What Is Lime Oxide?
Lime Oxide is a synthetic aroma chemical that delivers a bright citrus kick to perfumes and fragranced products. It was first put on the market by Givaudan, a leading supplier of fragrance ingredients, though other firms now offer similar grades under generic names.
The material starts life from terpene sources found in natural citrus oils. These terpenes are refined then gently oxidised in a controlled process that keeps unwanted by-products to a minimum. The result is a clear oil-like liquid that stays fluid at normal room temperatures and pours with ease.
Lime Oxide is well known among perfumers who create household cleaners, soaps and air care items. It sees less use in high-end fine fragrance, yet it is far from rare. A fresh batch stored in a cool dark place can hold its quality for roughly two to three years before the top note loses sparkle.
On the cost scale it sits in the lower to middle bracket. That affordability, combined with strong odour power and good stability in harsh bases, helps explain its popularity in large-volume functional products.
Lime Oxide’s Scent Description
Lime Oxide belongs to the wider citrus family. On a blotter it opens with a sharp juicy lime peel note that feels almost mouth-watering. Within seconds a leafy green edge appears, adding a crisp garden freshness. As it settles the lime turns slightly sweeter while a faint herbal accent gives the impression of crushed mint stems without any overt mint smell.
Perfumers split scents into top, middle and base notes based on how quickly they evaporate. Lime Oxide is firmly a top note. It bursts out fast, sets the stage then makes room for the heart of the perfume. Expect its main impact to last around 20 to 30 minutes on skin or fabric, though a whisper of citrus may linger longer when blended with slower materials.
Projection is high during the opening. Even small amounts can brighten a whole composition so it should be dosed with care. Longevity on its own is modest yet in a complete formula it can extend slightly when anchored by woods musks or resins.
How & Where To Use Lime Oxide
Perfumers usually reach for Lime Oxide when a formula needs an instant citrus lift that feels brighter than sweet orange yet less sharp than straight limonene. It works as the main lime note in a top accord or as a supporting booster that pushes other citruses forward. Blended with citral, petitgrain or mint it helps create sparkling cologne, mojito or margarita ideas. A trace alongside leafy galbanum gives a juicy green edge to tea or fig accords, while pairing it with white musks tones down any terpene roughness.
Applications span both fine fragrance and functional products. Givaudan rates its bloom in soap at the highest level so bar soap, shower gel and laundry detergent are prime territories. Stability tests show full performance from pH 2 to 11, even in bleach, making it a safe choice for hard surface cleaners and toilet blocks. It is less effective in candles because of low burning impact and short blotter life so heavier citrus bases such as terpinyl acetate or hexyl acetate may be better for wax.
Typical usage sits between traces and 5 percent of the concentrate. At 0.1 percent it simply freshens without being noticeable. Around 1 percent the lime character becomes clear and natural. Push it above 3 percent and the note can turn harsh, resinous and overpower lighter florals, and it may also increase the risk of skin irritation in leave-on products. Always dose cautiously then scale up if needed.
The ingredient arrives as a neat liquid so weigh it accurately and dilute to 10 percent in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or triethyl citrate before evaluation. This makes it easier to judge the odour curve and prevents accidental overdosing. Because terpene mixtures can soften some plastics, store the diluted sample in glass or aluminium and wipe any spills promptly.
Safely Using Lime Oxide
Handle Lime Oxide with the same care you give all aroma chemicals. Dilute before smelling, avoid sniffing straight from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space. Gloves and safety glasses prevent the liquid from contacting skin or eyes.
While brief exposure to low levels is usually safe, the material can irritate sensitive skin and may trigger allergies in some people. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should check with a medical professional before regular use. High concentrations or prolonged exposure increase the chance of headaches, respiratory discomfort and dermatitis so respect the recommended limits.
Clean spills with absorbent material, dispose of waste according to local regulations and never pour leftovers down the sink. Keep the bottle tightly closed, out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources to slow oxidation and preserve the lime freshness.
Always consult the latest supplier Safety Data Sheet for definitive guidance and review it frequently in case of updates. Follow the current IFRA standards for maximum use levels in each product type to ensure your formula remains both effective and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Lime Oxide
Store Lime Oxide in tightly closed containers kept in a cool dark cupboard away from radiators and direct sunlight. Refrigeration is not essential but a stable low temperature slows oxidation and helps the lime note stay crisp for longer. Wherever you place the bottle make sure the area is dry and well ventilated to stop vapour build-up.
Use polycone caps on both neat material and working dilutions. These caps create a snug seal that blocks air and prevents leaks better than glass droppers or pipette tops. Avoid squeezing air back into the bottle when you sample and aim to keep containers as full as possible by transferring leftovers to smaller vials once the level drops. Less headspace means less oxygen which means longer shelf life.
Label every container clearly with “Lime Oxide,” the CAS number 73018-51-6 and pictograms or hazard phrases taken from the Safety Data Sheet. Include the dilution strength and the date you opened the batch so you can track ageing.
When the material finally loses its sparkle or you no longer need it treat it as hazardous waste. Although Lime Oxide is inherently biodegradable it is also toxic to aquatic organisms so never pour it down the sink or onto soil. Small residues can be soaked into paper or vermiculite then sealed in a disposal bag and sent to a chemical waste collection point. Larger volumes should go to a licensed waste contractor who can handle organic solvents safely. Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent, follow with soapy water then recycle or discard according to local regulations.
Summary
Lime Oxide is a high impact Givaudan citrus ingredient built from a blend of monoterpenes and cyclic ethers that delivers a bright realistic lime zest impression with a hint of leafy green. Used at traces up to 5 percent it boosts freshness in soaps detergents cleaners and modern fine fragrances while showing outstanding pH and bleach stability.
Its appeal lies in the way a small dose can lift a whole formula at a reasonable cost making it a workhorse note for both mass market and premium projects. Perfumers need to watch for quick top note fade on skin and potential harshness at high levels but within recommended limits it performs reliably.
Bulk supply comes directly from Givaudan or competing aroma chemical vendors yet hobbyists can pick up smaller quantities from specialist resellers and online stores that cater to independent perfumers. Handle it with basic protective gear store it cool and well sealed and dispose of any excess responsibly to keep enjoying that sparkling lime kick whenever a composition calls for extra zest.