What Is Polysantol?
Polysantol is a lab made aroma molecule that gives perfumers an affordable way to add a rich sandalwood note without relying on scarce natural sandalwood oil. It was first developed by DSM-Firmenich, though other suppliers now offer the same molecule under different trade names.
The ingredient starts life as upcycled turpentine from the paper industry. Chemists separate useful pinene fractions, then build the Polysantol structure through a series of green-minded synthesis steps. The result is a clear to pale yellow liquid that stays pourable at normal room temperature.
Perfumers reach for Polysantol because it is highly versatile, showing up in fine fragrance, soaps, shampoos, candles and even laundry softeners. Its woody warmth survives harsh production conditions, making it a reliable workhorse across many product types.
When stored in a cool dark place with the cap tightly closed, a fresh batch will usually stay in good shape for at least two years before its scent starts to fade. Compared with natural sandalwood oil it is considered inexpensive, giving brands a cost-effective way to deliver a premium woody facet.
Polysantol’s Scent Description
This material sits firmly in the woody family. On a blotter it opens with a smooth, creamy sandalwood aroma that feels deep and almost milky. There is a gentle sweetness, hints of warm musk and a subtle cosmetic softness reminiscent of high-end body lotion.
The scent does not have flashy citrus or floral highs, so it settles quickly into the heart and base of a perfume. In classic fragrance language that makes Polysantol a base note, the part of the formula that lingers longest and gives weight to the whole composition.
Projection is moderate yet steady. It does not shout across the room, but it creates a quiet aura that feels polished and refined. Longevity is excellent: traces can still be detected on the blotter after several days, and on skin it can anchor a blend for eight hours or more depending on the formula.
How & Where To Use Polysantol
Perfumers pull Polysantol into a formula when they want a creamy sandalwood backbone that lasts for hours. It can replace or extend natural sandalwood oil, or round out woody accords built around cedar, vetiver or Iso E Super. A trace will soften sharp musks, while higher levels can push a fragrance firmly into the woody oriental family.
In modern milk accords Polysantol supplies the warm dairy nuance that pairs well with coconut, tonka or vanilla. It also slips easily into cosmetic style florals where it smooths the transition from heart to base. When a brief budget will not stretch to natural oil this molecule keeps the same plush vibe without spiking costs or supply risk.
Typical usage sits anywhere from under 0.1 percent for just a hint up to about 5 percent in a fine fragrance concentrate. At low dosage it reads as silky and round. Increase the level and the tone becomes denser, almost oily, with a quiet sweetness that can veil lighter notes if overdone. Above the 5 percent mark it may weigh down citrus openings and can give soaps a slightly waxy feel, so restraint pays off.
The material performs well in alcohol or oil based perfumes and survives the alkaline environment of bar soap. It is less successful in very fresh splashes that demand high sparkle, though a small dash can still add body. Candles benefit from its heat stability, yet if the wax is overly soft the scent can drift powdery.
Preparation is simple. Pre dilute to 10 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for easier weighing and faster blending. Give the mixture a gentle stir then allow it to rest so any micro bubbles settle. Because the liquid is strongly substantive wipe utensils promptly after use to keep aroma creep off the bench.
Safety Information
Always work with Polysantol in diluted form. Never sniff straight from the bottle and keep your workspace well ventilated to avoid breathing concentrated vapours. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so skin and eyes stay protected while weighing and blending.
Like many aroma chemicals Polysantol can cause irritation or sensitisation in some individuals. Brief exposure to low levels is generally considered safe yet prolonged contact or inhalation at high concentration can be harmful. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before handling fragrance materials.
Dispose of spills by absorbing them onto an inert material then discarding according to local regulations. Wash hands thoroughly after use and keep containers tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from ignition sources.
For the most current hazard data always consult the supplier’s Safety Data Sheet and revisit it regularly as classifications may change. Follow IFRA guidelines for maximum usage in each product category to ensure finished formulas remain safe for consumers.
How To Store & Dispose of Polysantol
Polysantol keeps its creamy sandalwood character best when light and heat are kept at bay. A cool cupboard works, yet a small lab fridge set around 5 °C can stretch the shelf life even further. Whichever option you choose place bottles in an airtight bag or tub so food items stay uncontaminated and vibrations are reduced.
Use bottles with polycone caps for neat material and for any dilutions. The conical insert forms a tight seal that blocks slow evaporation and stops oxygen sneaking in. Avoid glass dropper tops; their rubber bulbs breathe, letting air cycle through and speed up oxidation. Top up containers whenever possible so the headspace stays minimal.
Store away from direct sunlight heaters and active electrical gear. Keep the area dry because moisture can cloud the liquid over time. Line shelves with an absorbent pad to catch accidental drips and label each bottle clearly with the name Polysantol its concentration date opened and hazard icons.
When the aroma fades or the liquid passes its use-by date treat it as chemical waste not household trash. Small hobby amounts can be mixed with cat litter or sand then sealed in a sturdy bag before disposal according to local hazardous waste rules. Larger volumes should go through a licensed disposal company that handles fragrance ingredients.
Polysantol is only partially biodegradable so pouring it down the drain is a bad idea. Rinse empty bottles with a bit of alcohol, add the rinse to your waste batch and allow the glass to air out before recycling. Wipe tools with disposable towels and bin them rather than washing under running water.
Summary
Polysantol is a synthetic woody ingredient that delivers the creamy depth of East Indian sandalwood at a fraction of the cost. It offers a smooth long lasting scent with subtle sweet musk and cosmetic facets making it a dependable base note in fine fragrance soap shampoo candles and more.
Its popularity comes from a mix of strong performance wide compatibility reliable supply and attractive pricing. Stability is solid in both harsh soap bases and high heat candle wax yet the note is specific so heavy use can steer a perfume firmly into sandal territory.
For commercial volumes contact DSM-Firmenich or authorized distributors. Smaller hobby sized bottles are widely sold by specialty aroma retailers and generic aroma chemical suppliers letting independent creators and students test its versatility without committing to a drum.