What Is Damascenone Total?
Damascenone Total is a single aroma molecule that sits within the family of rose ketones first brought to light in 1965 when researchers at what is now dsm-firmenich unlocked the key components of Bulgarian rose oil. That discovery paved the way for an efficient laboratory route to this material and today it is produced by chemical synthesis, piecing together smaller building blocks in a carefully controlled series of green-chemistry steps.
Because every batch is created in a lab rather than pressed or distilled from plants the ingredient is classified as synthetic, yet its manufacturing follows strict sustainability targets and the molecule itself is readily broken down in the environment. At room temperature it presents as a clear to very slightly yellow liquid with a moderate viscosity, making it easy to dose and blend.
Within the fragrance industry Damascenone Total enjoys broad popularity. It shows up in everything from prestige fine fragrances to shampoos, shower gels, candles and even fabric softeners. The material is highly potent so only tiny amounts are needed which keeps usage costs reasonable despite its specialist origin. Supply is steady year-round because production is not tied to any crop cycle, giving perfumers dependable access whenever a formula calls for a sophisticated floral boost.
What Does Damascenone Total Smell Like?
Perfumers file Damascenone Total under the floral family. Off a blotter the first impression is a lush rose note enriched with a ripe plum accent. As it settles a juicy mixed-berry character surfaces, rounded by a subtle hint of cured tobacco that adds warmth and depth. The overall effect feels reassuringly natural and surprisingly vivid for a single molecule.
To understand where it sits in a perfume structure think of the fragrance pyramid. The top notes sparkle in the first few minutes, the heart notes form the main theme and the base notes linger the longest. Damascenone Total lives mainly in the heart, lending its rose-plum glow soon after application and carrying through for hours. It can also stitch the transition between heart and base thanks to that mild tobacco facet.
Projection is impressive even at very low concentrations so the aroma diffuses well into the surrounding air without overwhelming other materials. Longevity is equally notable; a whisper of the note can still be detected on a blotter a day later which explains why perfumers reach for it when they want a floral tone that refuses to fade.
How & Where To Use Damascenone Total
First things first, this is a joy to handle. It pours easily, blends without fuss and a tiny drop goes a very long way, which means you can spend more time creating and less time wrestling with the pipette.
Perfumers reach for Damascenone Total when they need to inject instant naturalness and lift into a floral or fruity accord. In a rose theme it polishes the petals and drapes them in ripe plum sweetness. In a berry accord it adds depth so the mix smells juicy rather than candy like. A tobacco nuance peeks through at trace levels, letting it bridge seamlessly into woody or leathery bases. Whenever a formula feels flat in the heart, a hint of this material often brings it back to life quicker than tweaking half a dozen other notes.
Typical usage sits anywhere between a whisper of 0.01 % and a more assertive 0.5 % in fine fragrance. Functional products with tighter cost or regulatory limits might land around 0.05 %. Going above 1 % is rare because the molecule dominates fast, turning from velvety rose to a dense jammy fruit that can swamp lighter top notes. At overdosed levels the tobacco facet also becomes more pronounced which can be a blessing in masculine scents but a drawback in delicate florals.
The perceived smell shifts with concentration. Trace amounts give a fresh dewy petal effect, low levels add plum flesh, and higher levels push forward dark berries and a pipe tobacco warmth. This chameleon quality makes careful pre-dilution your friend: most perfumers keep it at 1 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol so they can fine tune by the drop.
No special prep is required beyond that dilution. The material is chemically stable, so you can store a working solution on the bench for weeks without noticing any loss in strength or change in color.
Safety Information
Like any highly concentrated aroma chemical Damascenone Total calls for sensible handling practices.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 1 % or weaker solution so you can smell it safely and judge its character accurately
- Do not sniff from the bottle: direct inhalation delivers an overpowering dose that can temporarily desensitise your nose and irritate mucous membranes
- Work in good ventilation: an extraction hood or open window dissipates vapors and keeps airborne concentration low
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: this prevents accidental skin contact or eye splashes when pipetting
- Health considerations: some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitisation, pregnant or breastfeeding users should consult a health professional before exposure, and while brief contact with low concentrations is generally regarded as safe prolonged or high level exposure should be avoided
For complete peace of mind always review the current Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it periodically for updates then align your formulas with the latest IFRA guidelines to ensure compliance and consumer safety.
Storage And Disposal
When kept under the right conditions Damascenone Total remains in good shape for roughly three to five years, sometimes longer if unopened. Fridge storage can stretch that timeline yet a cool dark cupboard away from direct sun and heaters is usually enough.
The key is limiting oxygen. Use bottles that seal with a polycone cap because the soft insert hugs the glass and keeps air out far better than a dropper top. Top up working bottles whenever possible so the headspace stays small and oxidation stays slow.
Store any dilutions in amber or aluminum containers, label them with the product name concentration and date then tuck them somewhere stable where temperature swings are minor. Clear labels also remind you of personal protective gear and any IFRA limits before you reach for the pipette.
If a batch finally loses its sparkle disposal is straightforward. The molecule is ultimately biodegradable so a few milliliters diluted in plenty of running water can go down the drain in most regions. For larger volumes or if local rules are strict collect the liquid in a sealed drum and hand it to a licensed chemical waste contractor.
Summary
Damascenone Total is a lab made member of the rose ketone family that smells like a vivid mix of rose plum berries and a soft hint of tobacco. It plays mostly in the heart of a perfume where even a trace can lift floral fruity accords or smooth the link into woody bases.
Because it is potent stable and biodegrades well it shows up in fine fragrance soaps shampoos candles and more. Cost sits mid range but the tiny dosages keep formulas affordable and its friendly handling makes it a fun tool for beginners and pros alike.
Keep an eye on oxidation and label your bottles clearly then enjoy the creative range this little powerhouse brings to almost any scent idea.