What Is Orris Cte Type 15 Irone?
Orris Cte Type 15 Irone is a speciality ingredient developed by the dsm-firmenich research teams and first introduced to perfumers in 2015. It is part of a series of Orris concentrates designed to offer a ready-to-use source of irones, the key molecules that give Iris roots their signature character.
The material is produced through a two-step approach. First, aged Iris rhizomes are harvested and processed to obtain orris butter, a waxy substance naturally rich in irones. Second, this orris fraction is blended with carefully chosen synthetic boosters and a few captive molecules held exclusively by the supplier. The result is a liquid concentrate that delivers consistent quality and strength while sidestepping the supply-chain swings often seen with pure natural orris.
Because the formula combines natural extracts with lab-made components it falls into the “nature-identical blend” category rather than being entirely natural or strictly synthetic. The finished product is a clear to pale yellow liquid at room temperature which makes it easy to dose and filter compared with the solid orris butter from which it is derived.
Orris materials are prized yet notoriously costly due to the long three-year aging period the roots need before distillation. By concentrating the most effective portions and extending them with complementary molecules this Type 15 version brings the price point down to a level that many fragrance houses can justify for everyday use. You will still find it more premium than common aroma chemicals, but it is far more accessible than top-grade pure orris absolute.
The concentrate sees regular use in fine fragrances as well as personal care bases where a touch of Iris luxury is desired without the risk of crystallisation or discoloration. Its liquid format, good stability and dependable supply have made it a staple on many perfumers’ shelves worldwide.
What Does Orris Cte Type 15 Irone Smell Like?
This ingredient sits firmly in the powdery olfactory family.
On a blotter the opening is immediately soft and cosmetic, calling to mind high-end face powder fresh out of its compact. Within a few minutes a gentle floral nuance emerges that suggests freshly crushed violet petals rather than a lush bouquet. Underneath, a faint green crispness keeps the sweetness in check while a discreet woody facet lends depth.
The material behaves as a mid-to-base note. It rises fairly quickly yet does not flash off like citrusy top notes. Instead it settles into the heart of a composition and then anchors itself for many hours, giving body and sophistication long after brighter elements have faded.
Projection is moderate; it creates an intimate aura rather than a room-filling cloud which makes it perfect for fragrances aiming for elegance over impact. Longevity on blotter is impressive at well over a day, and on skin it can still be detected in the dry-down the next morning especially when paired with musk or soft woods.
How & Where To Use Orris Cte Type 15 Irone
Perfumers tend to smile when they pick up this bottle. Being a clear liquid that pours easily and stays soluble in most bases it is less fussy than traditional orris products, so daily bench work feels straightforward rather than delicate.
Formula wise the material excels as the main powdery driver in cosmetic, lipstick or vintage floral accords. A few drops instantly give a fragrance that soft focus effect associated with luxury face powder, making it a go-to when iris absolute is out of budget or too waxy. It blends smoothly with violet leaf, rose, heliotropin, musks and soft woods, while a trace of ionones or raspberry ketone can push it toward fruity facets.
Creators usually reach for it over plain methyl ionone when they want more authenticity and depth. Compared with high grade orris butter it offers less earthy carrot nuance yet brings better lift and diffusion, qualities welcomed in modern, clean style compositions.
Applications span fine fragrance, shampoo, shower gel, soap, fabric care and scented candles. In alcohol perfumes it holds its character for hours. In surfactant bases it keeps its powdery soul even under mild alkaline pH, though ultra high pH laundry powders may dull the subtler floral tones.
Typical inclusion levels run from traces around 0.05 % for a discreet cosmetic veil to 2–3 % when the brief calls for a clearly recognisable iris heart. Going past 5 % rarely adds value and can crowd out brighter notes, so most perfumers stay below that ceiling.
Perception shifts with dosage. At low levels it shows a cool green violet glow; push it higher and the accord becomes sweeter, creamier and more distinctly cosmetic. Very high concentrations may read slightly waxy which is easily balanced with citrus, aldehydes or soft cedar.
No special prep is usually needed, yet a quick shake before pipetting ensures uniformity if the bottle has sat for months. Should minor crystal flecks appear during winter, warming the container to 30 °C and stirring restores full clarity.
Safety Information
Working with Orris Cte Type 15 Irone demands the same sensible precautions applied to all aroma materials.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare a 10 % solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before smelling to avoid nose fatigue and inaccurate assessment
- Avoid sniffing from the bottle: waft the diluted blotter toward the nose instead of inhaling directly from the opening
- Ensure good ventilation: blend and weigh in a fume hood or well-aired space to keep vapor concentration low
- Use personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to prevent accidental contact with skin or eyes
- Monitor health considerations: some aroma chemicals may provoke irritation or allergy, prolonged exposure at high levels can be harmful and medical advice is recommended for anyone pregnant or breastfeeding
For complete security rely on the latest supplier Material Safety Data Sheet and review it routinely, as updates occur over time. In every project confirm that total concentration stays within current IFRA guidelines for the chosen product category.
Storage And Disposal
When stored with care Orris Cte Type 15 Irone will keep its full character for around twenty four months before a slow drop in strength becomes noticeable. Some customers report good results for up to three years, yet two years is a sensible target for best quality.
Refrigeration is helpful but not essential. A cool cupboard held at 15-20 °C, out of direct sunlight and away from hot machinery, already gives a stable environment. Light and heat speed up oxidation so choose amber or opaque bottles whenever possible and place them in a closed box if the lab gets bright.
Use bottles fitted with polycone caps for both neat material and dilutions. These cone-shaped liners form a tight seal that blocks air and stops slow leaks. Dropper bottles look handy yet often admit more oxygen with every use and should be avoided for long-term storage.
Keep containers as full as practical. Topping up smaller sizes or decanting into a fresh vial once you reach the halfway mark reduces the empty headspace where oxygen gathers. Give the bottle a gentle shake after returning it to the fridge so any slight stratification evens out.
Label every container clearly with the material name, concentration if diluted, date of opening and the main safety phrases from the SDS. A legible label saves guesswork months down the line and protects anyone who may handle the stock after you.
In terms of disposal this ingredient is not classed as highly toxic yet it is slow to biodegrade in large amounts. Small laboratory residues can usually be rinsed away with plenty of running water followed by detergent, assuming local rules allow. Bulk quantities, expired stock or spill clean-up solvents should go into the hazardous organic waste stream for professional treatment. Never pour litres of unused fragrance down the drain.
Summary
Orris Cte Type 15 Irone is a liquid blend that packages the prized powdery heart of iris into an easy, ready-to-dose form. It smells like fine face powder touched with violet, a hint of green crunch and a soft woody backdrop. The material slides into cosmetic florals, vintage chypres, raspberry twists and even laundry accords, making it a fun building block for both luxury perfume and everyday care products.
Its growing popularity comes from a sweet spot of price, stability and user-friendly texture that pure orris butter cannot match. Still, it stays more costly than many synthetics and its delicate profile can get lost if you overload bright citruses or heavy resins. Store it cool, watch the dosage and it will reward you with hours of elegant softness.