What Is Geranyl Tiglate?
Geranyl Tiglate is an aromatic ester created by joining geraniol, a naturally scented alcohol, with tiglic acid. The result is a smooth floral ingredient prized by perfumers for its gentle fruit-rose nuance. Symrise markets a high-purity grade of the molecule, yet a handful of other aroma suppliers offer comparable versions under generic names.
At room temperature the material presents as a clear liquid that can look almost water-white or carry the faintest straw tint. It pours easily, is free from visible solids and has no stabilizers added because the molecule stays chemically steady on its own.
Production relies on straightforward esterification, a process familiar to most flavor and fragrance plants, which keeps batch costs in the mid-range rather than the luxury bracket. For a perfumer this means the material is affordable enough for everyday blends but still refined enough for fine fragrance work.
Geranyl Tiglate sees regular use in floral accords, especially when a formula needs a light pear or magnolia twist that still feels natural. While not as common as geraniol or citronellol, it is well represented in modern fragrance libraries and is stocked by most creative labs.
When stored in a cool dark place with the cap tightly closed, the ester usually keeps its olfactive quality for two to three years before subtle oxidation dulls the brightness. Once opened, best practice is to finish a bottle within 18 months to enjoy its full freshness.
Geranyl Tiglate’s Scent Description
This ingredient sits comfortably in the floral family. Off a blotter it first suggests freshly cut roses sprinkled with pear nectar. Within a few minutes a soft magnolia petal effect emerges, adding a creamy white-flower tone that lifts the whole impression. Underneath runs a juicy thread that recalls ripe plum skin, preventing the bouquet from turning powdery.
Perfumers divide a fragrance into top, middle and base notes. Top notes sparkle then fade quickly, middles form the heart, bases last the longest. Geranyl Tiglate behaves as a mid-note enhancer: it appears after the volatile citrus and leafy accents have evaporated and stays present for several hours before the woody or musky base takes over.
Projection is moderate. On skin the molecule wafts within a polite arm’s length, giving a natural aura rather than a loud halo. Longevity is respectable for an ester, around four to six hours on skin and longer on fabric or blotters, making it dependable for both fine fragrance and functional products where a light fruity floral lift is desired.
How & Where To Use Geranyl Tiglate
Perfumers reach for Geranyl Tiglate when a rosy heart needs a juicy lift without tipping into syrupy territory. It slots neatly into classic rose accords, modern pear facets and delicate magnolia bouquets, acting as the bridge between floral notes and light fruit touches.
At low doses around 0.1 % it gives a transparent freshness that smooths harsh petals. Between 0.5 % and 2 % the pear-plum nuance becomes more obvious and the material starts to round off sharp green edges in geranium or muguet blends. Pushed toward 5 % it can take on a waxy, almost fatty character that muddies rather than brightens, so restraint is key.
Geranyl Tiglate pairs well with citronellol, phenyl ethyl alcohol and linalool to build a believable rose while adding a hint of orchard fruit. In magnolia or peony themes it helps extend the creamy mid note without resorting to heavy lactones.
Applications cover fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, softeners and even candles thanks to its good heat stability. It performs less well in high-pH bleach cleaners where hydrolysis can dull its scent, so alternative esters may be wiser there.
Over-use risks a cloying pear candy effect and can mask the natural floral you were aiming to enhance. Always run a simple blotter trial starting at 0.2 % of the concentrate, then scale upward only if the accord still feels thin.
The ester dissolves easily in alcohol or dipropylene glycol. Pre-blend it to 10 % before adding to a formula to ensure even distribution and make dosing easier. Give the mix a gentle warm-water bath if any cloudiness appears then cool before evaluation.
Safely Information
Working with any fragrance raw material calls for sensible precautions and Geranyl Tiglate is no exception.
- Always dilute before smelling: prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or DPG and evaluate on a blotter
- Avoid sniffing from the bottle: concentrated vapors can overwhelm the nose and irritate mucous membranes
- Ensure good ventilation: blend near an extractor or open window to keep airborne levels low
- Wear gloves and safety glasses: the liquid can cause mild irritation if it touches skin or eyes
- Monitor health reactions: some people may develop sensitization or allergies with repeated contact so discontinue use if redness or itching occurs
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding caution: consult a healthcare professional before prolonged exposure during these periods
- Limit time at high concentrations: short contact with diluted material is generally safe but avoid prolonged handling of the neat substance
For full peace of mind always refer to the latest Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and follow any regional IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels. Regulations can change so review documents regularly and update lab practices as needed.
How To Store & Dispose of Geranyl Tiglate
Geranyl Tiglate keeps its sparkle longest when stored in a cool dark spot away from heaters direct sun or any source of strong light. A lab fridge set around 5 °C is even better though not essential for year-to-year freshness. Chill slows oxidation and helps the liquid stay water-clear.
Use glass or high-grade aluminium bottles fitted with polycone caps. These cone-shaped liners grip the neck and block air in a way eye-dropper tops cannot. For dilutions choose the same closure style and avoid plastic droppers that often leak solvents back into the room.
Try to keep each container as full as practical. Less headspace means less oxygen nibbling at the fruity rose notes. If you decant a working sample fill a smaller bottle so the level sits near the shoulder.
Apply a clean printed label showing the full name Geranyl Tiglate its strength if diluted the date opened and any safety icons required by your region. Clear names prevent mix-ups and speed emergency checks if an accident happens.
Disposal is straightforward because the ester is inherently biodegradable. Tiny test amounts can usually be washed away with plenty of warm soapy water provided local regulations allow. For larger volumes first blend with an absorbent such as sawdust seal in a bag then send to a licensed waste handler classified as non-hazardous perfumery waste. Rinse empty glass or metal bottles three times let them dry and recycle if your municipal service accepts solvent containers.
Summary
Geranyl Tiglate is a floral ester that marries a pear kissed rose effect with a hint of magnolia. It sits in the mid note of a perfume where it lends natural fruity lift to rose geranium and other petal-rich accords.
The material is valued for its clean profile solid stability and moderate cost which lets both niche houses and large brands use it across fine fragrance haircare and home products. Purity from Symrise is high yet hobbyists can source smaller lots from specialty resellers or generic aroma suppliers under the same name.
Keep in mind its light touch and use level sweet spot between 0.5 % and 2 %. Store cool cap tight and try to finish an opened bottle within eighteen months to enjoy its freshest nuance. When handled with sensible lab practice Geranyl Tiglate is an easy versatile tool for adding a juicy floral glow to almost any creative brief.