What Is Pivarose?
Pivarose is an aroma chemical developed by the Swiss fragrance house Givaudan and released to the market as a modern rose building block. While Pivarose is protected as a trade name other suppliers sometimes offer the same molecule under a generic label, so you may see it listed only by its chemical name or CAS number.
The material is produced through a straightforward chemical synthesis that joins a light fruity alcohol with an aromatic ring. The result is a clear mobile liquid at room temperature that looks much like water in a vial. No plant material is needed which keeps the supply steady year-round and avoids seasonal price swings seen with natural rose oils.
Formulators reach for Pivarose when they want to tweak or lift a classic rose accord without adding the heavier waxy facets that come with some natural extracts. It is now a routine part of many floral and fine fragrance bases though it is rarely used as the single dominant note. Its shelf life is roughly two to three years when stored well, after which the scent can flatten and the colour may yellow slightly. On the pricing scale it sits in the middle: cheaper than true rose absolutes yet pricier than the very basic synthetic rosies like phenylethyl alcohol.
Pivarose is supplied in standard fragrance oil drums or aluminum bottles. It dissolves easily in alcohol, most fixed oils and the usual perfumery solvents which makes it friendly for both large scale compounding and home lab work.
Pivarose’s Scent Description
Pivarose is classified in the broad floral family. Off a perfume blotter the opening feels like a freshly cut tea rose sprinkled with berry juice. A few seconds later a mild balsamic warmth appears, adding depth and a whisper of honey without turning the whole accord syrupy. Unlike some rose synthetics that can smell metallic or soapy, Pivarose stays round and juicy.
In the traditional perfumer’s pyramid the note sits firmly in the heart, or middle, of a composition. It does flash a quick bright top note due to its fruity edge yet the main body shows up after five to ten minutes and anchors the bouquet for several hours. It is not heavy enough to count as a base note but it does linger longer than pure top notes like citrus.
The projection is moderate: strong enough to lift out of the bottle rack yet polite once blended, helping a rose accord radiate without overwhelming surrounding notes. On skin it tends to last two to four hours on its own, after which it softens into a faint rosy hum. In candles and soaps the molecule survives heat and alkalinity well, giving a clear rose impression all the way through the burn or wash.
How & Where To Use Pivarose
Perfumers reach for Pivarose when they want a modern rosy accent that feels lighter than pure rose alcohol yet rounder than a citrus top. It excels as a bridge in fruity floral accords. A few drops lift a raspberry or lychee theme while keeping the blend recognisably floral. When paired with geraniol or phenylethyl alcohol it smooths their sharper edges giving a fresher tea rose effect.
Pivarose is also valuable in non-rose formulas. In white florals it can add a gentle petal nuance without stealing the spotlight from jasmine or ylang. In gourmand work its honeyed balsamic side links fruits to vanilla. Woods and musks benefit too: a trace rounds their dryness and brings a soft bloom to the heart.
Typical use is 0.1-1 % of the finished fragrance though the manufacturer allows up to 3 %. At 0.05 % it smells airy and almost leafy. Around 0.5 % the fruity apple note becomes obvious and the material starts to read as clear rosewater. At the upper limit it deepens into a sweet balsamic rose that can feel sticky if not balanced with fresher notes.
Over-use risks crowding the formula or creating an off-sweet impression, especially in hot humid climates where sweetness amplifies. It can also flatten the top notes of a light citrus accord, so restraint is key.
In functional products Pivarose shines in shampoos, liquid detergents and fabric conditioners because it survives alkaline pH and heat during processing. It is less helpful in dry applications like talc where its tenacity is modest. In candles it performs well, scoring the top mark for burning effectiveness, but the fragrance load should stay below 3 % to avoid sooting.
Before composing, most perfumers pre-dilute Pivarose to 10 % in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. This makes weight measurements easier, reduces the chance of overdosing and lets you judge its nuance more accurately on a smelling strip. No special stabilisers are needed yet storing the stock solution in amber glass away from light will slow oxidation.
Safely Using Pivarose
Dilution is key: always prepare a working solution before smelling or blending. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle since concentrated vapour can overwhelm the nose and irritate mucous membranes. Work in a well-ventilated space or under a fume extractor to keep airborne levels low. Gloves and safety glasses protect skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
Like many aroma chemicals Pivarose can cause skin irritation or trigger an allergic response in sensitive individuals. Use disposable pipettes or syringes to minimise contact and clean spills promptly with soap and water. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a healthcare professional before handling any fragrance material.
Short exposure to small diluted amounts is generally considered safe yet prolonged or high-level exposure increases the chance of headaches respiratory discomfort or dermatitis. The material is readily biodegradable but is classified as harmful to aquatic life so avoid washing large quantities down the drain.
Always consult the most recent Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and review it periodically for updates. Follow the International Fragrance Association guidelines on maximum use levels in each product type to ensure consumer safety and regulatory compliance.
How To Store & Dispose of Pivarose
Store Pivarose in tightly closed glass bottles kept in a cool dark place away from direct sunlight and heat sources. A household refrigerator set between 5-10 °C can further slow oxidation if you have the space but is not strictly required.
Choose containers with polycone caps because they seal against both the rim and the inner neck of the bottle. Avoid dropper bottles since their built-in pipettes let air creep in after every use. Wherever possible decant the material into a vessel that stays at least 90 % full so the headspace of air remains small and the scent does not fade.
For working solutions label each bottle with the ingredient name concentration date of dilution and basic hazard icons. Clear labels prevent mix-ups and help anyone sharing the lab know what they are handling.
To dispose of small rinse water or paper towels that carry only trace amounts place them in regular household waste. For larger volumes collect the liquid in a sealed container and send it to a licensed chemical disposal service. Pivarose is readily biodegradable yet still classified as harmful to aquatic life so never pour bulk leftovers down the sink or outside drains.
Rinse empty bottles with a little solvent then wash with warm soapy water before recycling the glass. Remove or deface labels so no one mistakes the containers for food jars.
Summary
Pivarose is a Givaudan-made ester that delivers a modern tea rose impression edged with fruity honeyed warmth. Perfumers use it at 0.1-1 % to brighten rose accords link fruits to florals or soften woody bases, and it tolerates the pH swings of shampoos detergents and soaps.
Its impact sits between light top-note roses and heavier natural absolutes which makes it popular for both fine fragrance and functional products. The price is moderate so it offers good reach without the cost of true rose oil, though overdosing can push the scent into sticky sweetness.
The liquid remains stable for two-plus years when stored cool and well sealed yet it does oxidise if left half empty or in strong light. Handling is straightforward but gloves ventilation and correct disposal are still advised.
Commercial houses can order Pivarose directly from Givaudan or a regional distributor. Hobbyists will find smaller amounts through speciality perfume suppliers and generic aroma chemical vendors who list it under the CAS number 67662-96-8.