moisture from condensing inside.
Use caps with polycone liners for both the neat powder and any liquid dilutions since they create an air-tight seal. Dropper bottles look handy yet often leak solvent vapours, so reserve them only for blends that will be used up quickly. Whenever possible choose a container size that you can fill close to the top as the smaller headspace slows oxidation and keeps the scent fresh.
Label every bottle or jar with the material name, the CAS number 950919-28-5, the date it was filled and a reminder to wear gloves and eye protection when handling. Keeping safety data sheets nearby in a binder or smartphone file helps you act fast if an accident occurs.
Store Cascalone away from acids, bases and strong oxidisers that could trigger unwanted reactions. Protect solid stock from humidity by adding a small packet of silica gel in the outer storage box. Check older inventory twice a year for clumping or off-odours that signal it is time to replace the batch.
For disposal, first see if a fellow maker can use your surplus. Small traces left in pipettes or glassware can be rinsed with plenty of warm soapy water and sent down the drain if local rules allow diluted fragrance materials. Larger volumes should be collected in a sealed waste container and taken to a household hazardous waste facility or handed over to a licensed chemical recycler. Cascalone is regarded as readily biodegradable in standard tests yet concentrated solutions can still upset aquatic life, so never pour them straight into sinks or soil.
Summary
Cascalone is a DSM-Firmenich aroma chemical that supplies a gentle marine splash touched with fruity floral hints. Perfumers prize it for giving modern freshness from the first spray to the drydown without the harsh metallic edge of classic Calone. It slots neatly into summer colognes, clean musk accords and many personal care bases while staying affordable and stable for at least two years when stored well.
Its powder form makes it easy to ship and weigh yet it should be diluted to about ten percent for day-to-day blending. Stay below five percent of the total concentrate to avoid an overly sweet melon tone and remember that high doses can mask delicate heart notes. The ingredient tolerates soaps, detergents, candles and fine fragrance thanks to good heat and pH stability.
Cascalone is sold in drums or kilo jars direct from DSM-Firmenich and authorised distributors. Hobbyists can pick up smaller packs from reputable resellers that split bulk lots into 100 g or even 10 g sizes, often under the generic CAS name. However you source it keep bottles sealed, clearly dated and stored away from light so that every drop keeps its crystal clear watery sparkle.