What Is Rose Centifolia Firabs?
Rose Centifolia Firabs is a specialty aroma ingredient designed by DSM-Firmenich to reproduce the true scent of freshly picked rose centifolia petals. While DSM-Firmenich owns the Firabs name, other suppliers sometimes offer comparable co-extracted rose materials marketed under different trade names.
The material is produced through a co-extraction process that blends Moroccan rose centifolia concrete with a curated mix of synthetics, some of which are captive to the manufacturer. This hybrid approach lets perfumers enjoy the natural depth of rose absolute while gaining the consistency and stability of modern aroma molecules.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear to pale yellow liquid that pours easily and dissolves well in most perfumery solvents. It is typically supplied at a technical purity suitable for fine fragrance yet robust enough for toiletries and home care applications.
Rose Centifolia Firabs is considered a widely used floral building block in contemporary perfumery, especially when a natural rose effect is desired without the full cost or supply limitations of pure absolute. When stored in a cool dark place in tightly closed containers it keeps its quality for roughly two years, though many labs report usable material beyond that window if handled carefully.
In terms of price it sits above standard synthetic rose compounds but well below pure absolute, making it a mid-to-upper tier option that balances budget and olfactive realism.
Rose Centifolia Firabs’s Scent Description
This ingredient falls squarely into the floral family. Off a paper blotter it opens with a bright dewy petal effect that instantly signals fresh rose. Within seconds a soft honey nuance emerges, joined by a hint of leafy green and a subtle peppery spice that recalls the stem and thorns. As the blotter dries the scent warms into a gently waxy, almost tea-like character that gives the impression of crushed petals resting in the sun.
In perfumery we often divide smells into top, middle and base notes. Rose Centifolia Firabs behaves mainly as a middle note, meaning its character blooms once the volatile top notes fade and lingers through the heart of the fragrance. It does carry a light top sparkle that helps lift the opening, and a soft musky residue that anchors it, yet its true personality shines in the heart.
Projection is moderate: strong enough to be noticed without dominating a blend. Longevity on a blotter typically runs four to six hours, which is considered good performance for a floral material and gives plenty of time for evaluation during formula development.
How & Where To Use Rose Centifolia Firabs
Perfumers reach for Rose Centifolia Firabs when they want a realistic petal effect but need more control than a pure absolute allows. It works best as the core of a rose accord or as a floral accent that softens woody or spicy themes. Because the material already carries a hint of green and honey, it can stand alone with only light support from geranium, citral or small touches of aldehydes.
In a classic bouquet style fragrance a dose of 1-3 % often gives a full, round heart while keeping costs reasonable. Trace amounts below 0.5 % lift fruity or citrus openings, lending a dewy freshness without shouting “rose.” At the higher end, up to 5 %, the ingredient becomes the main act, adding creamy volume and natural bloom. Beyond that level the note can feel heavy and waxy which may crowd out delicate top notes.
The material dilutes easily in ethanol or dipropylene glycol. Some labs prefer to premix it to 10 % in alcohol so micro adjustments are simpler during trials. In cold rooms the liquid can thicken slightly so warming the bottle to room temperature and shaking well ensures an even pour.
Applications range from prestige fine fragrance to everyday soaps and candles. It survives the pH shifts of shampoo bases and the heat of candle wax without losing its petal clarity. One limitation is heavy detergent powders where the subtle floral nuance can be lost; in that case pairing it with a stronger hedione or phenethyl alcohol backbone helps it cut through.
Over-use risks include making a blend smell dated or giving a jammy quality that feels sugary rather than fresh. Layering it with crisp greens or light spices keeps the profile lively. Always test the final formula on skin, blotter and in the intended product base because perception changes with medium and concentration.
No special equipment is needed beyond standard glassware and nitrile gloves, though using a dedicated pipette avoids cross contamination with heavier absolutes. Store any working solution in amber glass away from light to maintain the bright floral facets.
Safety Information
Always dilute Rose Centifolia Firabs before smelling it. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle. Work in a well ventilated space so you do not breathe high levels of vapors and wear gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes.
Like many aroma ingredients it can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions in sensitive people. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding speak with your doctor before working with fragrance materials. Brief exposure to low concentrations is generally considered safe yet prolonged or high level contact can be harmful.
Clean spills right away using an absorbent pad then wash the area with soap and water. Do not pour leftovers down the drain; place unwanted material in a sealed container and follow local disposal rules.
For full guidance always read the latest safety data sheet from your supplier and make sure your formula follows current IFRA limits for the intended product type. Documentation is updated often so review it regularly to stay compliant and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Rose Centifolia Firabs
Keep any unopened or bulk bottle of Rose Centifolia Firabs in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Refrigeration is optional yet helpful if you plan to hold stock for more than a year; just let the bottle reach room temperature before opening so moisture does not condense inside.
Air is the main enemy of delicate floral materials. Use bottles that can be topped up or transfer the liquid to a smaller container as the level drops. Polycone caps give an airtight seal that resists evaporation far better than glass dropper tops which often allow slow leaks.
Store working dilutions in amber glass and choose a cap rather than a pipette for long term parking. Wipe the threads after every pour to keep them free of residue that can gum up the closure. Clearly label each container with the ingredient name batch number and hazard symbols so nothing gets mistaken on the bench.
If a spill occurs soak it up with paper towels or inert absorbent then wash the surface with warm soapy water. Collect the waste towels in a sealable bag and dispose of them according to local regulations for chemical waste.
Rose Centifolia Firabs contains natural and synthetic components that are slow to biodegrade in high concentration. Never pour leftovers into sinks or outdoor drains. For small lab quantities mix with kitty litter or sawdust place in a sealed bag and send to municipal hazardous waste. Larger volumes should go through a licensed disposal contractor.
Summary
Rose Centifolia Firabs is a co-extracted blend from DSM-Firmenich that captures the fresh petal scent of Moroccan rose centifolia while adding the reliability of modern aroma molecules. It smells like a dewy rose in full bloom with gentle honey green and subtle spicy nuances and it performs mainly as a heart note in fragrance compositions.
Perfumers favor it because it bridges the gap between costly absolute and simpler synthetics bringing realism at a manageable price. The material is stable enough for fine fragrance toiletries and candles though it should be protected from heat and oxygen to keep its sparkle.
Cost sits in the mid to upper range so judicious dosing is wise especially in mass-market products. Its well defined rosy profile means it excels in floral bouquets or as a lift for fruity openings yet can feel heavy if overused.
Commercial quantities are available directly from DSM-Firmenich and authorized distributors. Smaller hobbyist packs can be found through specialty fragrance suppliers and third-party resellers who sometimes offer generic co-extracted rose materials of similar character.