What Is Mysore Wood?
Mysore Wood is a modern aroma chemical created by DSM-Firmenich to give perfumers a smooth sandalwood effect without relying on natural sandalwood oil. Although DSM-Firmenich owns the trademarked name, competing suppliers sometimes offer similar woody blends under different trade names.
The material is produced through a controlled synthetic process that mixes several woody molecules, including a few captive ingredients held exclusively by the manufacturer. These components are carefully balanced to mimic the creamy facets of Mysore sandalwood while adding extra lift and diffusion.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear to very slightly yellow liquid that pours easily. It is ready to use straight from the drum, making it convenient for both large-scale factories and small indie studios.
Mysore Wood is now a staple in many perfumers’ libraries because it offers a reliable, sustainable alternative to natural sandalwood. You will find it in fine fragrance formulas, scented soaps, detergents, even candles. Thanks to its versatility it gets used frequently, though never in huge dosages because a little goes a long way.
If stored in a cool dark place with the cap tightly closed it typically keeps its quality for around two to three years before subtle oxidation starts to flatten the scent. Compared with other specialty bases it sits in the mid-price bracket: not the cheapest woody note on the market yet far less costly than genuine Mysore sandalwood oil.
Mysore Wood’s Scent Description
This ingredient falls squarely into the woody family. On a blotter the first impression is a soft creamy sandalwood tone that feels rounded and slightly milky. Within a few minutes a gentle aldehydic sparkle creeps in, giving the wood a clean polished surface rather than a dusty sawmill vibe.
As the scent settles you may notice a faint floral nuance that hints at rose and ylang, followed by a subtle animalic warmth that keeps the composition from smelling too sterile. The overall character is elegant and comforting, like freshly planed sandalwood boards warmed by sunlight.
Perfumers divide fragrance into top middle and base notes. Mysore Wood sits firmly in the base. It does not jump off the strip in the opening but gradually expands, supporting whatever is placed above it. Because of its base-note nature it anchors lighter materials and prolongs their life.
Projection is moderate: it radiates a discreet halo rather than a loud cloud. Longevity is impressive, often lingering on blotter for two days or more before fading to a faint creamy whisper.
How & Where To Use Mysore Wood
Perfumers reach for Mysore Wood when they want a silky sandalwood base that feels richer than straight Iso E Super yet lighter than natural sandalwood oil. It sits comfortably in classic woody orientals, modern fougères and creamy florals where it can prop up rose, iris or ylang without stealing the spotlight. In masculine blends it smooths the edges of cedar and vetiver while giving longevity. In gourmands it adds a subtle milky woodiness that keeps sweet notes from becoming cloying.
Typical usage ranges from a trace up to about 5% of the concentrate. At very low dosages it behaves almost like a fixative, adding a plush backdrop that barely registers as wood. Around 1-2% the creamy sandalwood character becomes obvious and starts to lift the whole composition. Pushed toward the upper end it can dominate and add a slightly aldehydic sparkle that some find soapy, so moderation is wise.
Because the material is already a liquid it needs no melting, but most perfumers pre-dilute it to 10-20% in ethanol, TEC or DPG to fine-tune dosage. The base mixes easily with almost any other perfumery ingredient and is stable in soaps, detergents and candles, yet very high levels in candle wax can mute throw, so testing is essential. It also withstands the high pH of cleaning products without breaking apart.
The main risk of over-use is a flattened, waxy sandalwood note that crowds out more delicate nuances and can read as slightly animalic in hot climates. Layering it with small amounts of cedar, ambrox or a floral lactone often restores balance. Always record the total level in the formula because Mysore Wood contains several molecules that may already appear elsewhere under different trade names, raising cumulative dosage.
Before adding it to a production batch, run a stability test in the intended base. Shake the blend and check for haze or separation after 24 hours. If cloudiness appears, a co-solvent like benzyl benzoate or a higher ethanol ratio usually resolves the problem. Clean pipettes immediately after use, as dried residue can cling and influence the next trial.
Safely Information
Always dilute Mysore Wood before evaluating its aroma. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead waft the scent from a blotter. Work in a well-ventilated area so vapors do not accumulate. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent skin and eye contact.
Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally safe, yet some people may experience skin irritation or sensitization. If you have a history of fragrance allergies start with a very low dilution and limit exposure time. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare professional before handling any aroma chemical.
Prolonged or high-concentration exposure can lead to headaches or respiratory discomfort, so take regular breaks and ensure local exhaust ventilation if you are compounding large batches. Should the liquid touch skin, wash with mild soap and warm water; flush eyes with clean water for at least fifteen minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists.
Keep containers tightly closed when not in use and store away from heat sources or open flames since the flashpoint is 100 °C. Discard any oxidized or off-odor material via a licensed chemical waste service, never down the drain.
Consult the current Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor for detailed toxicology and environmental data, check it regularly for updates and follow IFRA guidelines for maximum safe usage in each product category.
How To Store & Dispose of Mysore Wood
Store Mysore Wood in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight and any heat sources. A cupboard or dedicated fragrance fridge works well and refrigeration can stretch the shelf life by a few extra months, though it is not strictly required. Make sure the space is dry and free from strong odors that could taint your materials.
Use glass or aluminum bottles fitted with tight polycone caps. These liners create a firm seal that keeps oxygen out and stops leaks. Avoid dropper bottles or screw tops without liners because they allow slow evaporation and can make the liquid thicken over time.
Try to keep each bottle as full as possible. Less air in the headspace means slower oxidation and a fresher scent. If you decant into smaller vials for daily use, top them up frequently rather than leaving them half empty. Wipe any drips from the neck before resealing so the cap does not stick.
Label every container clearly with “Mysore Wood,” its dilution strength, the date opened and relevant hazard pictograms. Good labeling saves time when you need to check batch age or trace an issue later.
When a batch starts smelling flat or turns noticeably darker, treat it as spent. Mysore Wood is a synthetic base that does not readily biodegrade so never pour leftovers down the drain. Small residues on scent strips can go in the regular trash, but liquid waste must be collected in a sealed jar and handed to a licensed chemical disposal service or community hazardous waste program. Rinse empty bottles with ethanol, let them air dry, then recycle or dispose of them according to local regulations.
Summary
Mysore Wood is a liquid woody base from DSM-Firmenich designed to give perfumers a creamy sandalwood effect without relying on scarce natural oil. It smells smooth and milky with a clean aldehydic lift, a gentle floral hint and a touch of animalic warmth.
In formulas it sits in the base, boosts longevity and adds elegance to woods, florals, fougères and even gourmands. A percentage as low as 0.1 can act as a plush fixative while around 2 brings the full sandalwood character to life. It is stable in soaps detergents candles and fine fragrance, reasonably priced compared with true Mysore sandalwood and easy to work with since it arrives as a pourable liquid.
Keep an eye on air exposure so the scent does not flatten, and always run stability tests in challenging bases such as high pH cleaners. Too high a dose can push a waxy note so moderation is wise.
Commercial buyers can source Mysore Wood directly from DSM-Firmenich or authorized distributors. Hobbyists and small brands will find smaller quantities through specialty aroma resellers and suppliers that offer generic equivalents, allowing everyone from bedroom experimenters to large houses to enjoy this versatile modern take on sandalwood.