What Is Prunella?
Prunella is a modern synthetic aroma material created by DSM-Firmenich that replicates the juicy sweetness of ripe plums. While the name Prunella refers to their branded version, other aroma suppliers may offer comparable plum-type bases made with similar chemistry.
The material is produced through laboratory synthesis, allowing perfumers to enjoy a precise and consistent fruit note that natural extracts cannot always deliver. The finished product is a clear to very slightly yellow liquid at room temperature, pourable and easy to weigh or dose.
Because it is crafted in a factory rather than distilled from fruit, Prunella is available year-round and shows little batch variation. In most studio conditions it retains optimal quality for roughly two to three years when kept sealed and cool, though many professionals happily use it well beyond that window if it still smells fresh.
Usage is widespread in fine fragrance, personal care and home products. Its cost sits in the middle range for fruity specialties so it is accessible for everyday projects yet refined enough for prestige work. Overall it has become a staple for perfumers who want a vivid plum accent without relying on natural extracts that can oxidize or brown.
Prunella’s Scent Description
Prunella is filed under the fruity family. Off a blotter it greets the nose with a burst of sun-warmed plum dripping with juice, followed by hints of dried apricot and a faint coconut nibble that keeps things creamy rather than candy-sweet. As the minutes pass, a velvety skin note develops that recalls the soft fuzz of a peach but darker and rounder. Underneath, a mellow raisin tone gives depth so the accord never feels thin.
Perfumers classify notes by their evaporation speed: top for the brightest early impression, middle for the heart that unfolds after a few minutes and base for what lingers hours later. Prunella sits squarely in the middle register. It rises quickly enough to be noticed in the first sniff yet it remains present as the fragrance settles, acting as a bridge between sparkling top accords and deeper bases like woods or ambers.
On paper the material projects with moderate reach, creating an inviting halo rather than a room-filling blast. Its persistence is impressive for a fruity note, holding recognizable character for close to a full week on a smelling strip. In finished perfumes it generally provides four to six hours of discernible plum glow on skin before tapering into a soft dried-fruit whisper.
How & Where To Use Prunella
Perfumers pull out Prunella when they want a vivid plum effect that feels richer than peach yet softer than berry. It slips neatly into fruit accords built around lactones, cherry aldehydes or blackcurrant and it can lend instant ripeness to oriental, gourmand or modern chypre bases. A trace gives lift to rose or osmanthus, while higher doses push a composition toward a velvety jam facet perfect for autumn themes, candle blends or comfort-focused body care.
Typical usage sits between 0.2 % and 3 % of the total formula, though fine fragrance can reach 5 % if a true plum spotlight is needed. At 0.1 % it reads like a soft dried-fruit whisper that supports florals. Around 1 % it turns juicy and mouthwatering. Above 4 % it becomes thick, almost compote-like and can muffle delicate top notes or make a detergent smell overly sweet. Always balance with acids, woods or gentle spices to keep the profile from sliding into cloying territory.
The material is fully liquid but a little viscous in cool rooms. Warm the bottle in your palm or place it near a mild heat source for a few minutes to improve pour accuracy. Many labs pre-dilute Prunella to 10 % in ethanol, dipropylene glycol or triethyl citrate so weighing small amounts is easier and the aroma opens faster in blends. Because the note is powerful, start low, record impressions after each addition and allow at least 24 h of maturation before judging the final direction.
Prunella excels in shampoos, creams, softeners and candles thanks to strong stability yet it can fade faster in high-pH bleach cleaners. It handles cold-process soap well but heavy dosages may deepen the base colour into light beige. Pair with ionones or cedar for a suede-plum accord or with coconut lactone for a beachy plum colada effect. Avoid relying on it as the sole fruit note in very fresh citrus colognes where its density may conflict with airy hesperidics.
Safety Information
Always dilute Prunella before evaluation. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space to minimise inhalation of concentrated vapour. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so accidental splashes do not reach skin or eyes.
Like many aroma chemicals, Prunella can trigger irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. People who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult a healthcare professional before frequent handling. Brief exposure to low levels is generally regarded as safe, however prolonged or high-concentration contact can pose health risks, especially to the respiratory tract and dermal tissue.
If the material touches skin, wash the area with plenty of mild soap and water. In case of eye contact rinse for at least fifteen minutes and seek medical advice. Should accidental ingestion occur do not induce vomiting; instead contact poison control immediately. Store any working solutions in clearly labeled containers away from food and drink to prevent mix-ups.
Fire risk is moderate with a flashpoint of 100 °C so keep Prunella away from open flames and hot plates. For spills absorb with inert material such as vermiculite, place in a sealed bag and dispose of according to local hazardous waste regulations. Never pour bulk leftovers down the drain.
Always consult the most recent Safety Data Sheet supplied by your vendor and follow IFRA guidelines for maximum allowable levels in each product category. Regulations evolve, so review documents regularly and adjust formulas to remain compliant.
How To Store & Dispose of Prunella
Prunella holds up well at normal room temperature yet it stays fresher for longer when kept cool. If you have space, a fridge set between 4 °C and 10 °C will slow oxidation and colour change. Otherwise a cupboard that stays below 20 °C, away from direct sunlight and heating vents, is perfectly acceptable.
Use airtight glass bottles fitted with polycone caps for both the neat material and any dilutions. These liners grip the neck and form a firm seal that dropper tops cannot match. Each time you decant, top the bottle with inert gas if available or simply transfer to a smaller container so the headspace stays minimal. Less air contact means fewer degradation products and a truer scent over time.
Label every vessel clearly with the name Prunella, batch or purchase date, concentration if diluted and the main hazard symbols from the SDS. A bold flammable icon and an irritant warning remove guesswork for anyone who may handle the bottle later.
For disposal, never flush Prunella down the sink. Although many of its components will eventually break down in the environment, the process is slow and can burden wastewater systems. Small laboratory residues should be absorbed onto paper towel or vermiculite, sealed in a plastic bag then discarded as hazardous chemical waste. Larger volumes belong in a dedicated solvent drum destined for professional incineration. Empty bottles need a triple rinse with a solvent such as IPA or ethanol before recycling in glass streams where local rules permit.
Summary
Prunella is a liquid fruity base from DSM-Firmenich that delivers a realistic plum note with hints of dried apricot and coconut. Sitting in the mid register, it bridges bright top accords and deeper woods while lasting an impressive week on paper. The material sees frequent use in fine fragrance, haircare, soap and candles where it brings velvety richness and an inviting jammy feel.
Perfumers prize Prunella for its stability and moderate cost compared with natural plum extracts, yet its specific profile means it can overwhelm lighter citric themes if overdosed. Keep dilution levels between 0.2 % and 3 % in most formulas and balance with woods, spices or acidity to prevent excessive sweetness.
Commercial houses can purchase Prunella directly from DSM-Firmenich in kilogram drums, while hobbyists will find smaller decants through specialty scent suppliers and generic aroma distributors. Stored in a cool dark spot with a tight polycone cap, the product maintains quality for several years, making it a reliable tool in any creative fragrance kit.