What Is Limoxal?
Limoxal is a modern aroma chemical created by the fragrance house IFF. It belongs to a group of molecules crafted to give perfumers a reliable splash of natural-feeling citrus without depending on the harvest of fruit peels. While IFF markets the registered name, third-party suppliers often sell the same molecule under its CAS number 6784-13-0.
The material is produced through a process that starts with renewable citrus by-products left over from the food industry. These leftovers are distilled and refined, then converted into Limoxal in high-tech reactors. Because the feedstock would otherwise be waste, the ingredient falls under the “upcycled” banner and is classed as naturally derived as well as vegan suitable.
At room temperature Limoxal appears as a clear mobile liquid with a faint oily sheen. It pours easily and blends well into both oil and alcohol bases. Perfumers value its stability in fine fragrance and toiletries, making it a frequent choice in eau de parfums, shampoos, soaps and candles.
In day-to-day use Limoxal is considered mid-priced: not a luxury raw material yet not the cheapest option either. Its high odor strength means only small amounts are needed, which keeps overall formula cost reasonable.
When stored in a tightly closed amber bottle away from light and heat, Limoxal keeps its full freshness for roughly two to three years before a slow drop in strength becomes noticeable.
Limoxal’s Scent Description
Limoxal sits firmly in the citrus family. Smelled on a paper blotter it opens with the bright snap of freshly twisted lemon zest followed by a juicy hint of sweet orange. Almost at once a crisp green nuance surfaces, similar to crushed lemon verbena leaves, giving the note more lift and a clean herbal edge.
The first few minutes deliver classic top-note sparkle, yet Limoxal does not vanish quickly. Its profile stays lively through the heart of a composition, adding body to natural citrus oils and keeping them from fading. On some skins a whisper of soft citrus sweetness lingers even into the drydown.
Projection is strong at the start, easily filling personal space with a sunny fizz. After the initial rush it settles to a gentle aura that remains detectable on fabric or blotter for up to two days, in line with its listed substantivity of 48 hours.
How & Where To Use Limoxal
Perfumers pull Limoxal off the shelf when a citrus accord needs more staying power than natural lemon or orange can give. It shines in top notes yet also supports the heart because its glow hangs on for hours. A bright cologne, a modern fougère or even a gourmand can all benefit from its sparkling push.
The material pairs best with natural citrus oils, bergamot, petitgrain and light floral notes such as neroli or mimosa. It also bridges well to green herbs, tea nuances and soft woods so it is often the “glue” that keeps a fresh composition lively from first spray to late drydown.
Typical use sits between 0.5 % and 4 % of the total formula. At trace levels it simply lifts other citruses, giving an almost fizzy twist. Around 1 % to 2 % you will smell its own lemon-orange peel character adding body. Push it toward the upper limit and the note becomes very diffusive with a slight pithy bitterness that can overshadow delicate florals.
Over-use carries the risk of a harsh, detergent-like edge that feels synthetic and can tire the nose. It can also push total allergen load higher in a finished fragrance so careful balance with softer materials is advised.
Limoxal performs well in fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, candles and fabric sprays. It is less happy in high-acid cleaners or bleach where the molecule breaks down and the scent thins out quickly.
No special prep is needed beyond the usual practice of pre-diluting to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. Gentle warming of a cold drum can help if the liquid has thickened but do not exceed 40 °C. Always record the batch number and opening date so you can track freshness over time.
Safely Using Limoxal
Good lab habits keep you safe with any aroma chemical. Always dilute Limoxal before smelling it on a strip. Never sniff straight from the bottle because the vapour can hit your nose at an irritating level. Work in a space with decent airflow so fumes do not build up. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many fragrance ingredients Limoxal can cause skin irritation or trigger an allergy in sensitive users. If you notice redness or itching stop contact and wash with mild soap. Seek medical advice if symptoms persist.
Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should speak with a health professional before handling fragrance raw materials. While brief exposure to low levels is generally considered safe, high concentrations or long work sessions raise the chance of irritation and inhalation issues.
Should a spill occur absorb it with an inert material such as sand or vermiculite, place the waste in a sealed container then dispose of it following local rules. Do not pour large amounts down the drain as it can harm aquatic life.
Always refer to the most recent safety data sheet supplied with your batch and check for updates each time you reorder. Follow IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in finished products to ensure consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Limoxal
Limoxal stays brightest when it is kept cool and out of the light. A dedicated fragrance fridge at around 4 °C slows oxidation and helps the note last well past its two-year shelf life. If refrigeration is not possible choose a cupboard or cabinet away from windows, radiators and fluctuating temperatures. Metal or amber glass bottles do the best job of blocking light.
Air is the main enemy of citrus materials so try to keep containers as full as possible. Decant leftover space into a smaller bottle rather than leave a half-empty one oxidising on the shelf. Fit bottles with polycone caps that seal tightly. Dropper tops look convenient but they let oxygen creep in and can leak solvent fumes.
Before storing any dilution wipe the threads clean, screw the cap down firmly then add a second layer of protection with a stretch of PTFE tape if the bottle will travel. Label everything clearly with the ingredient name, date opened, concentration and any hazard pictograms from the safety data sheet. Good lab notes make it easy to track age and avoid mix-ups.
Limoxal is readily biodegradable, yet that does not mean it should be poured down the sink. Small amounts left on blotters or pipettes can be rinsed away with plenty of water, but larger volumes belong in a sealed waste container marked for organic solvents. Your local waste handler can advise the correct disposal route, often a licensed chemical collection service.
If a bottle breaks absorb the liquid with sand or paper towels, place the waste in a plastic bag then seal it before binning with other hazardous rubbish. Ventilate the room until the citrus smell fades and wash the area with mild detergent.
Summary
Limoxal is an IFF-developed aroma chemical that captures the sparkling peel of lemon and sweet orange while lasting far longer than natural oils. Perfumers prize its ability to lift top notes, bridge into the heart and still whisper in the base after two days on a blotter. Used between trace levels and 4 % it brightens colognes, soaps, shampoos, candles and many other products that need a dependable citrus glow.
Its popularity stems from impressive staying power, broad compatibility and a price point that makes it a practical workhorse rather than a luxury accent. Stability is very good in most finished products though high-acid or bleach formulas will break it down, so testing is wise. The scent is specific to lemon-orange zest with a herbal twist, meaning it may not suit every citrus idea but when the fit is right it delivers volume and freshness no natural alone can match.
Commercial quantities are available directly from IFF or any supplier carrying the CAS 6784-13-0 equivalent. Hobbyists and small brands can find it in 10 % dilutions or neat form through specialist online shops and reseller marketplaces, making this versatile molecule accessible to projects of any size.