What Is Hyacinth Body No. 3?
Hyacinth Body No. 3 is an aroma chemical created by International Flavors & Fragrances, one of the largest suppliers of specialty materials to the perfume industry. While IFF owns the trade name, similar molecules are available from other aroma houses under different codes, so perfumers are not restricted to a single source.
The material is produced through modern organic synthesis that builds the C13 backbone from simple petrochemical or plant derived feedstocks. The final product arrives as a clear to slightly straw-colored liquid with a light oily texture, flowing easily at room temperature.
Perfumers reach for Hyacinth Body No. 3 whenever they need a realistic green floral accent, which makes it a fixture in both prestige and mass market fragrance work. Thanks to good oxidative stability it stays fresh in the bottle for roughly two to three years if protected from heat and light.
Cost wise it sits comfortably in the mid range. It is not a budget filler like synthetic musks yet far less pricey than rare naturals such as orris butter, allowing generous use without breaking the formulation budget.
The ingredient is suitable for vegan labeling and meets current biodegradability expectations, further adding to its popularity with modern brand owners.
Hyacinth Body No. 3’s Scent Description
This molecule belongs to the floral family. On a blotter the first impression is a burst of fresh crushed stems that feels both leafy and watery, quickly followed by the soft sweetness of blooming hyacinth. There is a cool morning garden vibe, mixing sap, dewdrops and a hint of white petal. A faint fruity edge rounds off any sharpness, keeping the profile inviting rather than herbal.
Top, middle and base notes describe how materials evaporate over time. Tops flash off in minutes, middles carry the theme for hours, bases linger the next day. Hyacinth Body No. 3 sits firmly in the middle range, anchoring the heart of a composition after citrus and light aromatics have faded yet before deep woods take center stage.
Projection is assertive at first, easily radiating an arm’s length from skin or strip. After the initial green pop it settles into a gentler floral aura that remains noticeable for four to six hours, sometimes longer in rich compositions. The balance of lift and staying power makes it a versatile building block for spring bouquets, fresh fougères and even certain modern chypres.
How & Where To Use Hyacinth Body No. 3
Perfumers reach for Hyacinth Body No. 3 when they need a crisp green lift that still feels unmistakably floral. It shines in modern interpretations of spring bouquets, lily of the valley accords, watery florals, as well as in green chypres and elegant fougères.
The material can sit at the heart of a dedicated hyacinth accord, pairing well with galbanum, leafy aldehydes, cyclamen aldehydes, linalool and light musks. A small touch also freshens heavier florals like jasmine or tuberose, preventing them from feeling dense.
Typical inclusion is between trace amounts and 5 percent of the total concentrate. At 0.1 percent it reads as a subtle breath of cut stems. Around 1–2 percent it becomes a vivid green petal note that defines the composition. Pushed above 4 percent the scent can turn sharp or metallic, masking other nuances and giving a formulation an unwanted detergent vibe.
Hyacinth Body No. 3 is most convincing in alcohol based fine fragrances where its diffusivity is fully realised. It also performs well in reed diffusers and high end room sprays. In strong surfactant bases such as liquid soap it may lose radiance, so testing is advised before full scale production.
To prepare the material, weigh it accurately then make a 10 percent solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. This working dilution is easier to dose and safer to evaluate. The liquid blends smoothly without preheating though gentle rolling helps if it has been stored cold.
Overuse can clash with gourmand notes, deep resins or vintage style animalics. A good rule is to start low, smell in the finished base, then adjust upward only if the composition still feels flat or muddy.
Safely Using Hyacinth Body No. 3
Dilution is key. Always create a working solution before evaluation or skin application. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead fan the scent toward the nose from a blotter. Work in a well ventilated area so vapours do not build up. Standard lab gloves and safety glasses keep accidental splashes off skin and eyes.
Most users handle Hyacinth Body No. 3 without problems, yet any aroma chemical can irritate sensitive skin or trigger allergies. If you have a history of fragrance reactions monitor exposure closely. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a medical professional before routine use.
Short encounters with dilute versions are generally safe. Prolonged exposure to high concentration, however, may cause headache, nausea or respiratory discomfort. Rinse with plenty of water if contact occurs and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Keep equipment clean, label all containers clearly and store the original bottle tightly closed when not in use. Reviewing the latest Safety Data Sheet from your supplier is essential, as recommendations can change with new research. Always follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum dosage in the intended product category.
How To Store & Dispose of Hyacinth Body No. 3
Keep the original bottle tightly closed and out of direct sun. A cool cupboard works for day-to-day storage but refrigeration around 4 °C slows oxidation and preserves the crisp green note even longer.
Air is the enemy of freshness. Transfer the liquid to the smallest practical container as you use it so the headspace stays minimal. Polycone caps give a far better seal than glass droppers or rubber bulbs which can crack and let in oxygen.
Place all bottles in an upright position inside secondary containment to catch spills. Dark amber glass or aluminium is ideal because clear plastic can let light pass and may absorb perfume oils over time.
Label every container with the ingredient name, CAS 7493-57-4, concentration and date of dilution. Add pictograms or safety phrases from the latest SDS so anyone handling the bottle understands its hazards at a glance.
When you mix test batches, prepare fresh 10 % solutions and use them within a few months. Discard cloudy or off-odour samples since these changes signal oxidation.
Hyacinth Body No. 3 is classed as inherently biodegradable which eases disposal compared with many older synthetics. Small residues on blotters or glassware can be rinsed with plenty of warm soapy water then flushed to a municipal drain if local rules allow. Larger volumes or unwanted stock should go to a licensed chemical waste contractor who can process fragrance materials safely.
NevÂer pour concentrated liquid into garden soil or septic systems. Keep it away from open flames and store separate from strong acids, bases or oxidisers that could trigger unwanted reactions.
Summary
Hyacinth Body No. 3 is an IFF floral material that combines leafy green sparkle with the true petal scent of fresh hyacinth. It acts as a lively middle note that lifts spring bouquets, transparent florals, fougères and green chypres without weighing them down.
The molecule is colourless to pale yellow, vegan suitable and shows excellent stability in fine fragrance. It is reasonably priced, letting both niche brands and hobbyists add a refined hyacinth nuance without straining the budget.
Usage levels typically sit between trace and 5 % of the concentrate. Push it too high and the note can grow metallic, so careful dosing keeps the balance right.
Store it cool, dark and tightly sealed to hold peak freshness for two to three years. Its inherent biodegradability makes disposal simpler yet standard safety gear and good lab practice remain essential.
Commercial buyers can order directly from IFF or authorised distributors. Smaller quantities appear at speciality aroma shops and online resellers under the same CAS number or a generic name, making this versatile green floral accessible to professionals and enthusiastic DIY perfumers alike.