What Is Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra?
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is a woody aroma chemical created by Symrise, one of the major houses that supplies raw materials to perfumers worldwide. While Symrise holds the flagship version, smaller suppliers sometimes offer similar molecules under generic names aimed at the same olfactory effect.
The material belongs to the ketone family and is produced through a multi-step process that starts with plant-derived feedstock. About two thirds of its carbon content comes from renewable sources that would otherwise go to waste, making it an upcycled option for environmentally conscious formulas.
At room temperature it appears as a clear to very pale yellow liquid with medium viscosity. A quick glance shows a product that pours easily yet has enough body to suggest substance, not volatility.
In the lab and factory Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is valued for its high purity, typically over ninety percent. This consistency lets perfumers reach for it without worrying about batch-to-batch surprises.
The ingredient is found in many modern fine fragrances, wash-off products and even candles because it blends smoothly and holds up well to heat and alkaline conditions. Thanks to that versatility it has become a reliable workhorse rather than a rare specialty item.
Properly stored, unopened drums or bottles will usually keep their quality for two to three years. Once opened, aim to use the contents within a year for best results.
Cost wise Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra sits in the affordable-to-moderate bracket, meaning it is accessible for large scale detergents yet refined enough for prestige perfumes.
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra’s Scent Description
This molecule lives squarely in the woody family. Off a blotter the first impression is freshly cut cedar that feels airy rather than pencil-shaving dry. Within seconds a soft amber glow starts to rise, giving the wood a slightly sweet warmth. As the minutes pass a blond wood nuance appears, reminiscent of sun-bleached driftwood touched by a whisper of resin.
Hidden behind the main theme is a faint citrus-herbal sparkle left over from its myrcene lineage. It never turns the accord into a terpene blast, instead it lifts the wood so it does not feel heavy.
In classical note structure perfumers talk about top middle and base notes. Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra settles comfortably in the base while having enough lift to bridge into the heart. You will not notice a fleeting top burst; the molecule enters early and stays late providing a solid backbone for lighter accents layered above it.
Projection is moderate, creating a clear aura without overwhelming nearby noses. Longevity is one of its key strengths: on a paper strip the scent can remain detectable for several days and in skin fragrances it helps extend the life of more fragile materials well past the drydown phase.
How & Where To Use Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra
Perfumers pull out Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra when they need a clean cedar backbone that will stay present from the first spray to the late drydown. It anchors light citrus tops, smooths spicy hearts and pairs well with synthetic ambers to build modern woody bases. Because the note sits between cedar and soft amber it can replace part of both Iso E Super and Cedramber, bringing a touch more brightness without turning the whole accord dry.
At low levels, around 0.1-0.5 %, the material offers sheer support that keeps a fragrance feeling polished without calling attention to itself. Between 1 % and 5 % it becomes a clear blond wood note that gives lift to patchouli, vetiver or sandal accords. In functional products such as detergent or fabric softener it can be pushed far higher, even up to 30-40 %, because the rinsing process and matrix dull the intensity.
Concentration changes its personality. A trace appears as a gentle cedar halo, a moderate dose turns it into a rounded lumber yard effect, while very high levels may push an ambery sweetness that can clash with green or marine themes. Overdosing also risks a flat, plastic edge that feels less natural, so always blend a small trial first.
The molecule dissolves easily in ethanol, dipropylene glycol and most common fragrance bases, so there is no special pre-dilution step beyond the usual 10 % or 20 % bench solution. If you plan to use it in solid candles, test for crystallization though problems are rare given its liquid state and high boiling point.
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is stable against light, pH shifts and heat which makes it a safe bet for soaps, shampoos and room sprays. It is less suited to very fresh colognes that rely on zest and air; in those builds you may prefer a drier cedar such as Cedryl acetate.
To sum up: reach for this ingredient when you want warmth without heaviness, need a glue between mid and base or seek an affordable way to reinforce woody directions across fine fragrance and functional lines.
Safety Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for basic lab care and Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is no exception.
- Always dilute before smelling: Prepare a low-strength solution on a blotter to judge the scent instead of sniffing the bottle.
- Never smell direct from the bottle: High vapor concentration can fatigue your nose and mask subtler notes you need to evaluate.
- Work in a well-ventilated space: Good airflow lowers the chance of inhaling concentrated fumes during weighing or blending.
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: This prevents accidental splashes from reaching skin or eyes during handling.
- Health considerations: Some users may experience skin irritation or allergy. Consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding. Brief low-level exposure is generally safe yet prolonged or high-level contact can be harmful.
Always read the latest safety data sheet supplied by your vendor and check back for updates. Follow IFRA guidance on maximum levels for each product category to keep every formula both enjoyable and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra keeps its best character when protected from light, heat and oxygen. A dedicated fridge set to around 4 °C slows natural oxidation and is a good option if you blend only now and then. If refrigeration is not possible store the bottle in a cool cupboard away from direct sun and any hot machinery.
Use glass or high grade plastic containers fitted with polycone caps. These conical liners form a tight seal and keep air exchange low. Dropper bottles look handy yet often leak vapors and invite oxygen so reserve them for very short-term use at the bench.
Try to keep each bottle as full as practical. Topping up with inert gas or transferring leftovers to a smaller vial reduces the empty headspace where oxidation starts. Date every container as soon as you open it so you can track age at a glance.
Label each vessel clearly with the name Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra, its concentration if diluted and the hazard pictograms from the safety data sheet. Good labeling prevents mix-ups and speeds any emergency response.
For disposal never pour unused material or rinses down the sink. Although parts of the molecule come from renewable feedstock it is not readily biodegradable and its high log P value suggests it can linger in aquatic life. Small hobby amounts can be soaked into cat litter or another inert absorbent then sealed in a bag and placed with household hazardous waste according to local rules. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical recycler or incinerator.
Summary
Dimethyl Myrcetone Extra is a woody ketone from Symrise that gives clean cedar, soft amber and blond wood facets. It sits in the base yet lifts the heart, offering long life and an easy bridge between notes.
Perfumers use it as a backbone in fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, candles and even detergents because it blends well, stands up to heat and keeps costs moderate. Its renewable content also appeals to brands seeking greener stories.
Stability is solid in most formulas though exposure to oxygen can dull its brightness, so store it cool and tightly sealed. Price falls in the mid range making it accessible for both niche perfumes and mass products.
You can buy factory drums straight from Symrise or through large distributors. Smaller decants for trials and hobby work are widely sold by specialist resellers and suppliers of generic aroma chemicals so you can test it without committing to bulk.