What Is Farnesol Special?
Farnesol Special is an aroma chemical belonging to the large family of terpene alcohols. It comes from Symrise, a well-known German supplier of fragrance raw materials, though equivalent grades can be sourced from other factories around the world.
The material is usually produced through a semi-synthetic route. Natural farnesene, found in essential oils such as neroli and citronella, is converted through a series of controlled steps into high-purity farnesol. Symrise then runs the product through extra distillation and quality checks to reach a purity of at least ninety-six percent, which is why the company adds the word “Special” to the name.
At room temperature it appears as a clear colourless liquid that flows easily, much like a lightweight carrier oil. The lack of any tint is a sign of good stability and low impurity.
Farnesol has been a staple of modern perfumery for decades because it bridges natural floral notes with a gentle green nuance. It shows up in fine fragrance but also in cost-sensitive items such as soaps, shampoos and candles, so it is not considered rare. Most batches stay in prime condition for around two to three years when kept sealed and cool.
Cost wise it sits in the lower to mid range. The simplicity of its production and the wide supply base help keep prices accessible for both artisan and large-scale formulators.
Farnesol Special’s Scent Description
This ingredient falls under the floral family. Off a blotter it first gives a soft wisp of freshly opened lily of the valley. Within seconds a gentle green thread appears, similar to crushed peony stems, lending a dewy freshness that keeps the floral accord from turning powdery.
As the minutes pass a lightly waxy warmth develops, hinting at honeysuckle nectar and even a trace of white tea. The overall effect is smooth and rounded rather than sharp or heady, making it easy to blend with rose, jasmine or citrus facets.
In the language of perfumers top notes are the fleeting first impressions, middle notes form the heart and base notes are the lingering foundation. Farnesol Special sits comfortably in the heart, though its tenacity lets it shade into the base support role as well.
Projection is moderate. It does not fill a room yet it throws enough scent to be noticed during casual movement. Longevity on a blotter can reach a solid twenty-four hours before fading to a faint floral whisper, which is why perfumers use it to extend lighter lily accords without adding obvious heft.
How & Where To Use Farnesol Special
Perfumers turn to Farnesol Special when they need to fill out a floral heart with a silky yet fresh tone. It behaves like a glue that links bright top notes to warmer bases, so it often slips into lily of the valley, peony or muguet accords. A few drops can round off a citrus-rose bouquet, while higher doses push a clean white floral effect into shampoos and detergents.
In fine fragrance the material usually sits between 0.5 % and 3 % of the formula. At these levels it gives body to delicate bouquets without calling attention to itself. Everyday products such as liquid soaps or fabric softeners may climb toward the upper end of the recommended 10 % ceiling because the added dosage helps the scent break through surfactant or detergent bases.
Smell perception shifts with concentration. Trace levels add watery freshness, 1 % to 2 % reveal a clear lily tone, while anything past 5 % turns more waxy and pollen-like. Too much can mute top notes and leave a heavy floral veil that reads dated, so careful modulation is key.
Farnesol Special blends seamlessly with hydroxycitronellal, hedione or lilial substitutes to build classic soft-green florals. It also tempers harsher woody molecules and extends citrus lift in colognes. On the flip side it does little for smoky leather or gourmand themes, so those genres usually rely on other modifiers.
Prep work is minimal. The liquid pours easily and dissolves in ethanol, DPG or most carrier oils without clouding. Make a 10 % dilution in ethanol for initial trials, then scale up or down based on blotter tests. If the formula contains strong acids or oxidants add Farnesol toward the end to avoid unwanted reactions.
Remember that over-use can push IFRA limits for certain product categories and may heighten the risk of skin sensitisation. Always run a quick check of cumulative farnesol content if other ingredients such as jasmine absolutes are present, as they naturally contain the same alcohol.
Safely Information
Working with any aroma chemical calls for sensible precautions to protect both the creator and the end user.
- Always dilute before smelling: make a weak solution on a blotter instead of sniffing the raw liquid so you can evaluate the odour without overwhelming your senses
- Avoid smelling directly from the bottle: vapour at the neck can be far more concentrated than it seems and may irritate nasal passages
- Work in a well-ventilated area: good airflow prevents the build-up of airborne fumes especially when weighing multiple materials
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: direct contact can lead to redness or stinging while accidental splashes in the eyes can be serious
- Be aware of health considerations: some people may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a doctor before repeated exposure. Short, low-level encounters are typically safe but long or high-level exposure can be harmful
For absolute peace of mind consult the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor, revisit it periodically in case of updates and follow IFRA guidelines to keep usage levels within accepted limits for each product type.
How To Store & Dispose of Farnesol Special
Farnesol Special stays in good shape when kept in a cool dark spot away from direct sunlight heaters and other sources of high temperature. A dedicated fragrance fridge set between 4 °C and 10 °C can stretch shelf life even further but is not essential if the ambient room stays stable and below 20 °C.
Use glass bottles with tight polycone lids for both neat material and dilutions. These liners form a firm seal that blocks slow evaporation and limits oxygen ingress. Avoid dropper tops since they rarely close fully and often wick trace amounts of fragrance onto the threads where it oxidises.
Try to store the liquid in containers that are nearly full. The smaller the headspace the less fresh air can react with the alcohol portion of the molecule which helps preserve its clean lily tone. If you decant into working bottles top them up as you go rather than leaving them half empty.
Label every container clearly with the name Farnesol Special the dilution percentage date of decant and any hazard icons recommended by the Safety Data Sheet. Legible labels prevent mix-ups during hectic blending sessions and give quick reference for anyone sharing the studio.
When a batch reaches the end of its useful life check local regulations before disposal. Because the ingredient is readily biodegradable small rinse residues from cleaned glassware can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water. Larger volumes should be collected in a sealed waste jar and taken to a household hazardous collection site or an approved waste contractor to avoid overloading the local water treatment system. Never pour surplus concentrate onto soil or into outdoor drains.
Summary
Farnesol Special is a high-purity terpene alcohol from Symrise that delivers a smooth green floral note centred on lily of the valley and peony. Its gentle character helps link sparkling top notes to warmer bases which makes it a go-to for fine fragrance as well as soaps shampoos and candles.
The liquid is colourless easy to blend and holds up well for two to three years if stored cool and sealed. Cost sits in the lower to mid tier so both artisans and large brands keep it on hand. The main point of care is limiting air exposure that can dull its freshness over time.
Thanks to its versatility and modest price Farnesol Special remains a staple in the aroma chemical toolkit yet its floral specificity means it shines most in clean soft bouquets rather than smoky or gourmand styles.
Commercial quantities come straight from Symrise or other bulk suppliers. Hobbyists can pick up smaller lots from reputable resellers chem houses or online stores that carry generic grades of farnesol. A quick search usually turns up multiple options in sizes from 5 ml trial vials to full kilograms so both test runs and production batches are easy to source.