What Is Citronellyl Formate?
Citronellyl Formate is an aroma molecule used by perfumers when they want a crisp citrus twist that still feels soft and slightly fruity. It is sold by IFF under its own name, yet other aroma houses offer comparable grades that carry the same CAS number, so perfumers are not limited to a single supplier.
The material is created by reacting naturally sourced citronellol with formic acid. IFF highlights that its version is made from renewable upcycled feedstocks and is certified vegan, which appeals to brands looking for greener ingredient lists.
At room temperature the ingredient is a clear liquid that can lean toward very pale yellow as it ages. It pours easily, blends without fuss into oil or alcohol, and leaves no visible residue once diluted.
Citronellyl Formate is fairly common in modern perfumery because it offers a fresh grapefruit nuance without the stability issues sometimes found in natural citrus oils. It sees regular use in fine fragrance, body care, soap and even some detergent powders where a sparkling top note is wanted.
When stored in a cool dark place and kept in a tightly closed container, most suppliers recommend using the material within about three years for best quality. After that the citrus sparkle can fade though the material rarely spoils outright.
Budget wise it sits in the lower to mid-range for specialty ingredients. It is cost-effective enough for everyday products yet refined enough to appear in prestige blends.
Citronellyl Formate’s Scent Description
This material is usually grouped into the fruity family because its aroma leans more toward juicy citrus rind than sharp lemon peel.
On a blotter the first impression is a bright burst of pink grapefruit zest, fresh and mouth-watering with a gentle sweetness that keeps it from feeling sour. Within seconds a soft floral undertone peeks through, reminiscent of rose petal and giving the note a rounder more natural feel. As the blotter dries the fruitiness becomes smoother and lightly waxy, almost like the white pith of a grapefruit, before fading into a delicate leafy nuance.
Perfumers often place Citronellyl Formate in the top note zone. It lifts the opening of a composition yet it does not vanish as quickly as many terpene-heavy citrus materials. Expect a noticeable presence for 30 to 60 minutes before it melts into the heart where it quietly supports florals and light woods.
Projection is moderate: enough to be smelled at an arm’s length during the first half hour then settling closer to the skin. Longevity is short to medium, generally around two to three hours on a blotter, which is typical for fresh citrus-type ingredients.
How & Where To Use Citronellyl Formate
Perfumers reach for Citronellyl Formate when a grapefruit twist is needed without loading a formula with limonene or expensive natural oils. It shines in the top of citrus colognes, sparkling florals and modern fougères, slotting neatly beside bergamot, pink pepper or rhubarb notes. The material also bridges citrus to rosy or geranium hearts thanks to its subtle leafy undertone, making it useful in tea, rose or lychee accords.
Typical inclusion levels sit anywhere from a trace for background freshness up to around 5 percent of the concentrate for a clearly stated grapefruit rind effect. At very low dosages the note reads as a clean lift that brightens other citruses. Around 1 percent the fruity rind becomes distinct and juicy. Push past 3 percent and the material can edge toward a slightly oily or waxy nuance that some may find harsh, so balancing with aldehydes or soft musks is wise.
Citronellyl Formate performs well in alcohol based fine fragrance, soap and liquid cleaners. It holds up in hot process soap without discoloration and survives most detergent bases, although high alkalinity or powder blending can dull its freshness over time. It is not ideal for candles or other high-heat systems where volatility works against longevity.
Over-use risks include a flattened citrus opening that feels hollow and synthetic plus possible skin sensitization when combined with other terpene materials. Always check the total citrus terpene load of the formula before increasing its level.
No special prep is required beyond the usual weighing and dilution. The molecule dissolves quickly in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or triethyl citrate. Many labs keep it pre-diluted at 10 percent in alcohol to speed blotter testing and reduce accidental overdosing.
Safely Using Citronellyl Formate
Work in a well ventilated space and start by making a diluted sample before evaluating the scent. Avoid placing your nose over an open bottle; instead waft the air above the container or smell a blotter. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes from splashes.
Like many citrus related aroma chemicals Citronellyl Formate can cause mild skin irritation or trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a medical professional before regular handling. Short encounters with low concentrations are generally regarded as safe yet prolonged contact or inhalation of undiluted vapor may lead to headaches or respiratory discomfort.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dry cabinet away from heat and direct sunlight to slow oxidation. If a spill occurs wipe with an absorbent cloth then dispose of the cloth in a sealed container to limit vapor. Small waste volumes can usually be placed in the standard solvent disposal stream; check local regulations before discarding larger amounts.
Always review the most recent safety data sheet from your supplier and follow any updated recommendations. In addition adhere to current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Citronellyl Formate
Citronellyl Formate holds its freshness longest when kept cold so a refrigerator dedicated to fragrance ingredients is ideal. If that is not an option a cool dark cabinet away from heaters or windows will still protect the liquid from light driven oxidation.
Choose glass or aluminum bottles fitted with polycone lined caps that create a tight seal. Dropper bottles often leak vapor and let in air so reserve them only for very short term trials. Each time you decant top up the storage bottle with inert gas or transfer the remainder to a smaller vessel to keep headspace to a minimum.
Label every container clearly with the material name CAS number date received and any hazard pictograms from the safety data sheet. This avoids mix-ups during formulation and helps anyone who handles the bottle know the correct precautions at a glance.
Spills can be soaked up with paper towels or vermiculite then placed in a sealable bag for disposal with solvent waste. The molecule is readily biodegradable yet concentrated quantities should not go down household drains. For larger volumes mix with an absorbent medium and send to a licensed chemical recycler or follow your local hazardous waste program.
Rinse empty bottles with a small amount of ethanol before discarding or recycling. Keep records of how much product you store and discard so you can monitor stock rotation and remain compliant with regional regulations.
Summary
Citronellyl Formate is a grapefruit-leaning fruity ester from IFF prized for its bright citrus zest and soft green undertone. It slots smoothly into the top of colognes florals and modern fougères giving extra sparkle where plain limonene may fall flat.
The material is affordable renewable and stable for two to three years when stored in cool low-light conditions. It dissolves easily in alcohol and survives hot process soap making it a versatile tool for both fine fragrance and functional products though it fares poorly in high-heat candle wax.
Perfumers value its specificity: too little and the note is simply fresh too much and a waxy edge appears so thoughtful dosing is key. Compared with trendier exotic molecules it remains quietly popular thanks to its realistic citrus effect and moderate cost.
Commercial quantities come straight from IFF or their distributors while hobbyists can source smaller bottles from reputable resellers or generic aroma houses that offer the same CAS 105-85-1 molecule. Whether you are trialing a new grapefruit accord or rounding out an everyday shower gel this ingredient provides a reliable burst of zest when used with care.