What Is Dersantol?
Dersantol is a woody aroma chemical created by DSM-Firmenich as part of their sustainable palette, though other suppliers sometimes offer comparable sandalwood-style molecules under different trade names. It is produced through chemical synthesis that starts with upcycled turpentine from the paper industry. By isolating alpha and beta pinene and building the structure step by step, the company follows green-chemistry guidelines to keep waste low and renewable carbon content high.
At room temperature the material is a clear, colourless to pale yellow liquid that pours easily and blends quickly with most fragrance solvents. Because its flashpoint is around 100 °C it handles safely in standard compounding rooms without special chilled storage.
Perfumers reach for Dersantol when they want a warm sandalwood effect that is more affordable and more readily available than natural Mysore oil. It turns up in fine fragrance, body wash, fabric care and even candle blends so most formulation labs keep at least a small drum on hand.
Properly stored in a cool, dark place with the cap tightly closed, Dersantol stays fresh for roughly two to three years before subtle oxidation may dull its brightness. Compared with rare natural sandalwood it is considered moderately priced yet it is not the cheapest woody note on the market thanks to its high purity and biodegradability profile.
Dersantol’s Scent Description
Dersantol sits squarely in the woody family, specifically the sandalwood sub-group.
Off a blotter the first impression is a creamy, slightly milky woodiness that feels warm rather than dry. A gentle sweetness soon follows, reminiscent of shaved coconut and polished cedar, while a discreet leathery undertone adds depth without turning animalic. Some users notice a faint resinous pine whisper in the background, a nod to its turpentine origin.
In perfumery we describe a fragrance journey in three stages: top notes that appear in the first few minutes, middle notes that form the heart and base notes that linger for hours. Dersantol belongs in the base. With a high molecular weight and very low vapour pressure it rises slowly from the blotter, so its character supports the drydown rather than the opening.
Projection is moderate: it creates a soft aura rather than a shouty cloud, which makes it ideal for smoothing harsher woods or oud materials. Longevity is excellent. On a smelling strip the scent remains detectable for up to three weeks and in finished perfume it can anchor the formula long after lighter ingredients have evaporated.
How & Where To Use Dersantol
Perfumers treat Dersantol as a backbone for sandalwood accords, often pairing it with creamy lactones, small doses of natural sandalwood oil or spicier woods like cedar to build dimension. When a formula needs the warmth of Mysore but budgets or supply chains will not allow for the natural material, this molecule is the go-to choice. It excels in smoothing rough edges in oud or leather blends, acting like a soft-focus filter that rounds harsh facets without muting character.
In floral woody bouquets a trace of Dersantol can extend the petal glow into the drydown while keeping the whole composition cohesive. White flowers, iris and even fruity themes gain extra depth when a hint of this sandalwood tone anchors the base. Candle makers value its low volatility and clean burn profile, while detergent formulators appreciate that the note remains noticeable on dried fabric.
The typical inclusion level sits between 0.2 % and 3 % of the concentrate, though some fine fragrances climb to 5 % for a richer signature. At very low doses it lends a creamy halo that is almost invisible yet clearly missed when removed. Above roughly 4 % the leathery undertone becomes more pronounced and the blend can feel heavy or waxy. Over-use risks drowning delicate florals, flattening dynamic top notes and raising regulatory hurdles around skin sensitisation.
Dersantol dissolves readily in ethanol, triethyl citrate or DPG. Most labs keep a 10 % dilution on hand for easier pipetting and more predictable weighing, especially in the early creative phase. Because the material is viscous only moderate warming may be required in winter to ensure accurate measurement. After blending allow the trial to mature for at least 24 hours; the molecule blossoms slowly and can shift the balance of a formula once fully solubilised.
Safety Information
Always work with diluted Dersantol rather than smelling it neat. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and handle the material in a well-ventilated space to minimise vapour build-up. Wear nitrile gloves plus safety glasses so skin and eyes stay protected during weighing and clean-up.
Most users tolerate low concentrations without difficulty yet any aroma chemical can trigger irritation or allergy in sensitive individuals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before prolonged exposure. Short encounters with the diluted ingredient are generally safe but repeated contact at higher levels may cause dryness, redness or respiratory discomfort.
Wash spills promptly with soap and plenty of water and change contaminated clothing. Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and store them upright to prevent leaks. Dispose of waste solution through your local chemical disposal program, never down household drains.
For definitive data on hazards, personal protective equipment and environmental impact always review the latest Safety Data Sheet issued by your supplier and follow any updates. Adhere to current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage in each product category to keep finished creations both enjoyable and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Dersantol
Keep Dersantol in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators or direct sunlight. If you have room in a lab fridge you can place it there to slow oxidation but normal room temperatures are fine provided they stay below 25 °C.
Choose glass or aluminum bottles with tight polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. Dropper bottles let air creep in so the perfume note can fade or shift. Fill containers as close to the rim as practical to cut down headspace and shake out oxygen before sealing.
Label every bottle with the full name, the date it was opened, and the main hazard codes from the Safety Data Sheet. A clear label saves time during weighing and prevents mix-ups in busy creative sessions.
Store Dersantol separately from strong acids or bases that could trigger unwanted reactions. Place the bottle upright in a secondary tray so any leaks stay contained and wipe drips right away with a paper towel and mild soap.
When the material is past its prime leave the cap on and hand the bottle to a licensed chemical disposal service. Small hobby amounts can be mixed with cat litter then taken to a household hazardous waste drop-off point. The molecule is readily biodegradable which eases the environmental load but it is still best to keep it out of sinks and soil.
Summary
Dersantol is a liquid woody aroma chemical from DSM-Firmenich that gives a smooth sandalwood effect with a creamy hint of leather. It sits in the base of a formula, adds staying power, and rounds harsh edges in woods, florals and oud blends.
Perfumers like it because it lasts, blends easily and costs far less than true Mysore oil while still offering a warm natural feel. It stays stable for two to three years if kept cool and tightly capped though prolonged air contact can dull its sweetness.
Most fine fragrance formulas use 0.2 to 3 percent of the concentrate so a little goes a long way. Watch higher dosages where the note turns waxy and may weigh down light accords.
Commercial buyers order Dersantol directly from DSM-Firmenich or authorized distributors in drum sizes. Hobbyists and small brands can find repacked lots from specialty raw-material shops and generic makers who offer sandalwood bases under similar trade names.