What Is Lilyflore?
Lilyflore is a modern aroma chemical created to give perfumes a clear lily of the valley effect. It was first introduced by DSM-Firmenich, one of the largest suppliers of fragrance materials in the world. Since its launch other suppliers have offered comparable grades, yet the CAS number 285977-85-7 always points you to the same molecule.
The material’s full chemical name is a bit of a mouthful: (2,5-Dimethyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl) methanol. Perfumers usually prefer the short trade name Lilyflore, which is far easier to remember and to write on a formula sheet.
Commercial production relies on controlled chemical synthesis carried out under strict quality standards. The finished product reaches the market as a clear to slightly hazy liquid that can grow small crystals if stored below room temperature. A quick warm water bath turns it fluid again without harming its scent.
Lilyflore is widely used in fine fragrance, soaps, detergents and scented candles because it stays stable in both water-based and oil-based systems. Kept in a cool dark place in a tightly closed bottle it generally keeps its full olfactive strength for at least three years.
From a cost point of view it falls in the middle range: not a luxury material yet not bargain-basement either. This makes it attractive for mass and prestige formulations alike.
Lilyflore’s Scent Description
The ingredient sits in the floral family, more specifically the muguet or lily of the valley sub-group. Off a blotter the first impression is a fresh watery petal note that feels bright and clean. Within seconds a soft powdery facet appears, smoothing the edges and giving the aroma a silky texture.
Perfumers place Lilyflore in the heart of a fragrance. It rises quickly enough to be noticed among the top notes yet lingers long enough to bridge into the base. Because of this dual behavior it helps connect light citrus openings with deeper musks or woods underneath.
Projection is moderate: it does not shout across the room but it radiates a quiet floral glow that fills personal space with ease. Longevity is remarkable for a muguet material, lasting many hours on skin and up to a month on a smelling strip.
How & Where To Use Lilyflore
Perfumers reach for Lilyflore when they want a bright lily of the valley effect that still has body. It slots neatly into a floral heart accord, lifting lighter top notes and giving the center of the fragrance a clean watery shine. In a classic muguet accord it can replace part of Hydroxycitronellal or Lilial, offering comparable freshness while adding more tenacity.
Lilyflore excels in transparent feminine florals, modern fougères and even aquatic colognes where a watery petal nuance is desirable. At 0.2-1 % of the total concentrate it simply polishes the bouquet. Push it to 1-3 % and the material becomes a clearer soloist, turning the whole build into a dewy white floral spotlight. Near the upper guideline of 5 % its powdery side dominates and the formula can start to feel soapy or overly sweet, so moderation is wise.
The ingredient performs well in most finished products. Fine fragrance, soaps, shower gels and detergents all showcase its bloom without noticeable discoloration or instability. In shampoos and all-purpose cleaners the scent can thin out a little, so pairing it with a small dose of florhydral or lemon top notes helps reinforce the lift. Candles are possible, though the flashpoint means you will need a proper solvent or a slow cool pour to avoid crystallization.
A common prep step is warming the raw material if any crystals have formed. Place the sealed bottle in a hot water bath for a few minutes, swirl, then let it cool to room temperature before weighing. Most perfumers pre-dilute Lilyflore to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol, which keeps dosing accurate and prevents sudden overdosing. Remember that the scent seems lighter in dilution but blooms once blended with other florals, so always smell the complete base before deciding whether to add more.
Overuse can flatten a composition, making it feel chalky and robbing brighter notes of space. A good rule is to add it early in the build, evaluate, then adjust other materials rather than simply increasing Lilyflore for more volume.
Safely Using Lilyflore
Work with Lilyflore the same way you would any concentrated aroma chemical. Always dilute before evaluating, ideally to 10 % or less in a suitable solvent. Avoid sniffing straight from the bottle, as the neat vapor can overwhelm the nose and mask subtleties. Keep windows open or run a fume hood so airborne molecules disperse quickly. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Although Lilyflore is considered non-sensitizing it can still irritate sensitive skin, especially in high concentration. Anyone with known allergies should proceed with caution, and those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss potential exposure with a healthcare professional before regular handling. Short sessions with low levels are generally harmless, but long hours around undiluted material may cause headaches or respiratory discomfort.
Spills clean up easily with paper towels followed by soap and water. Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark cabinet away from direct sunlight and strong acids or bases. If disposal becomes necessary, absorb the liquid onto an inert material such as vermiculite then follow your local regulations for chemical waste rather than pouring it down the drain.
Finally, always consult the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor, as formulation or regulatory updates can change recommended limits. Cross check those figures with the latest IFRA standards to ensure your finished product stays within global safety guidelines.
How To Store & Dispose of Lilyflore
Lilyflore keeps its sparkle longest when it is protected from heat, light and oxygen. A refrigerator set around 4-8 °C is ideal, but a cool cupboard that stays below 20 °C works well if space is limited. Whichever option you choose, always seal the bottle tightly as the material can form tiny crystals if the temperature drops too far. A quick warm water bath returns any solidified residue to a clear liquid without damaging the scent.
Use bottles fitted with polycone caps for both the neat raw material and any dilutions. The soft liner molds to the glass and prevents slow evaporation that can change concentration over time. Standard dropper tops and pipette bottles let air creep in, which accelerates oxidation and dulls the fresh floral profile. Topping up partially empty bottles or transferring the remainder to a smaller vial also reduces headspace and further limits air exposure.
Store Lilyflore away from direct sunlight, radiators and any source of ignition. Its flashpoint sits at 142 °C, so it is not highly flammable yet good laboratory practice still keeps it clear of open flames. Label every container with the ingredient name, CAS number, concentration if diluted and basic hazard pictograms so anyone in the workspace knows what is inside at a glance.
When a batch finally reaches the end of its life, resist the temptation to pour leftovers down the drain. The molecule is only slowly biodegradable and its low vapor pressure means it can persist in water systems. For small amounts, soak the liquid into cat litter or vermiculite, seal the absorbent in a sturdy bag then take it to your local household hazardous waste center. Larger volumes should be collected by a licensed chemical disposal service that can process organic waste according to regional regulations.
Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent, let them dry, then dispose or recycle as directed by local rules. Document the disposal in your inventory log so you always know what has left the premises.
Summary
Lilyflore is a DSM-Firmenich floral ingredient that delivers a bright watery lily of the valley impression coupled with a soft powdery undertone. Its balanced profile gives perfumers a versatile bridge between sparkling top notes and musky or woody bases while offering impressive staying power for a muguet note.
The material remains popular because it is stable in most product types, non sensitizing and priced in the mid range. That sweet spot lets it appear in prestige perfumes, everyday shampoos and even detergents without blowing the budget. Its clear floral identity means it shines in light feminine bouquets, modern fougères and aquatic builds, though too high a dose can push a formula toward soapy territory.
Lilyflore stores well under cool dark conditions and behaves reliably in both oil and water based systems, yet it still benefits from proper sealing, minimal air contact and occasional gentle warming if crystals form. Cost, stability and olfactive clarity all make it a go-to choice for many creators.
Commercial houses can source the ingredient directly from DSM-Firmenich or competing manufacturers that offer the same CAS number. Hobbyists and smaller labs will find decanted quantities through specialist fragrance suppliers, online resellers and some DIY candle or soap outlets, allowing anyone from novice to professional to explore this modern floral star.