What Is Cyclemax?
Cyclemax is a synthetic aroma chemical created by IFF that gives perfumers a fresh floral note with a watery twist. While IFF holds the trademark, several fragrance suppliers sell chemically identical versions under their own catalog numbers, so it is easy to source even if IFF is not your vendor of choice.
The material is made through standard organic synthesis that joins small carbon based building blocks into the finished molecule. The result is a clear to very lightly tinted liquid that flows easily at room temperature and mixes well with most perfume solvents.
Perfumers reach for Cyclemax because it fills the gap left by the restriction on Lilial, giving the same bright lily of the valley tone but with extra lift. It turns up in prestige fine fragrance, shampoo bases, fabric conditioners and even air care products, showing just how flexible it is.
Shelf life is generous; an unopened drum stored in a cool dark place should stay within spec for roughly two to three years. Once opened it remains stable for many months as long as the cap is kept tight and the material is protected from strong light or heat.
On the price spectrum Cyclemax sits in the middle. It is not bargain basement yet it is far below true specialty naturals, making it easy to dose liberally without breaking a budget.
Cyclemax’s Scent Description
Cyclemax is grouped in the floral family, leaning strongly toward lily of the valley with a hint of watery cyclamen. Off a blotter the first impression is a burst of clean petals sprinkled with morning dew. Within seconds a soft melon nuance peeks through, adding a juicy smile that keeps the floral character from feeling powdery or old fashioned.
After the initial sparkle settles the heart turns into a smooth ribbon of muguet that feels almost transparent, as if light could pass through it. There is no heavy indolic edge, just bright green stems and a subtle ozonic breeze that makes the whole accord feel lifted.
Cyclemax acts mainly as a top to heart note. It flashes quickly, announces itself loud and clear then lingers in the mid phase for several hours supporting other florals. In most formulas it starts to fade before the deep woods and musks take over, so it rarely reaches the true base.
Projection is high, meaning a small dose can scent the surrounding air with ease. Longevity on skin or fabric is respectable for a fresh note, often detectable well past the six hour mark when used at normal levels.
How & Where To Use Cyclemax
Perfumers reach for Cyclemax when they need a bright watery lily effect that still feels substantial in the heart of a composition. It slots neatly into modern muguet and cyclamen accords, offering a sparkling lift similar to Lilial without the regulatory baggage. Used alongside Kharismal Super, Meijiff or Floral Super it widens the floral bouquet and adds a dewy quality that keeps the formula feeling clean.
A little goes a long way. Fine fragrance formulas typically sit between 0.2 % and 5 %, though the manufacturer notes it can be dosed as high as 20 % in functional products where extra bloom is desired. At trace levels it simply freshens citrus or watery ozonic blends. Around 1 % the full melon tinted lily note appears, giving clear projection. Push it higher and the material can dominate, turning metallic or overly green, so balance with softer florals such as hedione or rose oxides.
Cyclemax shines in shampoos, liquid detergents, deodorants and fabric conditioners thanks to its substantivity beyond 72 hours. In soaps and candles it survives the curing or pour process but loses some lift, so pair it with a top note booster. It struggles in highly alkaline powders and is almost useless in chlorine bleach where the aldehyde core breaks down.
Overuse can lead to an artificial cucumber nuance that cheapens a blend and may increase the likelihood of skin sensitisation. Always build accords incrementally, smelling on blotter and on skin as you go. If a formula needs even more radiance consider bolstering with hydroxycitronellal or a touch of Calone rather than piling on extra Cyclemax.
For easy handling pre-dilute to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before adding to the main batch. The liquid mixes smoothly and does not require heating, yet gentle stirring avoids trapping air bubbles that can oxidise the aldehyde. Store the concentrate in an amber glass bottle topped up with nitrogen if possible so you always have a fresh working solution on hand.
Safely Using Cyclemax
Dilution is key so always work with a weakened solution rather than the neat liquid. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead apply a drop to a scented strip and fan it lightly. Perform all weighing, pipetting and smelling in a well-ventilated area such as a fume hood or beside an open window. Protective gear remains basic but essential: nitrile gloves keep the aldehyde off skin and safety glasses guard against splashes.
Even readily biodegradable materials can irritate sensitive skin. Some users report redness or itching after prolonged contact so wash hands after handling and do not apply the raw material directly to the body. Consult a medical professional before working with any aroma chemical if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe yet repeated inhalation of high levels may cause respiratory discomfort. Keep containers tightly closed between uses and wipe spills immediately with disposable towels followed by a mild detergent rinse.
Always review the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your distributor and recheck it periodically because classification can change as new research emerges. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable levels in different product categories to ensure your creations remain both compliant and skin-friendly.
How To Store & Dispose of Cyclemax
Store neat Cyclemax or its dilutions in tightly sealed glass bottles kept in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Refrigeration is optional yet helpful if you want to stretch the shelf life past two years. If you chill the material let the bottle warm to room temperature before opening so water vapor does not condense inside.
Choose bottles fitted with polycone caps because they create a better vapor barrier than standard droppers. Avoid eyedropper tops or pipette lids since they let air creep in and can drip after repeated use. Top the container up whenever possible or transfer leftovers into a smaller bottle so the headspace stays minimal which lowers the chance of oxidation.
Label every bottle clearly with the product name Cyclemax the date of receipt any dilution percentage and basic safety phrases such as “Fragrance raw material – avoid skin contact.” This habit keeps your workspace tidy and prevents accidental misuse.
If you handle larger volumes consider blanketting drums with nitrogen and storing them off the floor on pallets in a temperature controlled room. Keep them away from acids strong bases and oxidizing agents that could trigger unwanted reactions.
Small household quantities can usually be rinsed to drain with plenty of running water because Cyclemax is readily biodegradable. Wipe spills with paper towels then wash the area with mild detergent. For larger volumes follow local regulations for fragrance waste which may involve a licensed disposal service or a chemical recycling program. Never pour bulk leftovers into natural waterways or open soil.
Summary
Cyclemax is IFF’s modern answer to Lilial offering a bright fresh lily of the valley tone touched with watery melon. The clear liquid delivers high impact in the top and heart of a perfume and holds on fabric for more than three days.
Perfumers lean on it to build muguet cyclamen and clean citrus accords in fine fragrance shampoos and detergents. Its mid range cost good stability and vegan biodegradable profile explain why it has become a staple on many formula sheets.
Keep in mind that it can turn metallic if overdosed and loses some sparkle in highly alkaline or chlorinated bases. Store it cool and tightly sealed to preserve the delicate floral facets.
Commercial buyers can order Cyclemax directly from IFF or through authorized distributors. Hobbyists will find smaller decants from specialty resellers or generic equivalents sold under the CAS number 7775-00-0 which makes experimenting easy without committing to a full drum.