What Is Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab?
Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab is a specialty citrus ingredient created by DSM-Firmenich for use in fragrances and flavors. While the name refers to their proprietary version, comparable tangerine peel distillates may be offered by other aroma houses under different trade names.
The material starts life as fresh tangerine peel. Through a tailored distillation process, technicians split the oil into several fractions, trim back much of the naturally high limonene content then blend the remaining portions to craft a bolder, more characterful profile. The result is a liquid that pours easily at room temperature, usually clear to pale yellow, with no tendency to crystallize or settle.
Because it is cleaner and more complex than a straight cold-pressed oil, Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab sees frequent use in fine fragrance as well as everyday scented goods such as soaps, shampoos, candles and detergents. Its compatibility across so many bases has made it a staple in many perfumers’ libraries, though it is still considered a specialty item rather than a true commodity.
When stored in a cool, dark place and kept tightly closed, the ingredient generally stays in good shape for around two years before it starts to lose freshness. As citrus ingredients go it sits in the mid-price bracket: not a budget option yet far from the most expensive material in a formula.
Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab’s Scent Description
This ingredient belongs to the citrus family. Off a blotter it opens with an unmistakable burst of juicy tangerine peel, bright and mouthwatering, but weightier than a simple orange note.
Within a few minutes a gentle white-petal nuance peeks through, lending a soft floral edge that keeps the citric sparkle from feeling sharp. Beneath that, a faintly marine, almost salty note adds realism, reminiscent of the natural oil you’d release when tearing fresh fruit. The trace of “fishiness” some people detect is subtle and tends to give the accord a natural depth rather than an off note.
Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab sits firmly in the top note region, meaning you smell it first when a perfume is applied. It usually persists for fifteen to thirty minutes before handing the stage to heart notes, though a delicate tangerine whisper can linger a bit longer on fabric or paper.
Projection is lively at first, throwing a cheerful halo a couple of feet from the skin. As with most citrus materials longevity is modest yet respectable for its genre, fading gradually rather than vanishing abruptly so the transition to the next phase of the fragrance feels seamless.
How & Where To Use Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab
Perfumers turn to Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab when they want a juicy peel effect that lasts longer than regular tangerine oil. Because the material carries less limonene it holds its sparkle through the heart of a scent instead of vanishing in the first few minutes. It fits smoothly into citrus top notes, cologne themes, fruity florals, modern chypres and even gourmand blends that need a fresh lift.
At trace levels below 0.5 % it acts as a brightener, adding light without being obviously orange. Between 0.5 % and 2 % the note becomes recognisable as fresh tangerine with a gentle floral twist. Pushed nearer 5 % the heavier orange-peel and faint marine facets step forward which can turn the accord slightly waxy or “fishy” if the rest of the formula is not prepared to balance it. Many perfumers settle in the 1-2 % range for fine fragrance, while functional products like shower gels or detergents can run higher because wash-off formats mute sharp edges.
Citronova blends well with other citrus materials such as petitgrain, grapefruit or yuzu, and it bridges smoothly into white florals, tea notes and transparent musks. It can replace part of cold-pressed orange oil when stability or reduced allergen load is needed. Its softer profile also pairs nicely with vanilla and sweet amber to stop the base from feeling heavy.
The main pitfall is overuse. Above 5 % the floral sweetness can feel cloying and the marine nuance may read as off-note in delicate accords. Too much can also muddy the opening because the denser fractions weigh down livelier top notes like bergamot. Always build up in small steps and check the drydown on skin and blotter.
No special prep work is required beyond normal practice. The ingredient arrives as a ready-to-use liquid that blends directly into most oil phases. If you are working in high water or surfactant systems pre-solubilise it in a suitable solubiliser to avoid cloudiness. Shake the drum or bottle before use to ensure even distribution of the heavier fractions that might settle during long storage.
Safely Using Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab
Dilution is key. Always create a 10 % or weaker solution in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or another carrier before smelling or weighing. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because concentrated vapors can overwhelm your nose and make it harder to judge the scent accurately. Work with good ventilation or under a fume hood to keep airborne levels low. Gloves and safety glasses protect your skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many citrus derivatives Citronova can irritate sensitive skin if handled neat. Some people may develop redness or itching after contact so wipe spills quickly and wash the area with mild soap and water. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your doctor before spending long periods around any aroma chemicals. Short whiffs of low-strength solutions are generally safe, but breathing high concentrations for extended time or getting the raw material on skin can raise the chance of irritation or headache.
Keep the container tightly closed, away from direct heat sources and strong light. Label working solutions with concentration and date so you know what you are handling at a glance. Dispose of unwanted material following local regulations for non-hazardous perfumery waste, never down the drain in bulk.
Finally, always review the most recent safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check for updates. Follow IFRA guidelines on maximum usage levels in each product category to make sure your finished formula stays within accepted safety limits.
How To Store & Dispose of Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab
Place unopened drums or bottles in a cool dark spot away from heaters, windows and direct sunlight. Normal room temperature works, yet refrigeration around 4 °C can add extra months of freshness if you have the space. Fluctuating heat speeds up oxidation so keep the container where the temperature stays steady.
Air exposure is the enemy of citrus materials. Use the smallest bottle that will hold your working supply so the headspace stays low. Top up partly used bottles if possible and always cap them tight right after pouring. Polycone caps make the best seal for both neat material and dilutions while dropper tops tend to leak and let air creep in.
Label every container clearly with the full name, CAS number, concentration and the date you opened it. Good labeling prevents mix-ups and reminds you to check the scent before each project. Store any 10 % or weaker solutions inside secondary plastic tubs to catch accidental drips that might stain shelves.
When a batch finally oxidises or you simply do not need it anymore, do not pour large amounts down the drain. Small hobby-sized residues can be soaked into paper towels or kitty litter then placed in sealed bags with regular trash if allowed by local rules. Bigger volumes should go to a licensed waste contractor that handles non-hazardous fragrance oil. The material is largely biodegradable yet it can still upset septic systems if dumped in bulk.
Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol, let them dry, then recycle the glass or dispose of the plastic as directed by your municipality. Keep safety gear on during cleanup because old citrus oil can still cause skin irritation.
Summary
Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab is DSM-Firmenich’s refined take on tangerine peel, designed to tone down limonene and stretch the life of a sparkling citrus note. It smells like juicy tangerine rind with soft floral sweetness and a subtle marine twist that keeps it from feeling like candy. The scent sits in the top to early heart of a perfume and lasts longer than most citrus oils without turning harsh.
Perfumers like it because it brightens colognes, fruity florals, gourmands and even cleaning products while holding up well in soap and detergent bases. The price sits in the middle of the citrus spectrum and the material stays stable for years when stored right, yet users still need to watch for oxidation that can blunt its charm.
You can buy full drums directly from DSM-Firmenich through their sales offices or distributors. Smaller bottles pop up at specialist fragrance suppliers that cater to indie brands and hobbyists. Generic Citrus nobilis oils exist but only the Citronova cut offers this exact balance of peel, floral lift and extra staying power, making it a handy tool for anyone chasing a round true-to-fruit tangerine note.