What Is Iralia Total?
Iralia Total is a synthetic fragrance ingredient belonging to the methylionone family, prized for its rich violet and orris character. It is developed by DSM-Firmenich, though other aroma suppliers may offer comparable grades under different trade names.
The material is produced through step-wise chemical synthesis, a process that builds the complex ionone structure from simpler starting molecules. Modern manufacturing follows green chemistry principles wherever practical to reduce waste and energy use.
At room temperature it appears as a clear to very pale yellow liquid that pours easily. This makes it convenient to weigh, blend and dose in both fine fragrance compounding and household product bases.
Iralia Total is widely adopted because it combines a nuanced floral profile with impressive technical robustness. It stays intact in challenging formulations such as detergents and fabric softeners, and it clings to fabric for days after washing.
On a smelling strip the scent lingers for about a week, hinting at an excellent shelf life when stored correctly. Under typical warehouse conditions the ingredient remains in prime form for roughly two to three years before subtle oxidation may start to dull its freshness.
Cost wise it sits in the mid range for specialty aroma chemicals. Perfumers value it for the quality-to-price ratio, making it a workhorse option for both prestige perfumes and everyday products.
Iralia Total’s Scent Description
This material is usually filed under the floral family, yet it brings far more depth than the word floral suggests.
Off a blotter it opens with a soft burst of fresh violet petals dusted in cosmetic-style powder. Almost instantly a buttery orris note rises, giving a creamy lipstick vibe. A faint touch of red berries peeks through, while a smooth cedar-like wood rounds out the base. The overall effect is plush, elegant and slightly nostalgic.
In perfume construction notes are often grouped as top, middle or base depending on how quickly they appear and fade. Iralia Total behaves mainly as a strong heart note that bridges seamlessly into the drydown. Its low volatility keeps traces of the floral-woody theme audible long after the brighter top notes have gone.
Projection is moderate. It will not fill a room on its own but it radiates a polished aura that supports and elevates neighboring materials. Longevity is impressive; a well-built accord containing Iralia Total can remain perceivable on skin for six to eight hours and on fabric for several wash cycles.
How & Where To Use Iralia Total
Perfumers reach for Iralia Total whenever they need to weave a refined violet or orris thread through a formula without losing lift or longevity. It excels in heart accords for floral bouquets where natural ionone isolates feel too thin or short lived. A few drops can also polish woody, chypre or amber bases, giving them a plush cosmetic sheen that reads both classic and modern.
At traces up to 0.5 % the material offers a gentle violet whisper that lightens rose, jasmine and mimosa blends. Around 1-2 % the lipstick-like orris facet blooms, adding creamy depth that pairs well with cedar, sandalwood and patchouli. Pushed toward the upper end of 3-5 % it can dominate, creating a bold powdery statement suited to vintage-style makeup accords or gourmand florals. Beyond that point the scent turns heavy and flat, masking delicate top notes and risking a cloying soapiness, so restraint is key.
Iralia Total shows outstanding stability in alkaline and surfactant systems, making it a smart choice for soaps, shampoos, detergents, softeners and scented candles. In fine fragrance it behaves beautifully in both alcohol and oil bases, surviving maceration without discoloration. The only notable limitation is its modest diffusion; if powerful projection is required it should be paired with brighter ionones, acetates or musks that can carry it outward.
For bench work most perfumers prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. This tames its viscosity, eases weighing and allows for precise additions in fractional percentages. Brief warming of the bulk drum to 25-30 °C can help dissolve any crystals that may form during cool storage, but sustained high heat should be avoided to prevent oxidation.
In short, think of Iralia Total as a versatile middle note enhancer: subtle enough to knit together petals and woods at low doses, yet rich enough to star in nostalgic powder accords when given center stage.
Safety Information
Always dilute Iralia Total before evaluating it on a blotter. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle as the concentrated vapor can overwhelm your senses. Work in a well-ventilated area, ideally under a fume hood, to minimize inhalation of airborne particles. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to keep the liquid away from skin and eyes.
While the ingredient is readily biodegradable and considered low hazard in normal use, concentrated contact may cause skin irritation or trigger allergy in sensitive individuals. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before handling any aroma chemicals. Short encounters with low concentrations are generally safe but prolonged or high-level exposure can lead to headache, nausea or respiratory discomfort.
Should a spill occur, absorb it with inert material such as vermiculite then dispose of the waste in accordance with local regulations. Wash contaminated skin with plenty of soap and water; seek medical attention if irritation persists. Keep the container tightly closed when not in use and store it at 15-25 °C away from direct sunlight and oxidizing agents.
Always review the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check it periodically for updates, as classifications and limits can change. Follow current IFRA guidelines to ensure your final product stays within recommended exposure levels and remains safe for consumers.
How To Store & Dispose of Iralia Total
Keep Iralia Total in a cool dark spot away from heaters or windows. A shelf that stays between 15 °C and 25 °C works for day-to-day needs, yet a fridge set around 4 °C can stretch the shelf life even further. No matter the spot, make sure the bottle is upright and protected from light.
Choose glass or aluminum containers fitted with polycone caps, as these give a tight seal that limits air exchange. Dropper tops often leak air so they let the liquid age faster. Try to store the ingredient in the smallest bottle that will hold it so there is very little headspace. Less oxygen means slower oxidation and a fresher smell.
If you make a working dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol, follow the same rules. Label every bottle with the material name, the concentration, the date it was mixed and basic hazard notes. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and help track age.
Accidental spills are easily handled with paper towels or vermiculite. Wipe the spot, place the waste in a sealed bag then put it in the regular trash if local rules allow. The molecule is readily biodegradable, so rinse water from small clean-ups can usually go down the drain with plenty of running water. For larger volumes contact your municipal waste service or a licensed disposal firm.
Always keep chemicals out of reach of children and pets, store them away from food and double-check caps before putting bottles back on the shelf.
Summary
Iralia Total is a liquid aroma chemical from DSM-Firmenich that lives in the floral family and shines with a plush mix of violet, powder and soft woods. Perfumers prize it as an easy way to add creamy orris depth and lasting power in fine fragrance, soap, shampoo, fabric care and candle blends.
The ingredient lasts about a week on a blotter, holds up in tough bases and sits at a mid-range price, which makes it a popular choice for both luxury and mass products. Its scent is fairly specific, so a light touch works best unless a bold powder note is the goal.
Store it cool and sealed to slow oxidation, take basic lab safety steps when handling and take advantage of its ready biodegradability when disposing of small amounts. Commercial buyers can purchase drums direct from DSM-Firmenich or through global distributors, while hobbyists will find smaller bottles offered by specialty resellers and suppliers of generic methylionones.