Fructalate: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 29, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Fructalate?

Fructalate is a synthetic aroma chemical designed to recreate juicy red fruit facets that are hard to extract from nature. It was first introduced by DSM-Firmenich, a major supplier of specialty fragrance ingredients, though a handful of other aroma houses now offer comparable grades produced under different trade names.

The material is prepared through step-wise chemical synthesis that assembles smaller molecules into one larger structure. Modern production follows green chemistry principles as much as possible which limits waste and improves overall sustainability.

At room temperature Fructalate appears as a clear mobile liquid with little to no color, making it easy to dose and blend. Perfumers appreciate its versatility so it shows up in everything from fine fragrances to household cleaners and even scented candles. Because it is unusually stable, the unopened raw material typically keeps its full strength for about two to three years if stored correctly.

Cost wise Fructalate sits in the mid range. It is not a budget base note like certain musks yet it is far from the most expensive fruit modifier on the market. That balance of price performance explains why the material has become a staple whenever a bright fruity lift is required.

Fructalate’s Scent Description

Most perfumers classify Fructalate in the fruity family. Off a blotter it opens with a vivid splash of sun-warmed raspberries blended with the crunch of freshly cut apple. Almost immediately a tropical pineapple nuance peeks through, lending a playful tang along with a light airy quality that keeps the accord from feeling syrupy.

As the top fizz settles the note transitions into what many describe as strawberry sherbet, soft yet sparkling. There is no obvious base wood or musk beneath it which allows the fruit to remain the star until it finally fades.

Fructalate sits firmly in the top to early heart zone of a fragrance pyramid. It introduces the composition with instant brightness yet its chemical structure grants it more staying power than most top notes, so traces can still be detected well into the heart phase.

Projection is generous, giving a noticeable fruity halo around the wearer especially during the first hour. On a standard smelling strip the material holds detectable scent for close to forty eight hours before dropping to a faint whisper, a longevity that lets it support the overall formula without dragging it down.

How & Where To Use Fructalate

Perfumers reach for Fructalate when they want an instant hit of realistic red fruit with extra lift. It shines in top and early heart accords where raspberry or apple normally fade too fast. In a citrus cologne a touch of Fructalate boosts juiciness and keeps the opening lively for longer than natural oils alone.

The material also pairs well with other berry helpers such as ethyl maltol, but it is less candy-like so the blend stays fresh not sugary. For a pineapple accord combine it with allyl hexanoate and a trace of lactonic peach to round off rough edges. In floral builds it can bring sparkle to rose, peony or jasmine while staying politely in the background.

Typical use ranges from a whisper at 0.05 % to a bold 3 – 5 % of the total concentrate. At low levels it behaves like a flavor enhancer, making everything around it smell fruitier without announcing itself. At higher dosages the raspberry note dominates and can read as strawberry sorbet which is useful in youthful fine fragrance or shower gel but may feel out of place in a dark woody perfume.

Over-use risks a thin metallic overtone and can throw the balance of a composition, especially if paired with strong aldehydes. Start small, smell in dilution, then increase only if the formula still needs lift.

Fructalate is fully soluble in ethanol and most oils so no special pre-dissolution is required. Stir well before weighing as temperature swings can cause minor density changes. When blending into water-based bases add it pre-mixed in a small amount of solubiliser to avoid haze.

The ingredient works beautifully in fine fragrance, shampoo, liquid soap, softeners, candles and even incense sticks thanks to its heat stability. It performs less convincingly in very high pH cleaners where fruity notes can feel out of context.

Safety Information

Always dilute Fructalate before smelling it. Avoid sniffing straight from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended to protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.

Like many aroma chemicals it may cause irritation or an allergic reaction for sensitive users. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a medical professional before handling fragrance materials. Brief contact with low concentrations is generally considered safe but extended or high-level exposure can be harmful.

Clean any spills quickly with an absorbent cloth then wash the area with soap and water. Do not pour large amounts down the drain; collect waste in a sealed container and follow local disposal rules.

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance always review the Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and recheck it regularly. Adhere to current IFRA standards when setting usage levels in finished products.

How To Store & Dispose of Fructalate

Keep Fructalate in tightly sealed glass bottles placed in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sunlight. A spot that stays close to 20 °C works well though a fridge can stretch shelf life even further if you have the space and remember to let the liquid warm to room temperature before opening.

Use polycone lined caps for the main stock and for any ethanol dilutions because they grip the neck of the bottle and stop slow leaks. Dropper tops may feel handy but they often let air creep in which speeds up oxidation. If possible decant into smaller bottles as you use the material so each one stays nearly full and has less oxygen trapped inside.

Write a clear label on every container with the name Fructalate, the date you filled it and basic hazard icons so no one mistakes it for something else. Store the bottles in a secondary plastic tray to catch spills and keep acids or strong bases on a different shelf.

When you need to throw away unwanted concentrate soak it up with clean paper or sand, seal the waste in a tough bag then take it to a chemical drop-off point. Small traces in rinse water can go down the drain since the ingredient is readily biodegradable but never pour large amounts straight into sinks or soil. Empty glass can be washed with detergent, air-dried and recycled or reused for fresh batches.

Summary

Fructalate is a liquid aroma chemical from DSM-Firmenich that brings a bright raspberry and apple blast to a formula with a hint of pineapple sparkle. It sits in the top to heart of a scent, lasts longer than most fruity notes and lifts everything around it without turning candy sweet.

Its moderate price, strong stability and broad application have made it a go-to choice for both fine fragrance and everyday products like shampoo or candles. Still, its cheerful fruit tone can feel out of place in very dark woody blends and high dosages may add a thin edge so aim for careful balance.

Commercial houses can source Fructalate directly from DSM-Firmenich in drum or pail sizes while hobbyists will find smaller bottles sold by specialty resellers and generic suppliers under similar trade names. Handle it with the same care you give any fragrance raw and it will reward you with clean juicy lift in countless creations.

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