Pharaone 10%/Dpg: 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 29, 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 Pharaone 10%/Dpg?

Pharaone 10%/Dpg is an aroma chemical supplied pre-diluted at ten percent in dipropylene glycol, making it easier to dose than the pure molecule. It originates from Givaudan, one of the leading fragrance houses, although third-party suppliers sometimes offer their own dilutions of the same raw material.

The molecule itself is produced through a multi-step synthetic process that strings together small carbon building blocks until the final structure is reached. While the pathway is considered complex, it allows steady quality and removes seasonal limits that can affect natural materials.

At room temperature the ingredient looks like a clear watery liquid that flows easily. Because it is already cut with solvent it pours without the stickiness that often accompanies undiluted aroma chemicals.

Formulators reach for Pharaone 10%/Dpg when they need a high-impact hit of fresh green fruitiness in small dosage. It shows up in both fine fragrance and functional products but is still viewed as a specialty item rather than a workhorse such as citronellol or linalool.

With correct storage you can expect a shelf life of roughly two years before the odour starts to dull. Cost sits in the mid-to-upper tier for diluted specialty materials, reflecting the power it delivers at very low usage.

Pharaone 10%/Dpg’s Scent Description

Pharaone fits neatly into the green family, the broad group that includes leafy notes, cut grass and crisp stems. On a blotter the very first impression is a burst of just-cut green foliage laced with tart pineapple juice. There is also a hint of aromatic herbs that gives a lively almost sparkling edge.

After the initial flash settles a sweet fruity nuance shows through, somewhere between ripe pear skin and tropical melon, while the greenery shifts toward a soft mossy feel. A subtle woody accent keeps the whole profile from becoming sugary, rounding the transition into the heart of a perfume.

In the classic top-middle-base structure Pharaone behaves as a top to high-middle note. It arrives fast, lifts the opening of a blend then lingers long enough to bridge into the mid notes before fading gracefully. This makes it perfect for adding freshness without leaving an empty gap later in the wearing.

The projection is bold even at fractions of a percent, so a small amount will radiate clearly from skin or fabric. Longevity is solid by green-note standards, hanging on for around four days on a smelling strip and several hours on skin before retreating to a soft hum close to the surface.

How & Where To Use Pharaone 10%/Dpg

Pharaone shines when a formula needs a lively green fruit snap that feels both natural and modern. Perfumers add it to build pineapple, pear or mango accords, where its grassy edge prevents the fruit from smelling syrupy. In citrus colognes it lifts lemon and grapefruit without resorting to harsher terpenes. Floral bouquets benefit too, especially muguet, freesia or peony, because the material supplies a fresh stemmy facet that makes petals smell freshly cut.

When constructing fougère or woody aromatics, a trace of Pharaone bridges herbal notes like rosemary or basil to cedar or patchouli, giving the whole accord extra radiance. Many creators reach for it instead of classic cis-3-hexenol when they want less volatility yet similar greenness. Compared with another powerhouse such as Floriffol or Undecavertol, Pharaone leans fruitier and less metallic, so it feels friendlier in consumer products.

Recommended use levels fall between 0.1 percent and 2.5 percent of the concentrate, with 0.2 percent already noticeable. At very low dosages the note reads leafy and fresh, while higher amounts push the pineapple aspect to the front. Above 3 percent the material can dominate the opening, giving a sharp almost solventlike smell and muddying delicate heart notes. Blending with soft modifiers like Hedione, Iso E Super or a drop of benzyl acetate can tame this effect.

Pharaone is delivered pre-diluted in dipropylene glycol so additional cutting is optional. If you need finer dosing for lightweight top notes, a further tenfold dilution in ethanol or DPG helps. Always weigh it rather than count drops since the liquid is highly diffusive. Because it is colourless there is no need for pre-filtering when working into clear bases, yet a quick mix in a glass beaker ensures even distribution before you add heavier materials.

The molecule is quite stable across the usual pH span of soaps, shampoos and detergents, so functional perfumery is a prime application. It keeps its punch after hot compounding and exhibits excellent blooming in bar soap and fabric care. The main limitation is its toxicity toward aquatic life, which may restrict use in rinse-off formulations for eco-label lines. In fine fragrance it pairs well with aldehydes, ozonic notes and sheer musks to create a sparkling opening with good projection.

Safely Using Pharaone 10%/Dpg

Dilution is key. Always work with the ten percent solution provided or an even weaker cut before evaluating the odour. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle; instead place a small drop on a smelling strip and wave it gently toward your nose. Operate in a well-ventilated space or under a fume hood to prevent buildup of vapours. Basic protective gear such as nitrile gloves and safety glasses will shield skin and eyes from accidental splashes.

Like many aroma chemicals Pharaone can trigger skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, so wash any contact area promptly with soap and water. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding consult a medical professional before handling fragrance raw materials. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe yet prolonged inhalation or contact at higher levels can be harmful.

Spills are best absorbed with inert material like sand then disposed of in accordance with local regulations due to the ingredient’s aquatic toxicity. Keep containers tightly closed and clearly labelled to avoid mistakes during compounding. Never reuse empty bottles for other liquids without thorough cleaning because residual traces remain potent.

For definitive guidance always refer to the latest Material Safety Data Sheet supplied by your distributor and review it periodically as updates are common. Follow current IFRA standards for maximum dosage in each product type to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.

How To Store & Dispose of Pharaone 10%/Dpg

Keep Pharaone 10%/Dpg in airtight glass or high-density polyethylene bottles, tucked away in a cool dark cupboard that stays under 20 °C. A refrigerator dedicated to fragrance materials is even better because the lower temperature slows oxidation and extends shelf life past the usual two to three years.

Choose containers with polycone caps rather than droppers. Polycone inserts create a tight seal that limits evaporation and blocks oxygen. If you must keep a working dilution on the bench, transfer only what you will finish within a few months then purge the headspace with nitrogen or simply top off the bottle so that minimal air remains.

Store the container upright, away from direct sunlight, heaters or ozone-generating equipment. Light and heat accelerate the breakdown of green fruity ketones and can shift the odour toward harsh notes. Place bottles in secondary trays to catch leaks and protect labels from drips.

Label every container clearly with the material name, CAS numbers, concentration and hazard symbols. This small step prevents mix-ups during weighing and helps anyone in the workspace understand the risks at a glance.

When the material reaches the end of its useful life, do not pour it down the drain. Although it is readily biodegradable, it is also toxic to aquatic life at higher concentrations. Small hobby quantities can be mixed with kitty litter or sand, sealed in a sturdy bag and taken to a household hazardous waste drop-off. Larger volumes should go through a licensed chemical-waste contractor who can process flammable organics.

Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent, add the rinsate to your waste jar then triple-rinse with soap and hot water before recycling the glass. Always follow local regulations, which may vary by region.

Summary

Pharaone 10%/Dpg is a ten percent dipropylene glycol solution of 2-Cyclohexyl-1,6-heptadien-3-one, a powerful green fruity ketone from Givaudan. On a blotter it bursts with fresh cut grass and pineapple, then settles into an aromatic leafy accord that brightens citrus, floral and woody creations.

Perfumers prize the molecule for its high impact at low doses, solid four-day tenacity on blotter and compatibility with soap and detergent bases. Cost sits in the moderate range for a specialty ingredient while the supplied dilution makes scale-up simple.

Keep in mind its aquatic toxicity when formulating rinse-off products and respect the 0.1 to 2.5 percent usage window to avoid overpowering delicate notes. Stability is excellent across pH 2 to 11 though cool dark storage will preserve its spark longer.

Commercial houses can source drums directly from Givaudan or authorized distributors. Hobbyists and indie brands will find smaller amounts through reputable resellers that re-bottle the same CAS-matched molecule. However you obtain it, measure carefully, store wisely and enjoy the bright natural freshness it brings to your next fragrance.

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