What Is Rose Centifolia Ig Grasse Abs?
Rose Centifolia Ig Grasse Abs is a natural perfume ingredient obtained from the petals of the famed Rose de Mai grown in and around Grasse in the south of France. DSM-Firmenich is the best-known producer thanks to long-term agreements with local farmers, yet other aroma houses do offer comparable absolutes made from the same species.
The material is made in two steps. First the freshly picked petals are washed with a gentle solvent to create a waxy concrete. That concrete is then treated with alcohol to pull out the fragrant molecules, leaving a rich liquid absolute. At room temperature the finished product is a clear to golden liquid that pours easily.
Because it takes vast amounts of petals to yield even a small weight of absolute the cost is on the higher side compared with most floral extracts. Supply is limited by the short five-week harvest so yearly availability can vary with the weather.
The absolute is used widely in fine fragrance and in premium bodycare formulas, though its price keeps it out of many everyday detergents. When stored in a cool dark place in a tightly closed glass or lined metal container it usually keeps its full character for around three to four years before it starts to fade.
Rose Centifolia Ig Grasse Abs’s Scent Description
This ingredient sits squarely in the floral family. Off a blotter the first impression is a fresh green rose petal accord laced with a hint of dew and crushed leaves. Within minutes a soft fruit nuance appears, suggesting pear and red berry, quickly followed by a light peppery spice that gives lift.
As the blotter dries the heart opens into the classic May rose signature: honeyed, silky and slightly powdery, with a touch of clover nectar that rounds the profile. Underneath, a faint earthy note anchors the bouquet and adds natural depth without ever pulling attention away from the floral core.
Perfumers classify notes by how long they last. Top notes sparkle in the first minutes, middle notes form the body for a few hours and base notes linger the longest. Rose Centifolia Absolute is a solid middle note that begins early and stays present for a good part of the wearing journey. It links bright starting materials to deeper bases such as musks or woods.
Projection is moderate: it radiates confidently in the first hour then settles closer to the skin. On a blotter its scent can be detected for a full day, on skin it usually remains noticeable for six to eight hours before tapering off.
How & Where To Use Rose Centifolia Ig Grasse Abs
Perfumers lean on this absolute when they want an unmistakable natural rose heart that carries both freshness and sweetness. It slots smoothly into classic floral bouquets, modern fruity florals or even gourmand creations that need a soft honey nuance. Because it is rounder and less lemony than Damascena extracts it shines when a creamy petal effect is desired rather than a sharp tea-rose bite.
At trace levels below 0.5 % it acts as a lifter, polishing synthetic rose molecules and adding realism to accords built around geraniol, phenyl ethyl alcohol or rosy ionones. Between 1 % and 3 % it becomes a clear signature note that bridges bright top notes like bergamot or pink pepper to plush bases of musk, amber or sandalwood. Going higher than 4 % pushes it into soloist territory where its honey and spice facets dominate the composition.
The material is welcome in fine fragrance, high-end body lotions and gentle bar soaps where its richness survives the curing process. It fares less well in aggressive bleach cleaners or high-pH detergents because delicate floral nuances can be lost. Staining is rarely a problem but test in pale emulsions just to be safe.
Over-use carries two main risks. First, the formula may smell heavy and dated, drifting toward jammy rose preserve rather than fresh petals. Second, a high load quickly drives up cost which can limit the product’s price point. Layering with supporting rose boosters lets a perfumer keep the natural down yet still project a strong floral message.
Prep work is simple. The absolute pours easily at room temperature but can thicken in a cold lab; a short warm-water bath brings it back to full fluidity. Make a 10 % dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol for accurate weighing and evaluation. Always filter before filling into sprayers to avoid wax particles.
Safety Information
Always dilute this absolute before evaluating its odor profile. Avoid sniffing straight from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space to limit vapor build-up. Wear disposable gloves and safety glasses so the liquid cannot touch skin or eyes.
Like many natural extracts Rose Centifolia Absolute contains naturally occurring allergens such as citronellol geraniol and eugenol. Some people may experience skin irritation or sensitisation after contact. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding consult your doctor before handling fragrance materials.
Short whiffs of a low-strength dilution are generally considered safe yet repeated or prolonged exposure to higher concentrations can lead to headaches respiratory discomfort or dermatitis. In case of accidental skin contact wash immediately with plenty of soap and water. If irritation persists seek medical advice.
Dispose of spills using an absorbent material then place the waste in a sealed container for chemical disposal in line with local regulations. Do not pour leftover concentrate down the drain as natural absolutes can stress water systems.
Always refer to the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch and recheck it regularly since updates do occur. Follow IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product category to ensure the finished fragrance is both enjoyable and safe.
How To Store & Dispose of Rose Centifolia Ig Grasse Abs
Keep this absolute in a tightly closed glass or lined metal bottle stored in a cool dark cupboard away from heaters or direct sun. A dedicated fridge set between 4 °C and 10 °C adds an extra margin of freshness but is not essential if the room stays under 20 °C year-round.
Use polycone caps on both the neat material and any dilutions. They form a snug seal that blocks slow leaks of aroma and solvent. Avoid dropper tops because they let air slip in and speed up oxidation.
Try to work from small secondary bottles while leaving the master container as full as possible. Less headspace means less oxygen contact which helps the delicate honey facets stay bright for longer.
Label every bottle with the full name batch number fill date and key safety phrases so nothing gets misplaced during a busy blending session. A printed hazard pictogram is wise if you share the lab with others.
When a sample no longer smells fresh do not pour it down the sink. Soak spills or leftovers onto paper towels or vermiculite then place the waste in a sealed bag for household chemical collection. Larger volumes should go to a licensed disposal company that can handle organic extracts. While the material is of plant origin its high concentration of fragrance allergens means it should not enter waterways untreated.
Summary
Rose Centifolia Ig Grasse Abs is a solvent-extracted absolute from the celebrated May rose grown around Grasse. It smells of fresh green petals opening into honeyed rich rose with soft fruity and spicy hints.
Perfumers prize it as a natural middle note that lends realism to floral accords and elegance to modern blends. A little brightens synthetic rose bases while higher levels give a luxurious signature.
The extract is stable for several years if kept cool and well sealed yet its premium price and seasonal supply call for careful formula planning. It is most at home in fine fragrance bodycare and gentle soaps where its nuance can shine.
Commercial buyers source it directly from DSM-Firmenich or other aroma suppliers that work with Grasse growers. Hobbyists and small brands can find smaller packs through specialty resellers and some generic absolute producers for trial batches before scaling up.