Cetone V: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 29, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Cetone V?

Cetone V is an aroma chemical created by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan, although smaller suppliers often offer comparable versions under generic names. It is a synthetically produced ketone designed for use in fine fragrance, home care and personal care formulations.

The material is made through a multi step chemical process that begins with plant derived terpenes and finishes with controlled oxidation and cyclisation. The result is a highly pure liquid that delivers a consistent olfactive profile from batch to batch.

At room temperature Cetone V appears as a clear yet slightly straw coloured fluid that pours easily and blends without leaving visible residue. Because it is liquid it integrates quickly into most perfume concentrates and bases.

Perfumers turn to Cetone V quite frequently. It is a versatile workhorse that fits into floral bouquets, green accords, modern fruity blends and even woody oriental compositions. Its usage rate is usually low, which stretches the bottle across many projects.

The ingredient is considered mid priced within the palette. It is not as costly as rare natural absolutes yet sits above everyday commodity aroma chemicals thanks to its performance and complexity.

When stored in a cool dark place with the cap tightly closed, Cetone V retains full strength for roughly two to three years before gradual oxidation can start to dull its impact.

Cetone V’s Scent Description

Cetone V is usually filed under the floral family, though its character is anything but one dimensional.

On a fresh blotter the first impression is a bright green snap that recalls crushed leaves and unripe pear. Within seconds a soft creamy floral note unfolds, reminiscent of violet petals lightly dusted with jasmine. As the scent settles a mellow fruity nuance peeks through, hinting at peach skin, while a gentle cedar like woodiness anchors the whole picture.

In classical perfume language scents evolve in three stages. Top notes greet the nose quickly then fade, middle notes form the heart of the fragrance and base notes give lasting depth. Cetone V sits in the middle to upper heart. It surfaces soon after application and stays present for most of the drydown, linking sparkling openers with deeper fixatives.

Projection is strong for the first hour, allowing the ingredient to carry blends into the surrounding air without overwhelming. On a blotter its aroma remains detectable for close to forty eight hours, a sign of solid staying power that helps lift a composition long after the most volatile notes have gone.

How & Where To Use Cetone V

Perfumers reach for Cetone V when they want to give a floral heart more sparkle and lift without losing depth. Its green fruity nuance slips neatly between bright citrus top notes and creamy wood bases making it a reliable bridge in feminine bouquets, modern fougères and even gourmand twists.

The material excels in accords built around ionones, lavender, soft woods and tropical fruit notes. Just a few drops can freshen a jasmine or rose blend, while 0.5 % to 1 % helps a juicy peach or mango accord feel more natural. In woody orientals, it pushes diffusion so the scent projects instead of sitting flat on skin.

Typical usage runs from traces up to about 2 % of the concentrate, with most fine fragrances sitting near 0.3 %. At very low levels you notice a crisp leafy petal effect; raise the dose and the fruity element grows louder then the woody body appears. Pushing beyond 2 % can make a formula feel harsh or “screechy” and may clash with delicate aldehydes or tea notes.

Cetone V performs well in soaps, shampoos and candles thanks to its good stability in pH 6 – 10 bases and its five-star burning score. It is less impressive in bleach or highly alkaline powders where the aroma thins out quickly. Because the liquid carries a pale yellow tint, very light‐colored products may need a tint check to avoid discoloration.

For easy weighing and finer control most perfumers pre-dilute it to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. Gentle warming in a water bath loosens thickness for accurate pipetting. Always label the dilution with date and strength then store it tightly closed away from direct light.

Safely Using Cetone V

Handle Cetone V as you would any potent fragrance raw material. Always dilute before smelling, never sniff straight from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space. Gloves and safety glasses prevent accidental skin or eye contact.

Brief exposure to low vapor levels is generally considered safe yet high or repeated doses can irritate skin or mucous membranes. Some individuals may develop allergic reactions so discontinue use if redness or discomfort appears. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your doctor before routine handling.

Avoid letting the liquid pool on benches, wipe spills quickly and wash tools after use. Keep containers tightly capped to limit vapor build-up and oxidation. When a batch is no longer needed absorb residues on inert material and dispose of them following local chemical waste rules.

Always read the most recent Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and review it regularly as updates can occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum dose in finished products to ensure consumer safety.

How To Store & Dispose of Cetone V

Cetone V keeps its punch longest when you protect it from light air and heat. A cool cupboard at around 20 °C works fine for day to day use though a fridge set to 4 – 8 °C can stretch the shelf life if you have space. Whatever spot you choose make sure the bottle sits upright away from direct sunlight heaters or vibrating machinery.

Use bottles with tight polycone caps to stop slow vapor loss and oxidation. Dropper tops look handy but they leak air so steer clear of them. If you make a 10 % dilution try to pick a bottle that you can fill close to the top. Less headspace means less oxygen attacking the liquid. When you decant always wipe the rim and close the cap firmly.

Label every container with the material name date strength and any hazard icons. A clear label saves mix-ups during busy blending sessions and keeps visitors informed about what is inside.

For disposal small hobby amounts can be soaked into cat litter or another inert absorbent then sealed in a plastic bag before placing in household trash if local rules allow. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical waste service. Cetone V is readily biodegradable yet it is rated toxic to aquatic life so never pour leftovers down the drain or onto soil.

Summary

Cetone V is a Givaudan floral aroma chemical prized for its green fruity and woody facets that bring lift to many scent styles. Acting as a lively mid note it smooths the gap between bright citrus heads and creamy bases while offering a two-day presence on a blotter.

Perfumers like it for its versatility moderate cost and strong diffusion though care is needed above 2 % to avoid harshness. Stability is solid in most pH ranges and it burns well in candles yet color checks are wise in very pale products.

Commercial houses can buy Cetone V straight from Givaudan or approved distributors. Smaller quantities often appear at specialist hobby shops and third-party suppliers under the trade name or generic CAS number letting independent creators test it without committing to a full drum.

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