What Is Damascenone Total?
Damascenone Total is an aroma molecule prized for its rich fruity floral tone. It belongs to the family of rose ketones discovered in the 1960s by the research team at DSM-Firmenich, the current producer of the branded grade. Similar molecules can be found from other suppliers, often sold as generic damascenone.
The material is crafted through chemical synthesis, a step-by-step build of smaller building blocks into the finished molecule. Modern green chemistry methods keep waste low and aim for high biodegradability, which is reflected in the product’s strong sustainability score.
At room temperature Damascenone Total appears as a clear to very slightly yellow liquid. It pours easily yet feels oily to the touch, a trait shared by many potent fragrance ingredients.
Perfumers reach for this material often because it delivers a lot of character even at trace levels. You will encounter it in fine perfume, scented body care and home products, as well as in functional items such as detergents.
When stored in a cool dark place inside a tightly closed container, the ingredient stays in good shape for three to five years. Past that point its odor strength may fade gradually.
Cost-wise it sits in the mid to high bracket. Its impact is so strong, however, that only tiny amounts are needed, which balances the overall formula cost.
Damascenone Total’s Scent Description
This molecule is classified in the fruity family, yet it carries a floral soul. Off a blotter the first impression is a burst of sun-ripe plum wrapped in velvety rose petals. Within seconds juicy red berries surface, joined by a whisper of dried tobacco leaf that lends warmth and depth. The whole accord feels naturally sweet without turning sugary.
In perfumery language odors unfold over time as top, middle and base notes. Damascenone Total settles mainly in the heart of a perfume and lingers well into the drydown. It bridges bright opening notes with deeper fixatives, adding a smooth ribbon of fruit and floral color throughout the wearing.
Projection is notable; even minute traces can lift a blend and be noticed at arm’s length. Longevity on skin is excellent, often lasting twelve hours or more depending on the full composition.
How & Where To Use Damascenone Total
Perfumers treat Damascenone Total as a high impact colorant rather than a main note. One or two drops in a hundred grams of concentrate can brighten a full rose accord, enrich red fruit themes or give depth to tobacco blends. In citrus openings it acts like a sweet spotlight, filling the gap between sparkling top notes and richer florals without drawing attention to itself.
The usual working range runs from trace amounts up to about 0.2 percent in fine fragrance. In soaps, shampoos and candles the dosage can climb toward 1 percent because wash off and burn off reduce its presence. Going higher than 2 percent rarely adds beauty; at that point the material turns heavy, dark and even medicinal, muting freshness around it.
Perceived odor shifts with concentration. At very low levels you notice ripe berries and juicy plum. Push the dose and a jammy rose heart appears, soon followed by dry pipe tobacco. Excessive use can make the whole perfume smell like overcooked fruit or stale wine, so incremental trials are essential.
Damascenone Total shines in modern fruity florals, gourmand accords, tea notes and chypres. It also rescues thin or flat formulas, giving them a natural sweetness without adding sugar. It struggles in ultra fresh marine or ozone styles where its warmth feels out of place.
Prepare a 1 percent dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before evaluating. The neat liquid is so strong that it can overwhelm your nose and skew weighing accuracy. Store the working solution in an amber vial, label it clearly and replace it every year to maintain consistency.
Safety Information
Always dilute Damascenone Total before smelling. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle. Work in a well ventilated area to prevent inhaling high concentrations. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes.
Most users tolerate the material well at low levels yet it can cause irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Pregnant or breastfeeding users should consult a healthcare professional before handling any aroma chemicals. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe while prolonged or high level exposure may lead to headache, nausea or skin sensitization.
If the liquid contacts skin wash immediately with soap and water. Should eye contact occur rinse with plenty of clean water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists. In case of accidental ingestion do not induce vomiting and consult a poison center.
Dispose of spills with absorbent material then place waste in a sealed container for chemical disposal in accordance with local regulations. Never pour large amounts down the drain.
Always review the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it periodically for updates. Follow the current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Damascenone Total
Keep Damascenone Total in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. Refrigeration is not required but will slow oxidation and help the scent stay vibrant for several extra years. If you chill the bottle let it reach room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensing inside.
Use containers fitted with polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. These liners create a tight seal that beats the loose fit of glass droppers. Avoid dropper bottles as their vents let air creep in and speed up degradation.
Try to store the liquid in vessels that are nearly full. A small air gap reduces contact with oxygen and keeps the fruity rose character intact. If the level in a large bottle drops below half decant the remainder into a smaller amber vial.
Label every container clearly with the ingredient name date of purchase concentration if diluted and standard hazard icons. Good labeling prevents mix-ups and saves time when you check safety data sheets later.
For disposal the ingredient is classed as readily biodegradable and carries a high green score yet you should still act responsibly. Wipe up minor spills with paper towel place the waste in a sealed bag then add it to your regular refuse if local rules allow. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical collection site or specialist disposal service. Never pour bulk amounts into sinks or outdoor drains.
Summary
Damascenone Total is a synthetic yet naturally vivid rose ketone that smells like ripe plum roses red berries and a gentle whisper of tobacco. A single drop can lift a perfume heart add realism to fruity accords or round out a tobacco note which makes it a favorite tool for both artisan and big-house perfumers.
The liquid is stable for years when kept cool and protected from air though its high impact calls for cautious dosing to avoid a heavy jammy effect. It sits in the mid to high price range but the tiny amounts required keep overall formula cost in check.
You can buy commercial-scale quantities directly from DSM-Firmenich or pick up smaller bottles from reputable resellers that split bulk drums for hobbyists and small brands. Generic versions sold simply as damascenone are also available though scent quality and strength may vary. Whatever the source be sure to store it well handle it safely and enjoy the rich natural sparkle it brings to your creations.