Orris Cte Type 15 Irone: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Orris Cte Type 15 Irone?

Orris Cte Type 15 Irone is a specialty fragrance material designed to capture the classic powdery heart of natural iris root. DSM-Firmenich developed and markets the product, yet other suppliers sometimes offer similar irone blends under different trade names. The DSM-Firmenich version is built around a blend of irone isomers and supporting notes that reproduce the velvety feel of genuine orris butter while remaining easier to work with in the lab.

In its pure state the ingredient appears as a clear to very pale yellow liquid at normal room temperature. This contrasts with natural orris butter, which solidifies into a waxy block. The liquid form lets perfumers dose it straight from the drum without warming or melting, saving both time and waste.

Production begins with orris rhizomes that are aged to allow irones to form, followed by extraction and isolation. Captive molecules, green touches and subtle woody parts are then blended to reach the “Type 15” balance. The result is a consistent profile every batch, something raw orris cannot always guarantee.

Orris Cte Type 15 Irone turns up in fine fragrance, candles, bodywash, detergent and even fabric softener bases. Because the formula is quite stable it holds up under the high pH of soap or the heat of candle wax. Stored tightly closed, away from light and heat, most stockists count on a shelf life of about two to three years before any noticeable shift in odor quality.

While it is less costly than true iris absolute it still falls in the premium bracket for aroma chemicals, reflecting both the price of iris crops and the specialist processing involved. Perfumers often treat it as a signature material used at modest concentrations to stretch the budget.

Orris Cte Type 15 Irone’s Scent Description

The material sits firmly in the floral family, yet it leans toward the powdery side rather than a heady bouquet. On a blotter the first impression is a crisp green carrot-leaf facet that quickly melts into soft violet candy. Within minutes a creamy earthy tone rises, recalling fresh lipstick, suede and a hint of warm cedar shavings.

Perfume creation usually divides odor development into top, middle and base notes. Top notes are the brightest and evaporate first, middles form the heart and show after a few minutes, while bases linger for hours. Orris Cte Type 15 Irone behaves as a mid-range note. It emerges shortly after application then anchors the composition for a respectable stretch, linking lighter accents to deeper woods or musks.

Projection is gentle rather than forceful. It drifts in a soft cloud that invites people closer rather than shouting across the room. Longevity on skin or fabric is solid, often six to eight hours, yet it will not outstay heavier base notes such as patchouli or amber that can push well past that mark. The ingredient excels at adding a plush, elegant veil that smooths rough edges and introduces a nostalgic powder puff effect.

How & Where To Use Orris Cte Type 15 Irone

Perfumers reach for Orris Cte Type 15 Irone when they want to weave a classic powdery iris effect without the waxy handling headaches of natural orris butter. It sits beautifully at the heart of floral bouquets, lipstick accords, cosmetic powder notes or soft suede themes. When blended with violet leaf it pushes a sweet cosmetic vibe, while pairing it with rose or raspberry materials pulls out a fruity nuance that feels modern and airy.

The material excels at smoothing transitions between bright top notes and darker bases. A few drops in a citrus opening tame potential harshness, and it bridges seamlessly into woods or musks later in the drydown. Many perfumers substitute it for part of the traditional ionone content when they need more creamy heft or use it alongside gamma ionone to create a richer violet facet.

Recommended dosages in fine fragrance usually sit between 0.05 % and 2 % of the concentrate. Traces lend an elegant veil, while levels above 1 % push a plush makeup counter aura. In soaps or fabric softeners the dose can climb to 3 %-5 % because alkaline or hot bases mute the finer details. At very high concentration the note can feel cloying, dusty or slightly waxy, crowding delicate florals and dulling projection so moderation is key.

The ingredient arrives as a pourable liquid so no melting is required, yet many creators still prepare a 10 % ethanol or IPM dilution for easier pipetting and cost control. As with any iris material it can cling to glassware, so rinse measuring tools promptly to avoid cross contamination with fresh citrus or green accords.

Orris Cte Type 15 Irone is quite stable in most product matrices, but in candle wax it benefits from a brief pre blend with a neutral solvent to promote even throw. It dislikes highly acidic cleaners, where its delicate facets can flatten, so consider sturdier violet molecules in those applications.

Safely Information

Always dilute Orris Cte Type 15 Irone before evaluating it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space to limit inhalation of vapor. Gloves and safety glasses provide a first line of defense against accidental splashes or spills.

Like many aroma chemicals this material can provoke skin irritation or allergic response in sensitive individuals. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before prolonged work with fragrance ingredients. Brief exposure to low levels is generally viewed as safe yet extended contact with higher doses can lead to headache, nausea or dermal sensitization.

Label all dilutions clearly, keep containers tightly closed and clean up spills with absorbent paper followed by soap and water. Dispose of waste in line with local regulations for scented solvents, never down household drains.

Always review the current Safety Data Sheet issued by your supplier since handling instructions and exposure limits can change without notice. Adhere to the latest IFRA guidelines when setting final usage levels in consumer products to ensure full compliance and peace of mind.

How To Store & Dispose of Orris Cte Type 15 Irone

Store unopened drums or bottles in a cool dark cupboard or dedicated fragrance fridge. While refrigeration is not essential it slows oxidation and keeps the profile fresher for longer. If the fridge is crowded a shelf that stays below 20 °C and out of direct sunlight will still give good results.

Air exposure is the main enemy. Use polycone lined caps for both neat material and any dilutions because they form a tight seal that resists leakage and vapor loss. Dropper tops invite slow evaporation and can trap residue in the cap so they are best avoided. Repack large volumes into smaller amber or aluminum bottles as you work through the stock so each container stays as full as possible and limit the headspace.

Label every bottle clearly with the full name, batch number, dilution strength and hazard symbols. Add the date opened so you can track freshness during formula revisions. Keep acids, bleaching agents or strong bases on a separate shelf since these speed up degradation if they leak.

For disposal treat the material as non water soluble fragrance waste. Small laboratory quantities can be soaked into vermiculite or paper then placed in a sealed bag for solid chemical collection. Larger volumes should go through a licensed hazardous waste contractor. Do not rinse into household drains because irone rich residues can stress septic systems and local waterways. The blend is not classed as readily biodegradable so controlled incineration remains the safest end of life route.

Summary

Orris Cte Type 15 Irone is a liquid specialty that reproduces the velvety powder of aged iris root without the handling hassle of solid orris butter. On skin it gives a soft green opening that drifts into violet candy lipstick and light cedar, making it a go to heart note for floral, cosmetic or soft suede themes.

Perfumers prize it for smoothing harsh edges, adding plush texture and stretching costly natural iris. It behaves well in fine fragrance, soap, fabric softener, detergent and candle bases though very acidic cleaners can flatten its nuance. Cost sits above everyday aromatics yet below true iris absolute so most creators use it at modest levels to balance budget and impact.

Stability is solid across pH and moderate heat, still storage away from light keeps the scent crisp. If you plan heavy dosing remember the powdery profile can turn dusty so pair it with sparkling tops and vibrant woods for lift.

Commercial quantities come direct from DSM-Firmenich or their authorized distributors. Hobbyists and small brands often source decanted lots or generic irone blends from specialist online retailers that cater to artisan perfumers, making it easy to experiment before committing to a full drum.

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