What Is Citroasis Base?
Citroasis Base is a proprietary aroma ingredient introduced by the dsm-firmenich team in 2021 after a joint project between their perfumers and Natural Ingredients Center of Expertise. Rather than being a single molecule it is a carefully balanced mix of components, some of which are captive to the company, blended into one ready-to-use liquid concentrate.
The manufacturing process combines purified natural fractions with high-purity synthetic molecules. Each part is produced separately, quality-checked, then merged under controlled conditions so the final material stays consistent from batch to batch.
At room temperature it pours as a clear to very slightly yellow fluid that remains mobile even in cooler labs, which makes weighing and dosing easy for both fine fragrance and household formulators.
Perfumers reach for Citroasis Base frequently because it stays stable in alcohol, water based cleaners, surfactant systems and wax. Its versatility means you will find it in prestige eau de parfum, everyday shampoos, detergents, softeners and even candles.
In terms of cost it sits comfortably in the midrange. It is not considered exotic or hard to source, yet the inclusion of captive molecules gives it a performance edge over more generic citrus blends.
What Does Citroasis Base Smell Like?
Citroasis Base lives in the citrus family.
On a blotter it opens with a vivid lemon peel note that feels freshly zested, then quickly shows a juicy fruit facet similar to squeezed lemonade. Underneath, a faint sulphuric sparkle adds realism, echoing the scent you get when cutting through a whole lemon and its pith. The profile is bright and clean rather than candy-sweet, which keeps it feeling natural and uplifting.
In classical perfumery terms this material functions as a top note. It makes an instant impact within the first minutes of evaporation then gradually gives way to the heart of the composition. Although it is a top note it hangs on a little longer than straight citrus terpenes, bridging smoothly into middle notes without a sharp drop-off.
Projection is lively, easily filling personal space when freshly applied. Longevity on a paper blotter typically reaches two to three hours before it fades to a delicate citrus whisper that sits close to the surface.
How & Where To Use Citroasis Base
This is one of those easy going materials that almost seems to dose itself. It pours cleanly, blends without fuss and gives an instant lift to nearly any formula that needs a natural looking splash of lemon.
Perfumers slot it into top note accords where they want more sparkle and hang time than plain cold-pressed lemon oil can give. It partners especially well with aldehydes, green notes, ginger, tea facets and light musks. When a brief demands a sunny citrus opening that will not vanish before the heart appears Citroasis Base is an obvious pick.
It also helps re-round existing accords. A couple of tenths can freshen up a gourmand that feels dull or pull a floral bouquet into daylight without rewriting the whole pyramid. Because the sulphuric nuance adds realism it can replace a part of grapefruit or yuzu notes when those raw materials are in short supply.
Applications span prestige fine fragrance, everyday haircare, hard surface cleaners and wax. It shines in transparent styles like colognes and body mists yet holds its own in detergent where pH and surfactants often mute naturals. The only place it struggles is in very high temperature processes such as hot pour industrial soaps where some brightness may flash off.
Typical dosage ranges from trace to about 5 % of the total concentrate. At 0.1 % it simply polishes other citrus; around 1-2 % the juicy lemon becomes unmistakable; push toward the upper end and the sulphur facet grows, which can feel slightly metallic in delicate florals. Blotter trials at several strengths save headaches later.
No special prep work is required beyond the usual pre-dilution to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier pipetting and more accurate weighing when working at trace levels.
Safely Information
Working with Citroasis Base is straightforward but basic lab precautions still apply.
- Always dilute before evaluation: create a 10 % or weaker solution so you can judge the odour accurately and avoid sensory fatigue
- Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle: fan vapour toward your nose or use a blotter to prevent overwhelming exposure
- Ensure good ventilation: open windows or use a fume hood to keep airborne concentration low during weighing and blending
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes that could cause irritation
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals trigger skin irritation or allergic responses, brief low-level exposure is generally safe yet prolonged or high levels may be harmful, consult your doctor before handling if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Always review the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it regularly for updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to keep formulas compliant and consumers safe.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under ideal conditions Citroasis Base stays within specification for roughly two years from the date of manufacture. After that point it usually remains usable yet may lose some brightness as oxidation creeps in.
Refrigeration is helpful but not essential. A shelf in a cool ventilated room that never sees direct sunlight works for most small studios. Whatever space you choose keep the bottle away from radiators, hot plates and windows to slow down heat-triggered degradation.
Air management is key. Transfer dilutions into bottles fitted with polycone caps because they form a tight seal that dropper tops cannot match. Top up containers whenever possible so the headspace stays minimal and the juice meets less oxygen each time you open it.
Store concentrates and all test dilutions in amber or aluminium vessels if you have them. Light can bleach top notes fast so darker walls buy you extra months of freshness.
Label everything clearly with the material name batch number date opened and any hazard pictograms. Future you will thank present you when a quick audit is needed.
For disposal check local regulations first. Small rinse volumes from glassware can usually be flushed with plenty of water because the blend is readily biodegradable under normal wastewater treatment. Larger quantities or expired stock should go to a licensed chemical-waste handler rather than the trash. Never pour highly concentrated perfume bases straight into drains or onto soil.
Summary
Citroasis Base is a ready-made citrus speciality that delivers a fresh lemon peel effect with juicy fruit and a hint of sulphur sparkle. It works across fine fragrance haircare and home care bringing top-note lift that lasts longer than plain essential oils.
Easy handling reasonable cost and broad stability have pushed it onto the shortlist of many perfumers when a brief calls for sunshine in a bottle. It plays well in colognes florals gourmands and even tough detergent bases which explains its steady rise in popularity.
The material is fun to experiment with yet still asks for basic oxygen and light control to stay at its best. Keep an eye on dosage so the metallic edge does not overpower delicate accords and you will have a versatile helper ready to brighten almost any formula.