Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: August 15, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. The odor description reflects Glooshi's firsthand experience with this material, described as accurately as possible; individual perceptions may vary.

What Is Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra?

Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra is a specialty aroma molecule first introduced to perfumery laboratories in the early 1920s. It was created through chemists exploring new aldehydic structures to expand the palette of floral notes then in short supply from natural sources.

The material is obtained entirely through synthetic chemistry. Modern production starts with a benzaldehyde route that undergoes a carefully controlled condensation followed by hydrogenation and purification. The result is a highly consistent ingredient, free from variations that sometimes plague natural extracts.

At room temperature the substance appears as a clear mobile liquid, free of any visible color or sediment. This clarity is helpful for formulators who need transparent solutions in detergents or fine fragrance bases.

Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra is widely used across both prestige and functional perfumery. Because the synthesis is straightforward and the raw materials are readily available it is generally considered cost effective, making it a workhorse for large scale applications such as fabric care, soaps and air fresheners.

Its popularity also stems from a reputation for excellent stability in harsh environments like alkaline cleaning products or high temperature candle wax. These practical benefits ensure steady demand from fragrance houses worldwide.

What Does Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra Smell Like?

Perfumers usually file Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra under the floral family. When evaluated on a blotter the first impression is a crisp floral note that recalls fresh cut petals supported by a green stemlike nuance. Very quickly a bright, almost watery freshness emerges giving the aroma a clean open-air quality. The overall effect is powerful yet not heavy, suggesting dew on spring blossoms more than a dense bouquet.

In the perfume pyramid the material sits firmly in the heart, or middle note region. It rises fast enough to be noticed soon after application yet lingers longer than typical top notes such as citrus. While it does not anchor a scent like a woody base material it still contributes lasting character well into the dry-down.

Projection is moderate to strong depending on dosage, helping compositions radiate without overwhelming the wearer. Longevity on skin and fabric is reliable, often persisting for several hours and on test strips for days, which explains its frequent use in detergents and candles where performance over time is crucial.

How & Where To Use Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra

Working with Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra feels pleasantly straightforward. It pours easily, blends without fuss and does not cloud most bases so it is a friendly material on the bench.

Perfumers reach for it when a floral heart needs a crisp leafy lift or a clean watery shimmer. At low levels it freshens rose, lily of the valley or muguet accords, bringing an airy petal effect that keeps bouquets from getting stuffy. In green themes it pairs well with cis 3 hexenol or galbanum to evoke stems and crushed leaves. For marine or ozonic ideas a higher dose binds watery notes like Calone and melon facets, extending projection while keeping the profile natural.

The ingredient shines in functional products. Detergents, fabric conditioners and shampoos benefit from its week-long blotter tenacity and excellent bloom in hot or alkaline environments. Candles and reed diffusers also take advantage of its stability at elevated temperatures. Fine fragrances use it more sparingly yet still depend on its diffusive power to open the mid-section.

Typical add levels range from traces in delicate colognes to 3 % in florals and up to 10 % in laundry perfumes. At 0.1 % you mainly perceive a wet leafy nuance. Around 1 % the full cyclamen blossom appears, bright and clean. Push it past 8 % and the note turns slightly waxy and can crowd lighter flowers so balance with citrus or aldehydes if that happens.

No special prep is required beyond routine dilution. A 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol makes weighing easier and allows quick smelling strips for evaluation.

Safety Information

Handling Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra calls for the standard care given to all concentrated fragrance chemicals.

  • Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 1-10 % solution in a suitable solvent and smell only from a blotter
  • Avoid direct inhalation: never sniff straight from the bottle to prevent overstimulation of the nasal passages
  • Ensure good ventilation: work under a fume hood or near an extractor fan to keep airborne concentration low
  • Wear protective gear: gloves and safety glasses help protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes
  • Mind potential health effects: some individuals can experience irritation or sensitisation contact a healthcare professional before use if pregnant or breastfeeding and limit prolonged exposure to high concentrations

For complete assurance always consult the latest MSDS from your supplier and review it regularly as revisions can occur. Follow current IFRA guidelines to confirm allowable levels in your specific application.

Storage And Disposal

When kept in the right conditions Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra usually stays in top form for about three years from the date of purchase. Some suppliers place a two year expiry on the label but many labs find the aroma stays crisp past that point if handled with care.

Refrigeration is not essential yet a spot on the lower shelf of a domestic fridge can slow oxidation and extend shelf life. If you store it at room temperature choose a cool dark cupboard far from radiators or sunny windows because heat and light speed up degradation.

Seal every bottle with a polycone cap. The cone makes tight contact with the glass and keeps vapours in while blocking air exchange. Dropper tops look handy but they leak smell and invite oxygen so skip them for long-term storage.

Try to keep bottles as full as possible. Decant leftovers into smaller containers rather than leave a half-empty flask. Less headspace means less oxygen which means a cleaner smell the next time you open it.

Write the material name batch number and date on every container along with simple safety notes like flammable liquid and harmful to aquatic life. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and help anyone else in the workspace know what they are handling.

For disposal remember the molecule is readily biodegradable yet still rated harmful to aquatic organisms at high levels. Small laboratory quantities can often be diluted well with water then washed down the drain if local rules allow. Larger volumes or residues from production runs should go to a licensed chemical waste handler. Rinse empty bottles three times with soapy water before recycling the glass or discarding the plastic caps.

Summary

Cyclamen Aldehyde Extra is a synthetic floral note with a crisp green vibe that slides easily into fresh marine fruity or leafy accords. On a strip it smells like morning petals and clean air with enough power to last a week which is why detergents soaps and candles love it.

In the lab it is a fun tool because it mixes without fuss behaves well in tough bases and costs much less than many naturals. A tiny dose lifts roses while a bigger splash can paint a full watermelon or ocean breeze.

Popularity comes from this blend of versatility stability and wallet-friendly pricing though you still need to watch the dosage because past ten percent it can crowd delicate partners. Store it cool keep it sealed and label it clearly and it will reward you with years of reliable sparkle.

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