What Is Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol?
Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol is a concentrated lime ingredient created by DSM-Firmenich for use in fragrances and fragranced products. The name signals three key points: the source fruit is Tahiti lime, the oil has been distilled five times for extra purity, and it has been “decol” or decolorized to remove much of the natural green tint.
Although DSM-Firmenich owns the Citronova process, other suppliers offer their own highly distilled lime oils that aim for a similar aroma profile. What sets Citronova apart is a proprietary distillation method that reduces limonene while preserving the juicy tonalities of the fruit. After distillation, several fractions are blended back together by in-house specialists to deliver a well balanced lime note.
At room temperature the material is a clear to very pale yellow liquid with a thin texture that pours easily. It is most often supplied in aluminum or amber glass drums to protect it from light and air. Used across fine fragrance, personal care and home care, it has become a dependable workhorse for perfumers who need a bright lime effect that stays clean in soap and detergent bases.
When stored in a cool dark place and kept tightly closed, the ingredient typically retains its best quality for around two years. Past that point it can still be usable, but the top note starts to fade. Compared with other citrus specialties it sits in the mid to lower price tier, making it practical for both prestige perfumes and mass-market cleaning products.
Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol’s Scent Description
This material belongs squarely to the citrus family. On a blotter the first impression is a burst of fresh lime juice followed by the zing of grated peel. Within seconds a mild sweet facet rises, reminiscent of lime cordial, and a faint coumarin whisper brings a creamy undertone that keeps the oil from feeling too sharp.
Perfumers organise smells into top, middle and base notes based on how fast they evaporate. Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol is a classic top note. It flashes off quickly, giving an opening sparkle that invites the wearer in, then hands the stage to slower lasting ingredients beneath it.
Projection is lively for the first few minutes, filling personal space with a crisp green aura. On a paper blotter the main effect is noticeable for up to two hours before it settles to a gentle citrus trace. In a complete perfume formula its brightness can be extended by blending with fixatives, but on its own its job is to provide that vivid first hello.
How & Where To Use Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol
Perfumers pull out Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol when they need a bright but clean lime flash that will survive in soapy or detergent bases. It works well as the sole citrus top note yet also mixes seamlessly with other citruses like bergamot or grapefruit to build a more complex zest accord. Because the limonene content is lowered the material keeps its freshness in alkaline formulas where classic cold-pressed lime oil can smell pithy or oxidised.
In tropical colognes it brings an instant mojito vibe. In fougères it pairs with lavender and coumarin to freshen the opening without stealing the show. Gourmand perfumers use it at low levels to lift coconut, rum or vanilla notes. It is less helpful in heavy oriental bases where its sparkle can be smothered unless a strong diffusion booster is added.
Typical inclusion sits anywhere from trace amounts to about 3 percent of the total concentrate. At 0.1 percent it whispers a gentle peel nuance. At 1 percent the juice effect is unmistakable. Pushing past 3 percent risks a sour edge that can clash with florals or make the formula feel cheaper than intended. Overdosing also raises the chance of photosensitivity issues on skin.
The oil is pourable and blends easily with alcohol, dipropylene glycol and most fixed oils so no special solubiliser is normally needed. Cold materials may show slight clouding; a gentle warm-water bath and a shake returns clarity. Always pre-weigh into a secondary bottle rather than pipetting straight from the supplier drum to avoid oxidation of the bulk.
Safely Information
Always dilute Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol before smelling it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space so vapours never build up. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many citrus derivatives the material can trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive users so keep contact brief and wash off promptly if it touches you. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your doctor before regular handling. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally safe yet long sessions around high levels can dry the skin or irritate the respiratory tract.
Store it tightly closed in a cool dark place away from heat sources and food. Spills wipe up with paper towels then wash the area with mild detergent. Small leftover amounts can be adsorbed onto kitty litter and disposed of with standard household waste, while larger volumes should follow local chemical disposal rules.
Always read the latest safety data sheet from your supplier and check it for changes. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum skin contact levels in each product type to keep both makers and users safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol
Good storage keeps the lime note crisp for as long as possible. A refrigerator set around 4 °C slows oxidation yet a standard cool dark cupboard away from radiators or windows usually works if space is limited. Whichever location you choose make sure the bottle never sits in direct light or near strong odors that could migrate through the seal.
Use containers with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. The cone creates a tight barrier against oxygen so the aroma stays fresh. Avoid glass droppers or pipette caps as they let air creep in and the rubber can leach an off smell over time. Decant only what you need for immediate use and top up the main bottle with inert gas or simply keep it filled to the shoulder to minimize headspace.
Label every vessel clearly with the full name Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol, the date it was opened and any hazard icons from the safety data sheet. This stops mix-ups on the bench and reminds you when to check quality. Keep the labels dry and legible so they hold up during spills.
Small spills wipe up with paper towel then wash the surface with warm soapy water. Soiled towels can go in household trash once fully dry. For disposal of leftover material, first see if a friend or local maker can use it. If not, absorb into kitty litter or sand, seal in a bag and place with chemical waste according to local rules. Although the oil is largely biodegradable it can still harm aquatic life in concentrated form so do not pour it straight down the drain unless local regulations permit very dilute rinsing.
Summary
Lime Tahiti Citronova 5X Decol is a DSM-Firmenich specialty that delivers a vivid juicy lime top note with reduced limonene, making it cleaner and more stable than standard cold-pressed oil. It opens a formula with sparkling peel and sweet cordial facets, then fades before the heart to leave room for deeper themes.
Its popularity comes from a balance of brightness, price and versatility. The material survives well in soap, detergent and candle bases, yet it is refined enough for fine fragrance. Stability is good for a citrus but still benefits from cool storage and low air exposure. Cost sits in the mid range, allowing generous use without blowing the budget, though its very specific lime signature means careful dosing is key.
Commercial buyers can order direct from DSM-Firmenich or authorized distributors in drum sizes. Hobbyists and small brands will find it repacked by specialist aroma suppliers or as equivalent generic fractions from other manufacturers. Wherever you source it, follow the same handling and labeling practices to keep that bright Tahiti lime character performing at its best.