What Is Cassione?
Cassione is a modern aroma material first introduced to perfumers in 1988 after research carried out by the creative team at what is now dsm-firmenich. Rather than being isolated from a plant, it is produced through a carefully controlled laboratory process that brings several smaller molecules together in a specific sequence. This multi-step synthesis gives perfumers a reliable way to achieve a consistent profile every time a batch is made.
The finished product reaches the market as a fine off-white powder that stays free-flowing at normal room temperatures. It dissolves easily in the common solvents used by fragrance houses which makes it simple to weigh and incorporate into a formula. While it originated as a specialty item for rebuilding natural flower accords the material has since become a staple on many compounding benches worldwide. Most large fragrance suppliers carry it in stock so access is rarely a challenge.
Cost wise Cassione sits in the mid-range for synthetic specialties. It is not priced like rare natural absolutes yet it is valued higher than bulk aroma chemicals such as limonene or linalool. This balance between affordability and performance has helped it find a place in both prestige fine fragrance and everyday consumer products. Perfumers reach for it when they need reliable floral warmth, a gentle powdered effect and extended wear in the drydown.
What Does Cassione Smell Like?
Cassione is usually grouped in the floral family. Off a blotter its first impression is a soft burst of yellow mimosa petals backed by a gentle talc-like sweetness that feels warm rather than sugary. Within seconds a slightly spicy nuance peeks through, giving the material a subtle bite that keeps the floral tone lively. As the minutes pass the scent settles into a rounded, almost buttery cassie facet that clings to the paper for hours.
When we talk about perfume structure we often divide impressions into top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the flashes you notice in the first few minutes, middle notes build the main character of the fragrance and base notes hold everything in place toward the end of wear. Cassione behaves as a low middle to early base note. It does not leap off the blotter like citrus or herbs yet it becomes noticeable shortly after application and then anchors the composition well into the dry phase.
Projection sits at a comfortable medium level. It lends presence to a blend without turning it into a room filler. Longevity is one of its strong suits: on skin Cassione can be detected for six to eight hours depending on concentration and the other materials surrounding it. This makes it useful not only for creating a lifelike mimosa effect but also for adding powdery warmth and hold to many different fragrance styles.
How & Where To Use Cassione
Perfumers tend to like working with Cassione because it behaves predictably and blends without fuss. Being a free-flowing powder that dissolves readily in ethanol or DPG it rarely causes weighing or solubility headaches.
The material shines as a low-mid note that bridges bright floral tops with creamy bases. Reach for it when you want to boost a mimosa or cassie accord, soften a violet theme or lend a velvety cushion to iris. It also deepens leather signatures, polishes woody blends and rounds out lavender bouquets by adding a plush pollen-like warmth.
Because it is tenacious Cassione often doubles as a gentle fixative. At trace levels it sits quietly in the background giving body without announcing itself. Around 0.5 % to 1 % of the total concentrate its mimosa facet comes forward and you get that cozy powder effect. Push it toward 3 % to 5 % and the note turns richer and slightly spicier which can dominate lighter flowers but works beautifully in heavy florals or oriental styles. Beyond that range the profile can feel waxy and may dull brighter top notes so moderation is advised in colognes or citrus accords.
Formulators appreciate its stability across a wide pH span which makes it useful in soaps, shampoos, fabric softeners and candle wax. It performs less well in high-temperature extrusion processes such as scented plastics where prolonged heat can cause partial loss.
Little prep is needed. Simply premix the powder into a small amount of solvent to create a 10 % or 20 % solution then add that to your oil phase. This avoids clumping and ensures even distribution.
Safely Information
Working with aroma chemicals always calls for sensible precautions and Cassione is no exception.
- Always dilute before smelling: Prepare a 1 % solution on a scent strip rather than sniffing the raw powder.
- Avoid bottle sniffing: Inhaling concentrated vapors can overwhelm the nose and irritate mucous membranes.
- Ensure good ventilation: Use a fume hood or open window to disperse airborne particles when weighing and dissolving.
- Wear protective gear: Gloves and safety glasses keep accidental spills or dust away from skin and eyes.
- Health considerations: Some individuals may experience irritation or sensitisation. Pregnant or breastfeeding persons should seek medical advice before handling. Brief exposure to low levels is usually well tolerated but prolonged or high-level contact can be harmful.
The information above is only a starting point. Always review the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow any relevant IFRA guidelines to stay within recommended use levels and ensure your formulas remain safe for consumers.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in good conditions Cassione retains its full character for about three to four years. Past that point it will not suddenly spoil but you may notice a dulling of the floral warmth and a slower diffusion on skin.
A refrigerator between 4 °C and 8 °C can stretch the shelf life but is not essential. A cool cabinet shaded from sunlight and far from heaters works for most users. Temperature swings are the real enemy so aim for a steady environment.
Air management matters. Fill bottles as high as practical and top them up after each decant to keep oxygen out. Polycone caps give a tighter seal than glass droppers or standard screw tops so choose them for both neat powder and any solutions you make. Dropper bottles invite leaks and let extra air slip in which speeds oxidation.
Label every container with the name Cassione, the concentration if diluted and the date it was prepared. Add hazard symbols or safety phrases from the supplier’s SDS so anyone sharing your workspace knows what is inside at a glance.
Disposal is straightforward but still needs care. Small household-scale leftovers can usually be diluted with plenty of water then flushed if local regulations allow. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste handler. Cassione is classified as readily biodegradable so it breaks down in standard waste-water treatment yet it should never be poured straight into surface water or soil.
Wipe measuring tools with ethanol before washing, keep powdered spills dry and sweep them into a sealable bag for disposal. Good housekeeping keeps both the lab bench and the environment clean.
Summary
Cassione is a lab-made floral ingredient that gives perfumers an easy way to add warm mimosa and cassie accents with a cozy powdery twist. It arrives as a free-flowing powder, dissolves without drama and holds its scent on skin for hours.
Use it to lift yellow floral accords, cushion iris or violet or add softness to leather and wood ideas. It plays well at low doses as a fixative yet can also stand out when pushed in richer bouquets. Thanks to solid stability and a mid-range price it appears in everything from luxury perfume to soap and fabric care.
The material is fun to experiment with but keep an eye on oxidation, give it a tight cap and store it cool so the profile stays bright. Do that and Cassione will earn a permanent spot on the blending bench.