What Is Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra?
Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra is a synthetic aroma molecule created to give perfumers a crisp floral tone with a clean green edge. The grade most professionals know comes from Givaudan, yet other aroma chemical suppliers offer very similar versions that carry the generic name cyclamen aldehyde.
The material is produced through standard organic chemistry, starting with petrochemical or partly renewable feedstocks that are transformed into the final aldehyde in a multistep process. Each step is designed to keep the product colourless and odor-pure, which is why the finished liquid looks water-clear at room temperature and pours easily.
Within fragrance labs this ingredient is considered a workhorse. It shows up in fine fragrances, functional products and even candles because it survives high pH, heat and long storage without breaking down. Unopened in a cool dark place it typically stays in spec for around two years, sometimes longer if the drum is nitrogen-blanketed.
Pricewise Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra sits in the affordable bracket. It is not a budget aroma like simple solvents yet it is far from the exclusive specialty molecules that drive up a formula cost. This balance of moderate cost and high performance is one reason it appears so often in everyday scented goods.
Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra’s Scent Description
The molecule is filed under the floral family. On a blotter the first impression is a bright leafy floral similar to freshly cut cyclamen petals mixed with crushed stems. Quickly a watery nuance blooms, calling to mind morning dew, sea breeze and even a hint of cool melon. Underneath sits a faint soapy softness that keeps the profile clean rather than sweet.
Perfumers divide smells into top, middle and base notes. Top notes evaporate fastest, base notes linger longest and middle notes bridge the two. Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra behaves as a strong middle note. It flashes early enough to lift a composition yet maintains its presence long after citrus tops have gone.
Projection is solid and noticeable without becoming overwhelming, making it helpful for adding lift to otherwise quiet floral blends. Longevity on skin or fabric is better than most middle notes, often holding five to six hours before it starts to fade, and on a blotter the scent can still be detected a full week later.
How & Where To Use Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra
Perfumers reach for Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra when they need a bright watery floral effect that also lends green lift and lasting power. It excels at linking fresh top notes such as bergamot or cut grass to transparent bases like white musks or light woods. In a bouquet accord it can modernise classics such as lily of the valley or muguet, while in aquatic themes it supplies the ozone twist that makes a sea breeze feel authentic.
The material shines in detergents, candles and hair care because its scent survives heat, pH swings and long storage. Fine fragrances benefit too, especially summer colognes, fruity florals and melon inspired creations. Where it performs less well is in very dark resinous or gourmand styles where its airy profile can feel out of place.
Usage levels vary by application. Functional products often run between 3 % and 10 %, while fine fragrance typically sits at 0.1 % to 2 %. At a trace dose it gives subtle freshness; around 1 % the floral green core becomes obvious; push beyond 5 % in a perfume and the note can dominate, turning harsh or soapy if not balanced with softeners like hedione or musks.
Overdosing also risks bleaching delicate fruity facets and can make an accord feel chemical. Always build up in small increments, smelling on a blotter after each addition. If you are unsure, split the batch and test different percentages side by side.
For easy handling pre-dilute Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. The solution mixes smoothly with most perfume bases and helps prevent local hotspots that might occur when adding the neat material. Shake well before use, label the dilution clearly and note the date so you can monitor age related changes.
Safely Using Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra
Dilution is key: always prepare a working solution before evaluating the smell. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because the concentrated vapour can overwhelm the nose and irritate mucous membranes. Work in a well ventilated area or under a fume hood so airborne traces do not accumulate. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid off skin and out of eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra may provoke skin irritation or sensitisation in some people. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before prolonged exposure. Brief contact with low concentrations is considered low risk yet extended handling of higher levels can be harmful so respect time limits and wash exposed skin promptly with soap and water.
Keep containers tightly closed when not in use to minimise evaporation and accidental spills. Clean tools with alcohol then rinse with warm soapy water. Dispose of soaked wipes in a sealed bag to curb odour spread.
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor, check it regularly for updates and follow the IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category. These documents are your primary reference for safe creative work with Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra.
How To Store & Dispose of Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra
Keeping Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra fresh starts with temperature control. A refrigerator between 4 °C and 8 °C slows oxidation and helps the liquid hold its strength for extra months. If fridge space is limited a cupboard that stays cool and shaded will still do a good job.
Light and oxygen are the two main enemies. Store bottles well away from bright windows or radiators and always screw the cap on tight right after pouring. Polycone lined caps form a better scent-proof seal than standard droppers so reserve dropper bottles for short tests only. Topping up containers so there is as little headspace as possible also cuts down the air contact that dulls the aroma over time.
Label everything clearly with the material name, date received, date opened and the main hazard warnings. If you have made a 10 % or any other dilution add that concentration to the label so there is no confusion later.
For disposal, small hobby quantities can be soaked into paper towels then sealed in a plastic bag before placing in household trash. This method keeps the strong smell contained while the readily biodegradable nature of the molecule helps lessen long-term impact. Larger volumes from professional labs should go to a licensed chemical waste handler who will consolidate flammable organics for safe treatment. Never pour leftovers down the sink because even biodegradable liquids can stress a septic system or local waterway when released neat.
Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol, let them air dry, then recycle the clean glass or HDPE plastic where facilities allow. Follow local regulations at all times and keep a record of what was thrown out, when and how in case questions arise during an audit.
Summary
Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra is a Givaudan floral ingredient with a bright watery cyclamen smell plus green and marine nuances. Its clarity, strength and week-long staying power make it a go-to choice for fresh florals, aquatic themes and functional products like detergents or candles.
Perfumers value the material because it is affordable, highly stable across wide pH ranges and easy to blend. It does have a specific character so overdosing can push an accord toward soapy or sharp territory, but used with balance it lifts fruity florals, melon notes and sea breeze concepts beautifully.
Commercial buyers can order directly from Givaudan or through authorized distributors in drum or pail sizes. Hobbyists and small studios can pick up smaller bottles from third-party resellers that stock generic versions under the same CAS number. However you source it remember to handle it with care, store it well and it will reward you with reliable fresh radiance in countless creations.