What Is Oxyoctaline Formate?
Oxyoctaline Formate is a synthetic aroma molecule created by Givaudan, one of the world’s leading fragrance houses. While Givaudan owns the trade name, other aroma chemical suppliers sometimes offer similar grades under generic labels, so the material is not exclusive to a single catalog.
Chemically, it belongs to a family of compact woody molecules that carry an added formate group, which rounds off the structure with a soft amber tone. The manufacturing process is fully lab based: a multi-step synthesis produces an oxyoctaline core, then a final formylation step attaches the formate portion that gives the ingredient its signature warmth.
At room temperature the material pours as a clear liquid that can pick up a pale straw tint over time. Viscosity is low, making it easy to measure and blend. It is classed as an impactful base note, so only small amounts are needed to leave a lasting trace in a formula.
Perfumers reach for Oxyoctaline Formate whenever they want to reinforce woody accords or add a polished amber glow without heaviness. It is common in fine fragrances, candles, shower products and even fabric conditioners, so most consumers have enjoyed its scent without realising. The material keeps its olfactive strength for at least two years when stored correctly, although many labs report good quality up to five.
Pricewise it sits in the mid range: not a budget diluent, yet far from the luxury tier of rare naturals. Its reliability, versatility and concentrated performance make it cost effective for commercial perfumery.
Oxyoctaline Formate’s Scent Description
The ingredient is generally grouped in the woody family, though its character leans toward an ambery wood rather than a dry timber note. Off a perfume blotter the first impression is a smooth, resin-like warmth similar to labdanum mixed with polished cedar. Within seconds a soft incense facet emerges, giving an olibanum-style lift that keeps the woodiness from feeling flat. As it settles a gentle balsamic sweetness appears, rounded by a whisper of dried fruit that adds richness without becoming gourmand.
To understand where this material sits in a fragrance we can break a perfume into top, middle and base notes. Top notes flash off quickly, middle notes shape the heart and base notes linger for hours. Oxyoctaline Formate is firmly in the base group. Its molecules evaporate slowly, so the scent shows little at the very start yet anchors the entire composition once the lighter notes fade.
Projection is moderate: it does not shout across a room, instead creating a refined aura that supports other woods, resins and musks. Longevity is impressive. On a standard paper blotter a well-dosed touch of Oxyoctaline Formate can still be detected a full week later, and on skin it commonly hums along for eight to ten hours depending on concentration and individual chemistry.
How & Where To Use Oxyoctaline Formate
Perfumers usually reach for Oxyoctaline Formate when a woody base needs more polish than cedarwood but less sweetness than typical amber materials. It excels in modern woody amber accords, where it can bridge dry cedar, patchouli or vetiver with warm resinous notes such as labdanum or frankincense. At low levels it quietly rounds off rough edges, while higher doses give a fragrance a plush woody glow that lingers for days.
The manufacturer lists a working range of 0.5 % to 10 %. In fine fragrance 1 % to 3 % in concentrate is common. Home care formats like fabric softener or liquid detergent may climb toward the higher end to compensate for wash off. In candles and reed diffusers it performs well around 5 %, helping throw without causing sooting.
Concentration changes how the note is perceived. Below 1 % it reads as a faint amber haze that thickens other woods without drawing attention. Around 3 % the olibanum effect becomes noticeable giving a gentle incense aura. Push past 6 % and the material dominates, which can flatten brighter elements and create an over-sweet dryness, so balance with fresher top or mid notes.
Oxyoctaline Formate blends easily with most raw materials. It loves ISO E Super, Ambroxan, sandalwood lactones and cedar derivatives. A trace of incense resinoid or citrus oil can lift it. The only poor partners are harsh phenolic oud synthetics that can clash and result in a muddy base.
Prep work is simple. Dilute to 10 % in dipropylene glycol or ethanol before weighing into trials. The liquid is viscous enough to stick to glass, so rinse pipettes with solvent right away. Because it carries a high log P value it may bloom late in soap; run stability tests in alkaline bases to avoid surprises.
Overuse risks include dullness, a dry mouthfeel and possible discoloration in clear product bases. Keep an alternate woody fixative on hand so you can back off Oxyoctaline Formate if the blend feels heavy.
Safely Using Oxyoctaline Formate
Dilution is key. Always mix the raw material into a suitable carrier before evaluating it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle since concentrated vapors can overwhelm the nose and irritate mucous membranes. Work in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to limit airborne exposure. Wear nitrile gloves to prevent skin contact and safety glasses to protect your eyes from accidental splashes.
This ingredient is classed as toxic to the aquatic environment and is not readily biodegradable, so spills should be contained and wiped up with absorbent material that is then disposed of as chemical waste. On skin it may trigger irritation or sensitization in susceptible individuals. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a medical professional before working with fragrance chemicals because some materials can penetrate the skin or be inhaled.
Short encounters with low concentrations are generally safe, yet extended handling of neat Oxyoctaline Formate or breathing its vapors for long periods can lead to headaches, nausea or dermatitis. Always wash hands thoroughly after lab work and keep food and drinks out of the workspace.
Store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dry cupboard, away from direct sunlight and oxidizing agents. Metal or HDPE containers are preferred. Label all dilutions with date and strength so you can track aging.
For precise limits and hazard codes consult the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and check back regularly because classifications can change. Follow the current International Fragrance Association guidelines for maximum allowable dosage in each product type to guarantee consumer safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Oxyoctaline Formate
Freshness starts with temperature. A sealed bottle kept in the lab fridge will usually hold its profile longer, yet a cool cupboard away from sunlight and heaters is adequate for day-to-day use. Whatever location you choose make sure the space stays below 25 °C and is free from strong odours that could taint the liquid.
Air contact is the enemy of most woody materials. Top up containers whenever possible so the headspace stays small and oxidation slows. For working solutions switch from dropper bottles to screw tops fitted with polycone liners as these give a much tighter seal. Wipe threads before closing to avoid crusting that can compromise the gasket.
Light also shortens shelf life. Use amber glass or opaque HDPE and store bottles inside a carton or drawer. If you must decant for a client sample choose single-use vials rather than repeatedly opening the main stock. Always write the dilution strength, date and hazard pictograms on every label so anyone picking up the bottle knows exactly what it contains.
Oxyoctaline Formate is classed as non-biodegradable and toxic to aquatic life so never rinse leftovers into the sink. Small quantities from evaluation strips can be placed in a sealed plastic bag with absorbent material and sent with laboratory solid waste. Larger volumes should go into a dedicated organic solvent drum for collection by a licensed disposal company.
Empty containers still carry residue. Rinse them with isopropyl alcohol, capture the washings for disposal then remove or deface labels before recycling. Keep a spill kit close by; vermiculite or silica cat litter works well for soaking up accidental leaks.
Summary
Oxyoctaline Formate is a Givaudan woody amber specialty prized for its smooth incense-tinged warmth and week-long tenacity. It bridges classic woods and modern amber facets giving depth without heaviness and proves useful in fine fragrance, home care and candles.
Mid-range pricing and broad stability across pH formats make it accessible, though its high impact means careful dosing is needed to avoid a flat dryout. Store it cool, protect from air and light then dispose of any waste responsibly due to its poor biodegradability.
Commercial quantities come direct from Givaudan or authorised distributors. Smaller labs and hobbyists can source the molecule from specialist fragrance suppliers or generic aroma chemical shops willing to decant into 5 g to 500 g packs for trial work.