What Is Lilianth?
Lilianth is a synthetic fragrance material created by IFF, one of the largest suppliers of aroma chemicals in the world. While IFF owns the trademarked name, other suppliers often offer chemically identical versions under generic labels, so you may see it listed simply by its CAS number 91-51-0.
The molecule is produced through a multi-step laboratory process that starts from common aromatic precursors, then moves through controlled reactions to add oxygen and nitrogen atoms in just the right spots. The result is a high-purity liquid suited for perfumery and scented consumer goods.
At room temperature Lilianth appears as a clear yet slightly yellow fluid. It pours easily, blends smoothly with most perfume solvents and retains its color if kept away from heat and light. The material remains usable for roughly two to three years when stored well, though many perfumers keep it longer without noticeable loss of quality.
In a fragrance house stockroom Lilianth is viewed as a moderately priced workhorse. It does not sit in the ultra-luxury tier, yet it brings enough character that formulators reach for it in both fine fragrance and functional products. Its popularity stems from its clean floral profile, its impressive staying power and its declared vegan and readily biodegradable status.
Lilianth’s Scent Description
Lilianth falls squarely into the floral family. Smelled on a blotter the first impression is a cool rush of leafy green mixed with the honeyed brightness of orange blossom. A soft citrus sparkle lifts the opening then eases into a dewy lily-of-the-valley accord. Underneath, a gentle hydroxycitronellal-type sweetness gives the note a smooth creamy polish without turning soapy.
The scent pyramid often gets divided into top, middle and base notes. Top notes bloom in the first minutes, middle notes form the heart of the perfume and base notes linger the longest. Lilianth sits firmly in the middle, yet it has enough lift to peek into the top and enough body to anchor into the drydown. That versatility lets it knit together fresh head notes and deeper musks or woods below.
Projection is moderate: it radiates a bright floral aura within arm’s length rather than filling a room. Longevity is solid, running six to eight hours on skin and easily a full day on fabric or paper, which explains why formulators love it for detergents and softeners as much as for fine fragrance.
How & Where To Use Lilianth
Perfumers reach for Lilianth when they need a clean floral heart that sits between orange blossom and lily of the valley. It slips easily into bouquets that feel wilted or dull, giving them a fresh petal snap without pulling attention away from the lead flower. Think of it as the quiet supporting actor that makes the star look better.
In a white floral accord Lilianth blends well with neroli, jasmine absolutes, petitgrain and modern muguet bases. It also lifts fruity top notes such as bergamot or mandarin, bridging the sparkle of citrus with the softness of the mid-notes. When a formula leans too sweet hydroxycitronellal can feel heavy; swapping part of it for Lilianth keeps the same creamy vibe but with extra green lightness.
Typical inclusion levels sit anywhere from a trace up to about 5% of the total concentrate. At 0.1-0.5% it gives a dew effect that most wearers will not be able to name yet will miss if it is removed. Around 2-3% the material becomes noticeable, reading as a distinct lily-orangeflower chord. Pushed to the high end of 5% it can dominate, which is useful in soap where surfactants swallow delicate notes yet can feel screechy in fine fragrance if not softened by woods or musks.
Be aware that overdose may give a sharp metallic edge, especially in alcohol only bases. Too much can also crowd the mid-zone leaving little space for richer florals. Trial blends at ascending strengths help find the sweet spot before committing to full production.
Lilianth is oil soluble and mixes smoothly in standard perfume alcohol, triethyl citrate or dipropylene glycol. Cold chunks of solid wax can cause temporary cloudiness so warm gently or premix in a small amount of solvent before adding to candles or solid perfumes. The ingredient is stable in alkaline cleaners and hot soap kettles which makes extra antioxidants unnecessary, but always filter finished batches to catch any dust that could seed discoloration later.
Safely Using Lilianth
Dilution is key. Prepare a 10% solution in perfumer’s alcohol or DPG before smelling or blending. Avoid direct sniffing from the neat bottle; instead waft the scent from a blotter strip. Work in a well-ventilated area to limit inhaling concentrated vapors and wear gloves and safety glasses to keep skin and eyes protected.
Lilianth is considered low hazard for brief contact yet any aroma chemical can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive people. If you notice redness, itching or respiratory discomfort stop handling the material and seek medical advice. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before prolonged exposure even at low levels.
Spills are slippery so wipe them up with paper towels then wash the surface with mild detergent. Collect waste solutions in a sealed container and dispose of them according to local chemical regulations rather than pouring down the drain.
Always review the most recent Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and follow the International Fragrance Association guideline limits for your end product type. Regulations and recommended usage rates can change so keep a copy of the latest documents on file and check back periodically.
How To Store & Dispose of Lilianth
Keep Lilianth in a tightly closed amber glass or HDPE bottle stored in a cool dark spot away from direct sunlight and heaters. A basement cabinet or climate-controlled lab drawer works well. If you have spare fridge space set to around 5 °C, chilling the material can tack on extra months of freshness but is not essential as long as room temperatures stay steady.
Use polycone caps for both the neat raw material and any dilutions. These soft liners form a firm seal that limits air exchange. Skip dropper bottles since their vent holes allow slow oxidation and leaks. After each use top up the container with an inert gas spray or transfer the remaining liquid to a smaller bottle so the headspace stays minimal.
Label every vessel with the name Lilianth, the CAS 91-51-0, the concentration and the date poured. Add basic hazard symbols or wording taken from the latest Safety Data Sheet so anyone grabbing the bottle knows what is inside at a glance.
For small spills blot with paper towels and wash the surface with soap and warm water. Place the waste towels in a sealable bag before discarding with normal refuse. Larger liquid leftovers should be collected in a dedicated waste jar. Although Lilianth is classed as inherently biodegradable you should still send bulk quantities to an approved chemical disposal service or municipal hazardous waste drop off. Do not pour liters of concentrate into the drain as local rules may forbid it and sewer microbes can still be overwhelmed.
Summary
Lilianth is a modern floral aroma chemical from IFF that smells like fresh green orange blossom and lily of the valley with a hint of citrus brightness. It acts as a clean middle note that lifts bouquets, freshens detergents and survives the heat of soap making.
The ingredient enjoys steady popularity because it offers strong stability, vegan status and a mid-range price that suits both fine fragrance and mass-market products. Scent specificity is moderate: it will not replace every floral but shines when you need a crisp lily-orangeflower accent.
Store it cool and well sealed, use it between a trace and about 5 percent of your formula and remember that too much can turn sharp. You can buy Lilianth in drum or pail sizes direct from IFF or larger distributors, while smaller trial amounts are often available through online perfumery suppliers that stock generic grades tied to the same CAS number.