What Is Citronellol 70?
Citronellol 70 is an aroma chemical belonging to the large family of citronellol isomers that give many flowers their natural rosy character. The version most commonly sold under this name comes from DSM-Firmenich, a major supplier of fragrance ingredients, yet other companies offer comparable grades so perfumers are not limited to a single source.
The material is produced through chemical synthesis, a controlled series of reactions that start with simpler molecules and build them into the familiar rose-like structure. Modern production follows the ideals of green chemistry, helping to reduce waste and energy use while maintaining high purity.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear to slightly yellow liquid that pours easily and blends smoothly with most perfume solvents. It is readily biodegradable which makes it attractive for formulators looking to meet tighter environmental guidelines.
Citronellol 70 shows up across a broad range of consumer products. You will encounter it in fine fragrance, shampoos, soaps, detergents, fabric softeners, surface cleaners and even scented candles. Because demand is steady and supply chains are mature it is generally considered an affordable building block rather than a luxury raw material.
When sealed in the original container and stored correctly the ingredient usually stays fresh for about two to three years before oxidation starts to dull its brightness. Routine quality checks help perfumers confirm the material is still at its best before each new project.
Citronellol 70’s Scent Description
The ingredient slots neatly into the floral family, more specifically the rose and geranium sub-group that gives classic bouquets their softness and lift.
On a standard perfume blotter the first impression is a fresh petal tone reminiscent of morning roses sprinkled with dewy citrus. Within seconds a gentle geranium leaf nuance appears, adding a minty green twist that keeps the profile lively. As the minutes pass a light citronella accent peeks through, providing a lemony sparkle without straying into harsh territory. A faint fruity sweetness lingers in the background, rounding out the composition.
Perfumers divide a fragrance into top, middle and base notes to describe how the scent unfolds over time. Citronellol 70 sits mainly in the heart or middle zone, giving body and continuity between the opening sparkle and the deeper fixatives underneath. It does show a brief flash in the top notes thanks to its fresh citrus facet, yet its true role is to anchor the floral bouquet once the initial volatility fades.
Projection can be described as moderate: strong enough to be noticed when you move yet not so powerful that it overwhelms a room. On a blotter the molecule remains detectable for four to six hours before diffusing into a soft rosy trace, making it a reliable contributor to overall fragrance longevity.
How & Where To Use Citronellol 70
Perfumers reach for Citronellol 70 when they want to give a composition a clean natural rose lift without relying on costly absolutes. It forms the backbone of many rose, peony and geranium accords and can also freshen fruity or citrus openings. In a modern chypre it bridges a sparkling bergamot top with a mossy base, while in a shampoo it adds a blooming feel that survives rinsing.
Dosing typically sits between 0.1 % and 3 % of the concentrate, though a fine fragrance heart accord may push to 5 % for extra radiance. At trace levels it brings a petal-like nuance that rounds edges. Mid levels highlight the lemony geranium facet and heighten diffusion. Very high levels can dominate, turning the profile sharp and citronella-like which crowds out subtler notes.
The ingredient blends well with other rosy materials such as Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol, Damascenone or Rose Oxide and it softens woody bases built around Cedarwood or Iso E Super. It is less comfortable in heavy oriental or gourmand themes where its fresh tone can feel out of place.
Use caution in soap bars and detergents that go through high pH curing, as excessive Citronellol 70 may oxidise and generate off-odours over shelf life. In candles it throws pleasantly but too much can lead to sooting because of its higher boiling point.
Before weighing, most labs pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier handling and more precise pipetting. The liquid is pourable at room temperature and does not need warming. Keep tools clean because trace residues linger on glassware and can tint the next trial.
Safely Using Citronellol 70
Dilution is key: make a working solution before evaluation rather than smelling the neat liquid. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle to protect your nasal passages. Work in a well-ventilated area to prevent buildup of vapors, and wear gloves plus safety glasses so the material never contacts skin or eyes.
Citrus-floral alcohols like Citronellol 70 are known mild sensitizers. Some people may experience redness or itching if the undiluted product touches skin. Brief contact with low dilution is generally safe but prolonged or repeated exposure at higher levels increases the chance of irritation. Seek medical advice before handling any aroma chemicals if pregnant or breastfeeding.
If a spill occurs, wipe with an absorbent cloth then wash the surface with warm soapy water. Collect waste in a sealed container and send to a chemical disposal service rather than pouring it down the drain.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and follow it to the letter. Check the document each time you reorder because regulations and recommended limits may change. In addition be sure your final fragrance complies with current IFRA guidelines for Citronellol content in the intended product category.
How To Store & Dispose of Citronellol 70
Store Citronellol 70 in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A cupboard in an air-conditioned room usually works well, though refrigeration can stretch shelf life if you have spare space. Low temperature slows oxidation and keeps the rosy profile crisp for longer.
Always seal bottles tightly. Polycone caps create a snug vapor-proof seal that beats standard droppers which often let air sneak in. Air exposure is the main enemy, so try to keep containers as full as possible or transfer leftovers to smaller bottles to cut the headspace.
Use glass or high-grade HDPE for bulk storage and keep dilutions in amber glass to block light. Clearly label every container with the material name, dilution strength, batch number and hazard icons so anyone in the lab knows exactly what is inside at a glance.
When you move product between bottles wipe threads before closing to prevent crusty residue that can break the seal. Store flammables like ethanol in a separate cabinet and never park scented strips near the stock bottle where they can contaminate the liquid.
If you need to dispose of Citronellol 70 remember it is readily biodegradable yet still classed as chemical waste. Small lab amounts can be soaked into an absorbent pad then placed in a sealed bag before disposal through a licensed waste contractor. Larger volumes should go to a specialist solvent recycler. Do not pour it down the sink or throw it in household trash. Rinse empty bottles with warm soapy water, let them dry then recycle the glass if local rules allow.
Summary
Citronellol 70 is a liquid floral ingredient from DSM-Firmenich that gives a bright rose geranium and citronella aroma. Perfumers use it as a cost-friendly way to build natural-smelling rose hearts in fine fragrance, hair care, cleaning products and candles. It performs as a middle note, adding lift without the price tag of true rose oil.
The material is popular because it is easy to blend, stable in most finished goods and sits in the lower mid price tier so brands can dose generously. Watch for oxidation in high pH soap systems and keep dilution in mind to avoid turning the scent too sharp.
Commercial houses buy Citronellol 70 directly from DSM-Firmenich or authorized distributors. Hobbyists can find smaller decants and alternate grades from independent suppliers that repack professional stock for trial batches. Whether you need a few milliliters or a drum, the ingredient is widely available and remains a go-to building block for fresh modern floral work.