Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm: The Complete Guide To This Aroma Chemical

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining everything you need to know.
Updated on: July 30, 2025
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We verify all information on this page using publicly available standards from The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm?

Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm is a synthetic aromatic molecule created to deliver a fresh floral lift in perfumes and fragranced products. The material is supplied by DSM-Firmenich, a multinational fragrance and ingredient house, although other suppliers may offer comparable grades under slightly different trade names.

It is produced through modern chemical synthesis where simple building blocks are combined into the finished molecule. The process at DSM-Firmenich follows green chemistry guidelines and runs on renewable electricity at a dedicated Swiss facility, making the ingredient attractive for brands looking to lower their environmental impact.

At room temperature the material is a clear colourless liquid that pours easily and dissolves well in standard perfume alcohol or many surfactant bases. Because of its good stability and high flashpoint it transports and handles without much fuss.

Tetrahydrolinalool is a workhorse floral modifier so you will find it in everything from fine fragrance to fabric softener. Perfumers lean on it when they want to brighten a bouquet, freshen a citrus accord or soften sharper lavender notes.

The molecule is neither considered rare nor particularly pricey. It sits in the mid-range of aroma chemical costs, making it accessible for both prestige and mass-market formulas.

With proper storage in a cool well-sealed container away from light the ingredient typically keeps its full olfactory quality for around two years, sometimes longer. Oxidation is slow thanks to its saturated structure, so the shelf life is comfortably adequate for most creative and production timelines.

Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm’s Scent Description

This material is classed in the broad floral family. Off a blotter it opens with a gentle citrus-fresh sparkle that recalls bergamot rind, quickly segueing into a soft dewy freesia nuance. As it settles you notice an airy lavender facet that is more soothing than medicinal, followed by a light musky woodiness that adds body without turning the profile heavy.

The smell feels clean, slightly sweet and quietly uplifting, like the scent of a florist’s shop caught on a breeze. It does not shout; instead it lends an impression of natural brightness and smoothness to whatever it accompanies.

In perfumery language notes are often divided into top, middle and base. Tetrahydrolinalool sits between the top and the heart. It appears quickly, helps carry the opening and then melts into the main bouquet before fading. On a smelling strip the aroma remains noticeable for about three hours, after which it becomes a soft whisper.

Projection is moderate, giving a gentle aura rather than a big cloud. Used thoughtfully it can extend the freshness of citrus notes or lighten heavier florals while keeping the overall scent airy and contemporary.

How & Where To Use Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm

Perfumers reach for Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm when they want to add a clean floral lift without bringing extra weight or sharpness. It fits neatly in citrus top notes, floral hearts and even soft woody bases, tying them together with a gentle breeze of freshness.

In a classic bergamot-lavender accord the molecule smooths the edges of the citrus while rounding the herbal tone of lavender. When paired with freesia, peony or muguet materials it brightens the bouquet and keeps it feeling natural. It also works well beside ionones, hedione or linalool, boosting their radiance without stealing the spotlight.

Typical usage sits anywhere from a trace for subtle polish up to about 5 percent of the total concentrate for a distinct floral sparkle. At very low levels it acts like a softening filter, blending gaps between notes. Around 2 percent it becomes more noticeable, adding a light citrus-freesia tone. Push it higher and the lavender side grows, which can tip a composition toward soapy freshness if other floral notes are weak.

Over-use can flatten complexity, making a perfume smell generic or overly detergent-like. It can also crowd delicate jasmine, rose or orange blossom notes, so balance is key. If the formula already contains plenty of linalool or terpenic materials it may be better to lower the dosage of Tetrahydrolinalool or swap in a weightier floral such as phenethyl alcohol instead.

The ingredient arrives as a clear liquid that is easy to weigh and pour. No special dilution is needed before blending with alcohol or most surfactant bases, though a 10 percent solution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol gives finer control for trial work. The high flashpoint allows safe heating when making solid perfumes or scented candles, yet gentle warming is usually enough for quick mixing.

Because it is fairly stable you do not need antioxidants, but make sure the stock bottle stays tightly closed and stored away from heat and light. If the scent seems muted after long storage a simple filter through clean paper often restores clarity by removing any trace solids.

Safely Information

Always dilute Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm before smelling. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle and work in a well-ventilated space to keep airborne levels low. Gloves and safety glasses guard skin and eyes from splashes during weighing or pouring.

Like many aroma chemicals this molecule can cause skin irritation or trigger allergies in sensitive people. Brief contact with low doses is generally safe yet repeated or high-level exposure may lead to discomfort. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should talk to a medical professional before handling fragrance materials.

If a spill occurs wash the area with soap and plenty of water. In case of eye contact rinse with clean water for several minutes and seek medical advice if irritation persists. Do not ingest the product.

For the most accurate and up-to-date guidance always review the supplier’s Material Safety Data Sheet and keep an eye on revisions. Follow current IFRA standards for maximum usage in each product type to ensure your formulas remain within accepted safety limits.

How To Store & Dispose of Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm

Keep the material in a tightly closed glass or high-grade plastic bottle stored in a cool dark cupboard away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Refrigeration is not required but can add extra months of freshness if you have the space. Whether chilled or on the shelf bring the bottle back to room temperature before opening to avoid moisture condensing inside.

Air exposure is the main enemy of aroma quality. Use the smallest practical bottle size and top up containers so the headspace stays minimal. Polycone caps give an excellent seal while dropper tops often leak vapor and let oxygen creep in so avoid them for both neat stock and dilutions.

Label every container clearly with the ingredient name batch number date opened and any hazard pictograms. Good labeling prevents mix ups and reminds anyone handling the bottle to check the safety data sheet first.

If you need to dispose of unused material never pour it down the sink straight. Small hobbyist quantities can be mixed with cat litter or another absorbent then sealed in a marked bag and placed in household chemical waste according to local rules. Larger volumes from a lab or factory should go through a licensed waste contractor. The molecule is partly biodegradable but concentrated discharges can still harm aquatic life so responsible disposal matters.

Rinse empty bottles with a little alcohol before recycling or discarding. Keep the rinse liquid with other flammable waste for proper treatment. Maintaining tidy storage and thoughtful disposal keeps your workspace safe and protects the environment.

Summary

Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm is a synthetic floral aroma chemical from DSM-Firmenich that offers a gentle bergamot-freesia sparkle and a touch of lavender cleanliness. It slips easily into citrus tops floral hearts and soft woods giving lift without heaviness.

Perfumers value it for its versatility moderate cost and reliable stability. On a blotter it lasts around three hours making it ideal for brightening openings and smoothing transitions. Its clear liquid form high flashpoint and low tendency to oxidize simplify handling across fine fragrance haircare home care and candles.

While not a show-stopping note on its own it is a quiet workhorse found in countless modern formulas. Keep dosage balanced so it supports rather than dominates delicate florals and watch for overlap with other linalool-type materials.

Commercial houses can source it directly from DSM-Firmenich in drum or pail sizes. Independent perfumers and hobbyists will find smaller packs through specialty ingredient resellers or generic equivalents from other aroma suppliers. With smart storage and mindful use Tetrahydrolinalool Dsm can become a reliable building block in any scent palette.

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