What Is Fraise?
Fraise is a speciality aroma chemical designed to capture the joyful smell of fresh wild strawberries. The material is supplied by DSM-Firmenich, one of the largest fragrance houses in the world, yet many independent suppliers offer comparable versions derived from the same core chemistry.
The ingredient is created through laboratory synthesis rather than by pressing or distilling fruit. Chemists start with small petrochemical or natural feedstocks, build the desired strawberry-like molecular structure in a series of controlled reactions, then purify the result until it meets fragrance-grade standards. This method guarantees batch-to-batch consistency and keeps costs within reach for everyday products.
At room temperature Fraise appears as a clear to very slightly yellow liquid with a thin texture that pours easily. It blends smoothly into oil or alcohol bases and also disperses well in water-based cleaners when paired with a solubiliser.
Because of its versatile scent profile and good stability it shows up in a wide range of goods from fine perfume to fabric softener. When stored tightly closed in a cool dark place the material stays fresh for roughly two years before the aroma starts to dull. In price terms it sits in the middle of the fruity palette, less costly than true natural extracts yet a little dearer than basic synthetic esters.
Fraise’s Scent Description
Perfumers file Fraise under the broad fruity family. On a blotter the first impression is a burst of sun-ripened strawberry warmed by a hint of jammy sweetness. Under that bright top note there is a green crunch like the leafy crown of the berry, plus a faint creamy nuance that keeps the whole accord from turning sour.
Fragrance construction is often described in three stages: top, middle and base. Fraise sits mainly in the top to early middle range. It flashes quickly to announce itself, then lingers just long enough to link with florals, musks or woods that carry the drydown. Alone on paper the note projects clearly for about one to two hours before slipping into a soft sugary trace that lasts another two hours or so.
Projection is moderate: noticeable at arm’s length yet not overpowering. In a finished perfume it brightens the opening, adds freshness to the heart and gently overlaps into the base without stealing the show. This balance makes it a reliable tool whenever a juicy red fruit effect is needed.
How & Where To Use Fraise
Perfumers reach for Fraise whenever they want a bright realistic strawberry that reads more like fruit off the vine than carnival candy. In a classic fruity floral it slots into the top where it pairs effortlessly with citrus zest, leafy green notes and soft white flowers. In gourmand work it teams with vanilla, milk lactones and caramel to suggest shortcake or ice cream. A trace can even enliven woody or chypre compositions, giving a playful twist that keeps the opening from feeling too serious.
Compared with other red fruit materials such as Ethyl Maltol or Aldehyde C-16, Fraise offers less sugar and more natural juiciness. It is the first choice when the brief calls for authenticity, while the sweeter molecules are better suited to confectionery themes. Because Fraise sits mostly in the top to early heart its job is to create an inviting entrance then pass the baton to longer lasting accords.
Typical inclusion in fine fragrance runs 0.1 – 2 %. Shower gels, shampoos and fabric softeners can push up to 3 – 5 % thanks to higher wash-off limits. At very low trace levels Fraise simply brightens a blend without being identified. Around 1 % it becomes clearly strawberry. Above 3 % the note turns jammy and starts to dominate, which can feel childish or clash with delicate florals. Overuse may also accentuate any green facet and introduce an unexpected sharpness.
Fraise is easy to handle but still benefits from a quick pre-dilution. Most labs prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol for alcoholic perfume or in dipropylene glycol for water-based cleaners and candles. This prevents overdosing and helps the material integrate smoothly with the rest of the formula. If working into a surfactant system add it after the base has cooled below 45 °C to minimise volatilisation.
The liquid is stable in a wide pH range and resists discoloration, yet very high heat can fade the top note so avoid prolonged processing above 60 °C. Always label blends clearly because a strong strawberry can mask other volatiles, making it hard to judge the balance after the fact.
Safety Information
Always start by diluting Fraise before evaluation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well ventilated space to limit inhalation. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so spills never reach skin or eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals Fraise can provoke irritation or allergic responses in sensitive individuals. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before prolonged exposure. Short contact with low concentrations is generally considered safe but extended handling or high level inhalation may lead to headaches, nausea or dermatitis.
The liquid is combustible so keep it away from open flames and store only in tightly closed amber glass or aluminium at 15 – 25 °C. Wipe tools immediately after use to stop residue from migrating onto other ingredients. Dispose of unwanted material through an approved chemical waste service rather than pouring it down the drain.
For the most accurate and current guidance consult the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet and follow the usage limits laid out by the International Fragrance Association. Review both documents regularly as revisions are common.
How To Store & Dispose of Fraise
Keep Fraise in tightly closed bottles placed in a cool dark cabinet away from heat sources and direct sunlight. A household fridge set around 4 °C can further slow oxidation and extend shelf life, although it is not essential if room temperatures stay below 25 °C.
Choose containers with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The soft insert forms a better seal than standard screw tops and helps stop aroma loss. Avoid glass dropper bottles because the pipette allows air to creep in and solvents can attack the bulb.
Try to store the liquid in the smallest practical bottle so the headspace stays minimal. Less air means less chance for oxygen to dull the strawberry note or turn the color yellow. If you must split a larger drum decant into several smaller amber bottles and fill them almost to the shoulder.
Label every container clearly with the name Fraise, the date it was packed and basic safety icons for flammable liquid and skin irritant. A visible label saves guesswork later and helps anyone who handles the stock follow safe practice.
Unused or spent Fraise should never be tipped into sinks or outdoor drains. The molecule is only partly biodegradable and can harm aquatic life in high concentration. Absorb small leftovers with sand or cat litter then send to a licensed hazardous waste center. Larger volumes belong in sealed drums collected by a specialist disposal firm that can incinerate aromatic organics at high temperature.
Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent, add the rinse to your waste container and recycle the clean glass where facilities allow. Keep all paperwork for disposal on file in case regulators ask for proof of proper handling.
Summary
Fraise is a liquid aroma chemical from DSM-Firmenich that captures the bright juicy scent of wild strawberry. It shines in the top to early heart of perfumes adding a natural fruit lift that works in florals gourmands and even woods.
The material is popular because it smells convincing yet costs far less than true fruit extracts. It blends easily stays stable in most bases and fits a wide range of products from fine fragrance to household cleaners.
Formulators should watch the dose because above 3 % the note turns jammy and can overpower delicate accords. Store it cool and well sealed to keep the aroma fresh and always handle within IFRA limits.
Commercial buyers can order Fraise direct from DSM-Firmenich in kilogram drums while hobbyists will find smaller volumes through fragrance supply shops and generic aroma houses. With a little care in storage and dosing this cheerful strawberry remains a dependable tool on the perfumer’s bench.