What Is Dersantol?
Dersantol is a modern aroma chemical created by the research team at dsm-firmenich and first introduced to perfumers in 2022. It was developed to give fragrance designers a reliable and sustainable alternative to natural sandalwood materials whose supply can be limited and costly.
The molecule is produced through a multi-step chemical synthesis that starts with alpha- and beta-pinene recovered from turpentine, itself a by-product of the paper industry. By using upcycled feedstock and following green chemistry guidelines, the manufacturing process keeps waste low and makes good use of renewable carbon sources.
At room temperature Dersantol appears as a clear, low-viscosity liquid that pours easily and blends without difficulty into most fragrance bases. Although it is a lab-made substance, more than half of its carbon content comes from renewable plant material which helps reduce its overall environmental footprint.
Because it combines dependable performance with a competitive cost profile, Dersantol has gained traction across both fine fragrance and functional products such as shampoos, soaps and candles. Its popularity continues to grow as brands look for sustainable ingredients that can be scaled without putting pressure on endangered natural resources.
What Does Dersantol Smell Like?
Perfumers place Dersantol in the woody family, the same broad category that houses classic sandalwood oils and many modern wood tonalities.
Off a blotter the note opens with a gentle creamy warmth that is immediately reminiscent of sandalwood. Within a few minutes a light, almost buttery sweetness emerges, smoothing the profile and preventing any dryness. As the material settles a soft leather nuance begins to show, giving the overall impression more depth and a faintly smoky undertone without drifting into harshness. The result is a rounded wood note that feels polished rather than rustic.
In fragrance construction materials are often grouped as top, middle or base notes according to the speed at which they evaporate from skin and fabric. Dersantol belongs firmly in the base. It rises slowly, anchors other components and supports the entire composition for hours after more volatile notes have faded.
Projection sits in the moderate range: it will be noticed within a comfortable conversational distance but will not dominate a room. Longevity, however, is outstanding. On a smelling strip the molecule is still detectable after three weeks, so in a finished perfume it can extend the life of a woody accord well into the next day.
How & Where To Use Dersantol
In the lab Dersantol behaves like a friendly teammate. It pours easily, blends without fuss and does not overpower the workspace with aggressive fumes.
Perfumers reach for it when they want a modern sandalwood effect that is creamy rather than dusty. It can serve as the core of a full sandalwood accord, or as a quiet backbone that supports florals, gourmands or even fresh woods.
Layered with lactonic musks and a touch of vanilla it builds a milky sandalwood that feels cosseting. Paired with rose or jasmine it smooths petal edges and extends wear. In leather or oud styles a few drops round out the animalic growl, softening rough corners without masking character.
Typical inclusion sits anywhere from traces up to about 5 percent of the concentrate. Low levels add subtle creaminess while higher levels push the soft leather nuance forward and give greater diffusion. Above 5 percent the note can flatten lighter compositions, so it is best kept moderate in colognes or citrus-led blends.
Dersantol is stable in most product bases including soap, detergent and candle wax, where it survives saponification and heat. It shines in long-lasting skin scents but contributes less in ultra-volatile top notes, so perfumers often pair it with brighter sandalwood helpers like Javanol or Bacdanol for lift.
No special prep is required beyond the usual practice of making a 10 percent ethanol or dipropylene glycol dilution for evaluation. The material dissolves readily in alcohol, oils and most common solvents, and shows good color stability over time.
Safety Information
As with all fragrance ingredients certain precautions and considerations need to be taken when working with Dersantol.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 percent or weaker solution to evaluate the scent
- Never smell directly from the bottle: the neat vapor can overwhelm the senses and mask subtle facets
- Work in a well-ventilated area: this reduces the chance of inhaling concentrated fumes during weighing and blending
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: personal protective equipment helps prevent accidental skin or eye contact
- Health considerations: some aroma chemicals can trigger irritation or allergic reactions, consult a medical professional if pregnant or breastfeeding, and remember that short exposure to low levels is generally safe while prolonged or high-level exposure may be harmful
Always review the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and keep an eye on updates. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage to ensure your formulas remain safe for consumers and compliant with industry standards.
Storage And Disposal
When kept in ideal conditions Dersantol will usually stay within specification for around three to four years from the production date. The clock starts ticking once the bottle is opened because air slowly oxidises the liquid. Minimising that contact is the quickest way to protect the scent profile.
Refrigeration is helpful but not essential. A cool cupboard away from direct sunlight heaters and windows is perfectly acceptable. Aim for temperatures under 20 °C and try to avoid daily swings that can form condensation inside the bottle.
For bulk and for dilutions choose containers that seal tightly. Polycone caps make a dependable barrier that outperforms standard screw tops. Avoid dropper bottles because the rubber bulbs let in air and can leach plasticiser into the perfume oil over time.
Keep bottles as full as practical. If the level drops decant the remaining liquid into a smaller flask to reduce headspace and limit oxidation. Wipe threads before closing to maintain the seal and place a date sticker on every container so you know when it was first opened.
Always label clearly with the name Dersantol, the concentration if diluted and any safety icons required by your local regulations. Good labelling prevents mix-ups and speeds up emergency response if a spill occurs.
Dersantol is readily biodegradable which simplifies disposal. Small test quantities can usually be rinsed away with plenty of water and detergent. Larger volumes should be collected in a waste solvent drum and handled by a licensed disposal service. Never pour concentrated material into garden soil or open waterways.
Summary
Dersantol is a lab crafted sandalwood substitute that gives a creamy woody glow with a hint of soft leather. It anchors bases lasts for weeks on a strip and behaves nicely in both fine fragrance and everyday products.
Perfumers like it because it is sustainable affordable and versatile enough to slip into floral woods oud blends gourmands or simple soaps. The note is modern yet familiar making it easy to build around.
Remember that its strength sits in longevity not lift so pair it with livelier woods if you need sparkle. Cost is modest stability is strong and usage levels up to five percent usually hit the sweet spot.
In short Dersantol is a fun ingredient that rewards experimentation and earns its place in any perfumer’s toolbox.