What Is Phenoxanol?
Phenoxanol is an aroma chemical created by IFF, one of the largest fragrance suppliers in the world. While IFF owns the trade name, other manufacturers can offer the same molecule under different brand labels, so you might see it sold generically as well.
Chemically it is a small floral alcohol with the formula C12H18O and a molecular weight just under 180. At room temperature it sits as a clear, watery liquid that spreads easily and blends with both oils and most common solvents used in perfumery.
The industrial process behind Phenoxanol starts from basic petroleum-derived feedstocks that are refined then built up through a series of controlled reactions. The final step adds an oxygen atom to give the “-ol” alcohol group responsible for much of its rosy character.
Perfumers reach for Phenoxanol because it gives a rich rose absolute effect at a fraction of the cost of natural extracts. Thanks to that cost advantage it has become a staple workhorse in fine fragrance and many functional products such as shampoos and detergents.
When kept tightly closed in a cool dark place it stays fresh for several years before any noticeable drop in quality. The ingredient is also labelled vegan friendly and readily biodegradable, two points that help formulators meet today’s green expectations.
Despite the rosy performance, Phenoxanol itself remains moderately priced, sitting well below the cost of true rose oil yet above the most basic synthetic fillers. This balance of price and quality is why it shows up so often in commercial formulas.
Phenoxanol’s Scent Description
Phenoxanol sits in the floral family, more precisely the rose subtype. Off a smelling strip it opens with a clean fresh rose petal note that feels diffusive rather than dense. A soft green nuance keeps it crisp while a faint hint of honeyed warmth rounds the edges.
As the minutes pass the scent gains depth, moving from light petal to a fuller impression of rose absolute. Unlike naturals that can turn spicy or waxy, Phenoxanol stays bright and transparent which makes it easy to layer with other florals, citruses or even woody materials.
In perfumery we talk about top, middle and base notes. Tops are the first spark you smell, middles form the heart and bases linger on skin or fabric. Phenoxanol lives mainly in the heart. It does show a gentle lift in the first few minutes, yet its main beauty blooms in that central phase where florals sing.
Projection is solid without being overwhelming. A small dose carries across a room giving a clear rose aura. Longevity is unusual for a floral alcohol, often pushing beyond 48 hours on a blotter before fading, which lets it bridge the gap between fleeting top notes and heavier base accords.
How & Where To Use Phenoxanol
Perfumers reach for Phenoxanol when they want the polished glow of rose absolute without the price tag or the sometimes heavy honeyed tone of natural extract. It excels in building modern floral hearts, pairing smoothly with ionones for a fresh petal feel or with musks and soft woods for a clean linen-rose impression.
At low traces of 0.05-0.1 percent it quietly freshens a bouquet, giving lift to muguet or peony accords where a touch of rose is needed but must stay transparent. Around 0.5-2 percent it turns into a clear rose statement that pushes through shower gels, shampoos and body sprays. Detergents and fabric conditioners may tolerate up to 5 percent where its long substantivity survives the wash and dry cycle. The manufacturer notes that levels as high as 20 percent are possible in specialty bases though such doses risk crowding other notes and may smell harsh or metallic.
Concentration changes perception. Diluted, the material smells like dew on young petals. As dosage climbs it becomes bolder, slightly phenolic and can overpower delicate partners. Overuse can also leave an unexpected green edge in the drydown so it is wise to build up in small increments and smell on blotter and skin.
Phenoxanol performs well in alcohol, dipropylene glycol and most fragrance oils. A standard 10 percent dilution in ethanol simplifies weighing and testing. No special stabilizers are needed yet very acidic or highly chlorinated bases can dull its brightness, so quick stability checks are a must for bleach or toilet cleaner concepts.
Because it is readily biodegradable Phenoxanol suits natural-leaning briefs. It is vegan friendly which helps when marketing claims matter. It does not discolor soap and shows solid burn performance in candles, though wax blends above 5 percent may need extra wick testing to avoid soot.
Safely Using Phenoxanol
Dilution is key so always make a working solution before evaluating. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because concentrated fumes can irritate the nose and mucous membranes. Work in a well-ventilated area or under a fume hood to disperse any vapors. Protective gear such as nitrile gloves and safety glasses keeps accidental splashes off skin and out of eyes.
Like many fragrance materials Phenoxanol can trigger mild skin irritation or rare allergic responses, especially at high strengths. People with known fragrance sensitivities should handle with extra care. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before extended work sessions with aroma chemicals.
Short whiffs of a properly diluted sample are considered low risk yet prolonged contact or breathing elevated vapor levels may cause headaches or respiratory discomfort. If spillage occurs wash the area with plenty of soap and water then ventilate the space.
Always store the bottle tightly closed in a cool dark place away from sparks or open flame. Phenoxanol is not classified as highly flammable but good lab habits prevent unnecessary hazards. When a batch expires or testing is complete absorb small quantities with sand or vermiculite and dispose of according to local chemical waste rules rather than pouring down the drain.
Before each new project review the latest supplier Safety Data Sheet for up-to-date toxicology and handling information, and follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in your chosen product type. Regulations evolve so periodic checks keep both you and your clients safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Phenoxanol
Phenoxanol keeps its rosy punch longest when bottles sit in a cool dark spot away from direct sunlight and sources of heat. A dedicated fragrance fridge set around 5-10 °C is optional but will squeeze a few extra months out of the material, especially once a bottle has been opened.
Always close containers with polycone-lined caps. The flexible seal limits air exchange far better than glass droppers or plain screw tops. If you work from a dilution, choose small vessels you can fill to the shoulder so less oxygen lingers above the liquid and oxidation slows.
Label every container clearly with the name Phenoxanol, its CAS number 55066-48-3 and the date you first opened it. Add any personal hazard notes from the current Safety Data Sheet so anyone reaching for the bottle knows the basics at a glance.
When a sample has oxidised or you simply need the shelf space, treat unwanted Phenoxanol like any other perfumery solvent. Absorb small quantities into sand, cat litter or vermiculite then place the solid mass in a sealed bag for collection under local chemical-waste rules. Large volumes should go through a licensed disposal contractor. Although the molecule is readily biodegradable, pouring high concentrations straight down the drain is discouraged.
Rinse empty bottles with a bit of solvent, let them dry, remove or deface the label and recycle the glass where facilities allow. Stainless funnels and pipettes clean up well with warm soapy water followed by alcohol to strip residual scent.
Summary
Phenoxanol is a cost-effective rose-styled aroma chemical from IFF prized for its fresh petal character and impressive staying power. In perfumes it shines as a middle note that bridges bright top accords with deeper musks holding a clear floral thread for more than forty-eight hours.
The material is popular because it delivers a natural-smelling rose effect without the price swings or supply risks of real absolutes. It behaves well in alcohol and most consumer product bases, though extreme acidity or heavy bleach can mute its sparkle. At modest cost and with vegan plus biodegradable credentials it ticks many modern brief boxes.
Perfumers should watch dosage since overuse can add a green edge or crowd other florals. Stability is generally very good, yet standard cool storage and minimal air exposure keep the scent at its prettiest.
Commercial volumes are available directly from IFF or large raw-material distributors. Hobbyists and small-batch makers can find repacks through specialty fragrance suppliers and generic manufacturers who offer the same CAS-matched molecule in smaller sizes ideal for testing new ideas.