Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea: 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 Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea?

Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea is an aroma chemical supplied by Givaudan that lends a rosy floral accent to fragrances. The name tells you two things: it is phenyl acetaldehyde that has been purified to roughly eighty-five percent concentration, and it is supplied in a stabilised form to keep it usable in the lab and factory. While Givaudan markets this particular grade, other manufacturers offer comparable phenyl acetaldehyde qualities under different trade names so the material itself is not exclusive.

Industrial production usually starts with phenylacetic acid or styrene which is then oxidised and refined. The route is straightforward which keeps the price on the lower side for perfumers. A colourless liquid at room temperature, it looks similar to water yet has a noticeably stronger refractive index so it appears slightly oily when swirled in a vial.

The ingredient earns frequent placement in modern fragrance formulas, especially those aiming for natural rose, honeyed or green nuances. Its high olfactive impact means a little goes a long way, allowing creative teams to control cost while boosting radiance. When stored in a cool dark place with the cap tightly closed it generally retains full strength for about two years before gradual oxidation dulls its brightness.

Because the molecule meets current safety and sustainability guidelines and handles easily in production, it is stocked by most compounding houses and is considered a workhorse rather than a luxury speciality.

Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea’s Scent Description

This material sits squarely in the floral family. Off a blotter the first impression is a vibrant rose petal note wrapped in fresh green foliage. Within seconds a warm drizzle of honey surfaces, giving a sunlit sweetness that softens any sharp edges. Some perfumers also notice hints of hyacinth and freshly cut grass which make the accord feel lively and natural.

In the traditional fragrance pyramid top notes are the volatile spark that greets you, middle notes build the main character and base notes linger longest. Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea behaves like a bright middle-range player that flashes quickly into the top then settles into the heart. It lifts the first few minutes of a perfume yet still whispers on skin several hours later, though it is not heavy enough to anchor the dry-down.

Projection is strong thanks to its diffusive nature so even low percentages can be noticed at arm’s length during the early wear. Longevity is moderate: expect clear presence for two to four hours on a blotter before it fades into a soft honeyed trace.

How & Where To Use Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea

Perfumers usually reach for Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea when they want to give a floral accord an instant lift. It is a go to note for recreating the fresh snap of a rose petal or the dewy feel of a morning garden. Blended into a classic rose bouquet it boosts naturalness and makes the petals feel as if they were just crushed between your fingers.

It also shines in hyacinth, lilac, and narcissus accords where a hint of green freshness is needed to prevent the flowers from smelling overly heavy. Gourmand compositions benefit too because its honey nuance bridges floral and edible facets, smoothing the jump from petals to pastry without feeling forced.

Usage levels are normally in the 0.05 to 1 percent range for fine fragrance. Household or functional products may push up to the stated 1 percent limit, though most soaps and detergents work well around 0.2 percent. Above roughly 2 percent the note turns sharp and can give a metallic edge that distracts from the intended bloom.

Perceived smell changes with concentration. In traces it whispers of fresh air around a bouquet. At moderate levels the honeyed tone grows louder and the green edges gain clarity. At high doses the sweetness can become cloying and the leafy bite may read as harsh, so careful smelling trials are essential.

Over use risks crowding out delicate heart notes and can clash with ionones or damascones that share similar tonalities. If the formula already holds strong rosy materials it is wise to dose low, then adjust once the blend has rested for 24 hours to judge final balance.

No special pre treatment is required, but many perfumers prefer diluting it to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol before weighing. This keeps pipettes clean, improves measurement accuracy and makes on skin testing safer. The material mixes readily with most solvents and is stable across a broad pH range, so it plays nicely in soaps, shampoos and even bleach based cleaners.

Safely Using Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea

Dilution is key so always work from a pre made solution rather than the neat liquid. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle because the vapours are strong and can overwhelm your senses. Set up in a well ventilated area or under a fume hood to keep airborne concentration low. Protective gloves and safety glasses should be standard practice whenever handling aroma chemicals.

Like many fragrant aldehydes this ingredient can irritate skin or trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. If you notice redness or itching wash the area with mild soap and water then discontinue contact until a medical professional advises otherwise. Anyone pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss potential exposure with their doctor before blending, even though low level lab work is generally considered safe.

Short sessions at low parts per million rarely pose problems, yet repeated high level exposure or spills can cause headaches or respiratory discomfort. Promptly wipe any drips, seal containers after use and label dilutions clearly to avoid accidental over dosing.

For further guidance always consult the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch. Regulations evolve so review it regularly and follow any updated hazard statements or handling advice. Finally ensure your formula observes current IFRA limits to keep both makers and end users safe.

How To Store & Dispose of Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea

Keeping this floral powerhouse fresh is quite simple. The bottle should live in a cool dark cabinet away from radiators or direct sun since heat and light speed up oxidation. If you have spare fridge space a steady refrigerator temperature can push its shelf life well past the standard two-year mark, just make sure the cap is tightly closed to prevent food cross-contamination.

Air is the other main enemy. Use polycone caps that form a snug seal and resist solvent creep. Dropper bottles often allow slow evaporation which concentrates the liquid and dulls its rosy sparkle, so stick to screw-cap glass or aluminum. Try decanting into progressively smaller bottles as the volume drops to keep headspace minimal.

Label every container clearly with the full name, CAS numbers and the hazard pictograms shown on the safety data sheet. Add the dilution strength too so you never confuse neat material with a 10 percent solution during fast lab sessions.

Accidental spills wipe up easily with paper towels followed by a mild detergent wash. Seal the wipes in a plastic bag before binning to stop residual odor from perfuming your workspace.

When the liquid finally loses its punch or you simply need to discard a surplus, do not pour it down the drain. Despite being readily biodegradable it can still harm aquatic life at high concentrations. Small hobbyist amounts can be mixed with cat litter or other absorbent material then disposed of in accordance with local hazardous waste rules. Larger volumes should go to a licensed chemical disposal service that will either incinerate or treat the waste water responsibly.

Summary

Phenyl Acetaldehyde 85%/Pea is a colourless liquid from Givaudan that delivers an immediate rosy green honey note perfect for lifting florals or adding edible warmth. Sitting between top and heart it projects clearly for several hours without lingering into the drydown which makes it a trusty workhorse in rose, hyacinth or gourmand constructs.

Its moderate cost, high impact and good stability across a wide pH range explain why both seasoned perfumers and hobbyists keep it close at hand. Watch dosage though because the same facets that give brilliance can turn harsh if the percentage creeps above one percent.

Stored cool and tightly sealed it stays vibrant for years and the material is readily biodegradable, yet it still calls for gloves, eye protection and mindful waste handling. Commercial buyers can source direct from Givaudan or other large aroma suppliers while smaller volumes are widely available through specialty fragrance retailers and online resellers that cater to indie makers looking to test new ideas without committing to drum quantities.

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