What Is Citronellol Aj?
Citronellol Aj is a nature-identical fragrance ingredient designed by Symrise, a global supplier of aroma chemicals. While Symrise markets this specific grade, other firms also offer comparable citronellol qualities under generic names, so perfumers can source it from multiple vendors.
The material belongs to the alcohol family of molecules and is obtained from fully renewable feedstocks that would otherwise go to waste. After careful purification it ends up as a clear colorless liquid that looks much like water yet carries a rich floral smell.
Citronellol in general is one of the workhorse floral notes in modern perfumery. Because of its versatility you will find it in fine fragrance, body care and household products across every price point. Citronellol Aj follows that trend and is produced on an industrial scale, so it is relatively easy to obtain and is considered affordable rather than luxury priced.
When stored in a cool dry place away from direct light the ingredient keeps its quality for roughly two to three years before the scent starts to flatten. It contains no added stabilizers but remains quite robust under normal handling conditions, making it popular with both artisan and large-scale manufacturers.
Citronellol Aj’s Scent Description
Perfumers place Citronellol Aj squarely in the floral family. On a blotter the first impression is a fresh rose petal note that feels naturally dewy rather than powdery. As it settles a soft geranium edge adds a slight leafy bite, followed by a hint of lily of the valley that brightens the bouquet. Underneath there is a gentle citrus nuance that keeps the whole accord lively and crisp.
In the traditional fragrance pyramid we speak of top, middle and base notes. Citronellol Aj lives mainly in the heart of a perfume, so it shows up a few minutes after application and remains noticeable for a good while before easing into the background.
Projection is medium, meaning it creates a pleasant personal aura without flooding a room. On skin the note usually lasts four to six hours, longer in soap or fabric care where it can cling to fibers and release its rosy freshness during wear.
How & Where To Use Citronellol Aj
Perfumers reach for Citronellol Aj when they want a realistic rose heart that still feels light and airy. It slots neatly into classical floral accords, adds lift to fruity bouquets and smooths out sharp green notes in modern compositions. Because it leans more dewy than powdery it pairs well with fresh citrus tops and clean musks below, helping bridge the gap between sparkling openings and soft finishes.
At low traces around 0.1 % it subtly freshens blends without announcing itself as “rose.” Between 1 % and 5 % it becomes recognisably floral, contributing body and a touch of geranium leaf that keeps the accord lively. When pushed toward the upper end of the recommended 20 % range it can carry an entire soliflore theme but may start to smell oily or soapy if not balanced with fresher materials like citral, hedione or aldehydes.
Citronellol Aj excels in rinse-off formats such as shower gel and shampoo because its alcohol backbone clings to hair and skin, releasing soft rosy notes during use. In candles and fabric softener it offers stable burn performance and long-lasting freshness. It is less suited to heavy oriental bases that rely on deep resins since its light floral profile can get lost unless supported by other rosy materials.
Overuse risks a flat metallic note and can raise the overall allergen load of a formula, so most perfumers layer it with rose oxide, phenethyl alcohol or natural rose oils to add dimension while keeping individual doses moderate. Always blend it into a small portion of carrier oil or dipropylene glycol before adding to the concentrate which helps it disperse evenly and avoids cold spots that could throw off stability tests.
No special pre-treatment is needed; simply bring the bottle to room temperature, shake gently to ensure homogeneity then measure by weight. Clean pipettes or syringes prevent cross contamination with sensitive musks or aldehydes stored nearby.
Safely Information
Working with Citronellol Aj is straightforward yet certain precautions are essential to protect both the perfumer and the finished product.
- Always dilute before evaluation: blend a few drops in alcohol or dipropylene glycol so the aroma can be judged accurately without overwhelming the nose
- Never smell directly from the bottle: use a blotter or scent strip to avoid sudden exposure to concentrated vapour
- Work in a well-ventilated space: good airflow prevents buildup of fumes and keeps the workspace comfortable during long compounding sessions
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: these basic barriers stop accidental splashes from reaching skin or eyes
- Mind potential health effects: some people develop skin irritation or allergies from repeated contact so take breaks, wash hands after handling and consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding; short encounters at low levels are generally safe but prolonged high-level exposure can be harmful
Always consult the latest Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and review it regularly as updates are common. Follow any applicable IFRA usage limits for your product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Citronellol Aj
Citronellol Aj keeps its lively rose character longest when protected from light oxygen and heat. A dedicated fragrance fridge between 4 °C and 10 °C works best but a cupboard that stays cool and dark is usually fine for everyday use. Whichever spot you choose avoid shelves near radiators windows or hot production equipment.
Air contact is the enemy of freshness so use the smallest bottle that will hold your remaining stock and top it up when you can. Polycone lined caps make an airtight seal that outperforms standard droppers or cork stoppers which can leak vapor and invite oxidation. Wipe the neck before closing to remove residue that might harden and break the seal.
For dilutions pick glass or aluminum containers meant for essential oils. Label each one clearly with the name batch date and any hazard pictograms so nothing ends up in the wrong formula. Store concentrates away from acids strong bases and oxidizing agents to prevent unwanted reactions.
When a batch reaches the end of its useful life its ready biodegradability means small hobby-scale leftovers can be highly diluted with plenty of water then poured down the drain if local rules allow. Larger volumes from commercial work should go to a licensed chemical recycler or hazardous waste center. Never dump neat material onto soil or into surface water and rinse empty bottles before recycling or disposal.
Summary
Citronellol Aj is a renewable floral alcohol from Symrise that brings a crisp dewy rose heart with touches of geranium and lily of the valley. It lifts bouquets in fine fragrance gives shampoos a soft petal trail and freshens household cleaners without feeling heavy.
Because it is produced on an industrial scale the price sits in the friendly mid range and the quality stays consistent. It remains stable for two to three years when kept cool and tightly sealed though refrigeration can stretch that window. Used between a trace and around five percent it adds natural bloom while heavier doses can carry a full soliflore if balanced with brighter notes.
You can order Citronellol Aj direct from Symrise in drum or pail sizes. Smaller hobby bottles plus generic grades of citronellol are widely sold by specialty fragrance suppliers and reseller websites making it easy for both newcomers and established brands to keep this versatile floral in their palette.