What Is Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab?
Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab is a specialized citrus ingredient developed by dsm-firmenich in 2019 as part of its CITRONOVA line. Unlike a straightforward cold-pressed oil, it comes from a proprietary distillation that selectively trims down the natural limonene content. After the peel of fresh tangerines is processed, several light and heavy fractions are collected, then artfully blended back together by in-house experts to form a consistent liquid concentrate.
The result is a clear to slightly golden fluid that pours easily at room temperature, so it can be dosed without heating or dilution. Because its starting point is real fruit peel, the material is classed as of natural origin, yet the smart reassembly makes it more stable than many raw citrus oils. That extra robustness, combined with reliable batch-to-batch quality, has pushed it into regular use in fine fragrance as well as everyday toiletries and candles.
On the cost spectrum it sits in the middle ground: less pricey than niche absolutes or rare florals but not bargain-basement either. Perfumers appreciate that balance, so the ingredient is now stocked by most creative labs and contract compounding houses. Its versatility, liquid form and good shelf life make it a convenient building block for both small artisanal brands and large-scale consumer products.
What Does Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab Smell Like?
This material lives squarely in the citrus family. On a blotter the first impression is a dense burst of fresh orange peel, the kind you get when twisting a tangerine skin and releasing the zest. Within seconds a gentle floral shimmer comes forward, softening the sharp edges and adding a slightly sweet petal nuance. As it settles a quirky marine facet peeks out, often described as faintly fishy, which keeps the profile from feeling sugary or one-dimensional.
In traditional perfume structure citrus notes usually occupy the top where they give an immediate lift, then fade. Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab defies that rule a bit. Thanks to its tailored composition it opens like a classic top note but clings well into the heart of the fragrance, bridging the gap between the opening sparkle and the deeper accords. It does not act as a base note yet it provides a subtle echo for an hour or two after most citruses would have disappeared.
Projection is assertive during the first thirty minutes, easily radiating off skin or fabric. Longevity is above average for a citrus ingredient, often lasting three to four hours in an eau de toilette concentration and even longer in richer formats like soap or candles. That staying power helps perfumers deliver a bright tangerine tone without watching it vanish before the composition can unfold.
How & Where To Use Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab
In the lab this liquid behaves like a well-mannered citrus note. It pours without fuss, blends easily in alcohol or oil, and does not oxidize as fast as a raw tangerine oil. Most perfumers describe it as a pleasant material to handle, with very little of the sticky mess or quick browning that can plague regular citrus extracts.
Formulation wise its main job is to give a juicy orange-peel flash that hangs around longer than the usual top notes. It can star as the sole citrus in a simple cologne or share the stage with bergamot and grapefruit in a brighter accord. When a brief sparkle is all that is needed, traditional cold-pressed oils may be cheaper, but if you want the peel effect to stick through the heart then this ingredient earns its place. The faint floral aspect lets it slip neatly into fruity-floral or gourmand styles while the marine touch pairs well with salty woods and modern ambers.
Best performance is seen in fine fragrance, soaps, shower gels and candles where heat or water would normally strip away lighter citruses. It also withstands detergent bases better than most, making it a smart pick for fabric softeners and all-purpose cleaners. Where it can stumble is in very dry applications like powdered products, as the aroma may flash off too quickly unless micro-encapsulated.
Typical dose runs anywhere from a trace to about 3 % of the total concentrate, though going up to 5 % is safe if you really want a bold peel note. At under 0.5 % the floral nuance is more noticeable, while past 2 % the oily rind and slight fishy twist become clearer. Always test at several strengths because the balance can shift quite a bit.
No special prep is required beyond a standard 10 % ethanol or DPG dilution for easy weighing and smelling. If you plan to use it in soap or detergent bases, mix it first with a small amount of the finished fragrance oil to avoid clouding. Keep pipettes and funnels clean, as any residue from heavy woods or spices can cling to its surface and muddy the freshness.
Safely Information
Like all aroma materials Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab calls for sensible handling to keep both creator and formula safe.
- Always dilute: prepare a 10 % or weaker solution before evaluating so the nose is not overwhelmed
- No direct sniffing: wave the blotter or bottle cap under your nose rather than inhaling straight from the bottle
- Ventilation: work with an open window or fume hood to avoid buildup of vapors
- Personal protection: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep liquid off skin and out of eyes
- Health considerations: some users may experience irritation or allergy, brief low-level exposure is usually harmless but high doses or long contact can be risky, seek medical advice before use if pregnant or breastfeeding
For complete peace of mind always consult the most recent MSDS supplied by your distributor and follow any IFRA restrictions that apply to your product type. Regulations evolve, so bookmark those documents and review them regularly.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in the right conditions Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab stays fresh for about two years, sometimes longer. Color shift or a dull smell are early signs that it is past its best.
Refrigeration is not required but it can add several extra months of life. If a fridge is not handy store the bottle in a cool spot out of direct sun and away from heat sources like radiators or bright studio lights.
Choose screw caps with a polycone liner for both the neat material and any 10 % dilutions. They seal tight and stop air sneaking in. Dropper tops look handy yet let oxygen creep past the threads, which speeds up oxidation.
Keep bottles as full as possible. A small headspace means less contact with air and fewer breakdown products that can dull the citrus sparkle.
Label every container with the full name, date of opening and key safety notes so no one grabs the wrong liquid by mistake. For disposal, never pour leftovers down the drain. Small amounts can be soaked into paper or cat litter then placed in a sealed bag before going to a chemical waste bin. Larger volumes should go to a licensed waste handler. The material is partly biodegradable but can still harm water life if dumped straight into sinks or soil.
Summary
Citronova 1201 Tangerine Fab is a re-crafted tangerine peel distillate that smells like vivid orange zest with a soft floral lift and a quirky marine twist. It gives brighter staying power than a raw citrus oil and settles into the heart of a perfume instead of vanishing at the top.
Perfumers reach for it in colognes, fruity florals, modern gourmands and even salty wood blends. It stands up to soap bases, candles and cleaners so it pops up in many everyday goods.
Cost sits in the mid range, stability is better than most natural peels and its scent is specific so a small trial is wise before large buys. All in all it is a fun ingredient that opens plenty of creative doors and earns its space on the lab bench.