What Is Pseudo Linalyl Acetate?
Pseudo Linalyl Acetate is an aroma molecule prized for its fresh floral character with a touch of citrus brightness. It is offered commercially by IFF, one of the largest flavor and fragrance houses, though generic versions can be sourced from other suppliers who follow comparable production standards.
The material is made from renewable plant feedstocks that would otherwise go to waste, making it part of the growing family of upcycled ingredients. Through selective esterification and purification steps, manufacturers turn these surplus botanicals into a high purity fragrance grade liquid.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear water-like fluid that pours easily and blends well with both alcohol and oil systems. It is vegan suitable, readily biodegradable and fully traceable through audited supply chains, so it fits comfortably into modern clean beauty briefs.
Pseudo Linalyl Acetate sees steady use in fine fragrance, personal care and home scenting. Perfumers reach for it when they need a sparkling lift that still feels soft and natural. It is not considered rare so availability is generally good. Pricing sits in the mid to lower range for specialty floral esters which lets brands use it at meaningful levels without blowing the budget.
When stored correctly the material remains in spec for roughly two to three years before subtle oxidation starts to dull its brightness. Most creative houses cycle through a drum well inside that window so shelf life is seldom an issue.
Pseudo Linalyl Acetate’s Scent Description
This molecule is usually grouped in the floral family although it also carries a breezy citrus twist that makes it feel more airy than many pure florals.
On a blotter the first impression is a zesty spark reminiscent of freshly grated bergamot peel. Almost at once a silky lavender note follows adding a herbaceous coolness that keeps the profile light and inviting. As the scent settles a faint dusting of nutmeg surfaces, giving the floral core a gentle spicy warmth without tipping it into gourmand territory.
In traditional perfumery language we talk about top, middle and base notes. Tops are the quick evaporators, middles form the main body and bases linger the longest. Pseudo Linalyl Acetate sits between the top and the heart. It flashes its bright citrus side early yet holds enough weight to stay detectable well into the evolution of a fragrance.
Projection is moderate so the ingredient lends a pleasant halo rather than a room-filling burst. Longevity on skin is also moderate, roughly three to four hours before drifting into a soft whisper. Perfumers often pair it with fixatives or richer florals if they need the effect to last deeper into a wear trial.
How & Where To Use Pseudo Linalyl Acetate
Perfumers usually reach for Pseudo Linalyl Acetate when they want a sparkling floral lift that feels natural yet slightly spicy. It excels in top note bouquets that blend citrus with lavender or neroli, letting the opening feel crisp instead of sharp. In a classic fougère it freshens the lavender core while nudging the accord toward modern clean territory, making it a handy swap when plain linalyl acetate feels too soapy.
The material also slips neatly into tea, leafy green or mint accords where a whisper of floral nuance rounds off any rough herbal edges. In gourmand blends a trace dose can brighten heaviness from vanilla without adding more citrus. Conversely, heavy woods or resins can drown it, so it is less effective in very dark oriental bases unless supported by additional bergamot or lavender facets.
Typical concentration in fine fragrance sits between 0.1 % and 3 % of the total formula, though some room sprays or fabric refreshers may climb to 5 % for an extra burst. At low levels it reads mostly as a gentle bergamot sparkle. Push it above 2 % and the lavender aspect grows while the nutmeg nuance starts to peek out. Overdosing beyond 5 % can give a hollow metallic edge and may clash with other citruses, so moderation keeps the profile pleasant.
The ingredient is readily soluble in ethanol, DPG and most common perfume solvents. Many perfumers prepare a 10 % or 20 % bench solution so they can weigh larger volumes with better accuracy and smell it safely. No special stabilizers are required, yet pairing it with a small amount of antioxidant such as BHT can help maintain freshness in long-lived concentrates.
Because the note fades faster than woody bases, boosting it with tiny amounts of linalool or bergamot oil can extend presence without compromising brightness. Always test the final accord on blotters and skin to balance projection and persistence before locking the level into a finished formula.
Safety Using Pseudo Linalyl Acetate
Dilution is key: always blend Pseudo Linalyl Acetate into a carrier before evaluating it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle since concentrated vapors can irritate nasal passages. Work in a well-ventilated space such as a fume hood or near an extraction fan to limit inhalation. Wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses to shield skin and eyes from accidental splashes.
The material is considered readily biodegradable and non persistent in the environment, yet it can cause mild skin irritation or trigger allergic responses in sensitive individuals. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult a medical professional before prolonged handling. Brief exposure to low concentrations in finished fragrance is generally regarded as safe but extended contact with higher percentages increases risk.
Wash spills with soap and water, then dry the area fully. If eye contact occurs rinse with clean water for several minutes and seek medical help if discomfort lasts. Never pour unused concentrate down household drains; instead collect it in a waste solvent container for proper chemical disposal.
Always review the most recent Material Safety Data Sheet from your supplier and check it regularly for updates. Follow the current IFRA guidelines for maximum usage levels in each product category to ensure consumer and environmental safety.
How To Store & Dispose of Pseudo Linalyl Acetate
Keep Pseudo Linalyl Acetate in airtight glass or aluminum bottles placed in a cool dark cabinet away from direct sunlight and heating equipment. Refrigeration is not essential but steady low temperatures slow oxidation and help the aroma stay crisp for longer.
Fit all containers with polycone caps to create a tight vapor seal that dropper tops cannot match. Every time you decant, top the bottle up with inert gas or transfer the remainder into a smaller vial so the headspace stays minimal and air contact is reduced.
Label each vessel clearly with the material name, CAS number, date of receipt and any hazard symbols recommended by the supplier. Storing different chemicals side by side? Separate reactive acids or strong bases to avoid cross contamination in the event of leaks.
For short term bench dilutions mix only what you expect to use within a few weeks and keep those solutions away from sources of ignition. Return stock bottles to storage promptly after weighing to limit repeated temperature swings.
When a batch is past its prime or you simply have excess, do not pour it down household drains. Collect unwanted concentrate or alcohol solutions in a dedicated waste container and send it to a local chemical disposal service that handles flammable organic liquids. The material is readily biodegradable in the environment yet high concentrations can still harm aquatic life if released untreated.
Summary
Pseudo Linalyl Acetate is a renewable upcycled floral aroma chemical from IFF valued for its bright bergamot lavender scent with a hint of nutmeg. It acts as a lively top to early heart note that freshens fougères, tea accords and light citrus bouquets while remaining friendly to vegan and sustainable formulations.
The molecule is moderately priced, easy to blend and stable for around two years when stored correctly, though prolonged air or heat exposure will dull its sparkle. Its distinct profile means it shines in clean modern builds but can be overwhelmed by heavy resins or dark woods.
Commercial buyers can order it directly from IFF or through distributors by quoting CAS 1118-39-4. Smaller hobbyist quantities are often available from specialty fragrance suppliers that repackage bulk stock or from manufacturers of generic equivalents, making this versatile floral booster accessible to projects of any scale.