What Is Geranyl Acetate 60?
Geranyl Acetate 60 is a nature inspired aroma chemical supplied by Symrise. The number 60 hints at its high assay, giving perfumers a material that is at least 96 percent pure, made up of closely related isomers. Similar grades are sold by other suppliers under generic names so it is not an exclusive molecule, yet the Symrise version is trusted for quality and consistency.
Production begins with geraniol, a fragrant alcohol found in many essential oils. Through a simple esterification step with acetic acid the alcohol becomes an ester, smoothing the rough edges of geraniol while boosting its fruity floral charm. The process is well established which keeps costs in an accessible range for most fragrance houses.
At room temperature the finished material is a clear colorless liquid that pours easily and blends without fuss. It arrives with a stabilizer already added so it keeps its character for about two years when stored correctly. Perfumers reach for it often because it delivers a strong floral note at a reasonable price, making it a staple rather than a luxury ingredient.
Geranyl Acetate 60’s Scent Description
This molecule sits firmly in the floral family. On a blotter the first impression is a bright rose petal note wrapped in crisp green facets that feel like crushed stems. Within seconds a juicy pear nuance peeks through adding a playful fruity twist. As it settles a gentle candy like sweetness appears, smoothing the overall bouquet without turning it sugary.
Perfumers group smells into top, middle and base notes to describe the order in which they appear. Geranyl Acetate 60 lives in the heart or middle zone. It rises after the volatile top notes fade and supports the composition for several hours, bridging the opening sparkle and the deeper base.
Projection is moderate to strong so a small dose can freshen the whole accord. On a blotter its presence remains noticeable for four to six hours, slowly softening into a delicate rosy veil before it finally recedes.
How & Where To Use Geranyl Acetate 60
Perfumers reach for Geranyl Acetate 60 when they need a clean rose nuance that still feels juicy and green. It excels at rounding out floral bouquets, lifting a bland rose accord or adding freshness to jasmine, muguet and peony bases. Its pear facet also helps marry fruity top notes with a floral heart, so it often appears in modern fruity florals where apple, pear or lychee need a natural bridge into the mid notes.
Typical inclusion levels sit between 0.1 percent and 2 percent of the total formula. At traces it simply brightens and softens the heart. Around 1 percent its rose character is obvious and the green freshness becomes more apparent. Beyond 2 percent the material can dominate, pushing the blend toward a sharper stemmy profile and crowding delicate partners like violet ionones or delicate aldehydes.
Geranyl Acetate 60 works well in both leave-on and rinse-off products. Fine fragrance, body mists and scented candles take advantage of its clarity and moderate tenacity. Shampoo, shower gel and soap benefit from its good stability in alkaline environments where natural rose oil would discolor or fade. Detergents and softeners also accept it, though its floral note can feel out of place in heavy pine or citrus cleaning bases unless balanced carefully.
Over-use brings two main risks. First the composition can feel old-fashioned because excessive geranyl derivatives recall classic rose soaps. Second it may increase the overall allergen load since its breakdown products include trace amounts of known sensitisers. Keeping to the manufacturer’s guideline ensures compliance with most IFRA limits for finished products.
No special pre-treatment is required. The material is already stabilized so a simple pre-dilution to 10 percent in ethanol, DEP or TEC makes weighing and blending easier and safer. It dissolves readily in most perfume solvents and tolerates moderate heat during candle pour temperatures. Always label dilutions clearly and record batch numbers for future reference.
Safety Information
Working with aroma chemicals calls for a few basic precautions to keep the lab environment safe and pleasant.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 percent or weaker solution before smelling to avoid sensory overload and possible irritation
- Avoid direct sniffing: never inhale straight from the bottle instead use a scent strip or blotter at arm’s length
- Ventilation: blend and evaluate in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to prevent buildup of vapors
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes
- Health considerations: some people experience skin irritation or allergic reactions with ester materials consult a doctor before use if pregnant or breastfeeding and remember that prolonged or high-level exposure can be harmful even when brief contact at low concentration is generally safe
Always consult the latest safety data sheet supplied with your batch for exact handling recommendations and check it regularly for updates. Follow any IFRA guidelines that apply to your product category to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Geranyl Acetate 60
Geranyl Acetate 60 is forgiving but a few habits will keep it at peak quality. Store the neat material in tightly closed amber glass or HDPE bottles placed in a cool dark cabinet away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Refrigeration is not mandatory yet it can extend the shelf life well beyond the standard two-year window so many perfumers keep their main stock in the lab fridge and decant working aliquots as needed.
Air is the enemy of esters so choose containers that seal firmly. Polycone caps create a snug vapour barrier while dropper bottles often leak and invite oxidation. Try to keep bottles as full as possible by transferring leftovers into smaller vessels once headspace grows large. Label every container with the full name batch number and any hazard pictograms so no one has to guess what is inside.
Dilutions follow the same rules. Store them in clean solvent-resistant glass top them up when levels drop and keep them away from reactive metals. If a sample develops off notes discard it rather than risk contaminating a blend.
Disposal is straightforward because the molecule is readily biodegradable. Small laboratory quantities can usually be diluted heavily with water and flushed according to local regulations. Larger volumes or mixtures that contain other non-biodegradable components should go to a licensed chemical waste contractor. Empty bottles should be rinsed with a little solvent that is then combined with the main waste stream before recycling the clean container.
Summary
Geranyl Acetate 60 is a high purify floral ester from Symrise derived from geraniol. It smells like fresh rose petals laced with green facets and a juicy pear wink making it a versatile heart note that bridges fruity openings to floral centers.
At 0.1 to 2 percent of a formula it lifts bouquets, brightens pear apple or lychee accords and survives the alkaline conditions that destroy natural rose oil. Its moderate cost steady quality and renewable profile keep it on the bench of both artisan and industrial perfumers.
Stability is good with a two-year shelf life that can stretch longer if stored cool and full. Overdosing can tip a fragrance toward soapy nostalgia and raises the allergen load so moderation is key.
Commercial houses order Geranyl Acetate 60 directly from Symrise but hobbyists can find smaller packs from specialty resellers or purchase equivalent generic grades from other suppliers. That easy access combined with its cheerful rosy profile explains why this humble ester remains a quiet star in modern perfumery.