What Is Ultravanil 80%/Dpg?
Ultravanil 80%/DPG is a modern aroma chemical blend introduced to the fragrance industry in the late 1990s. It consists of a highly concentrated Ultravanil molecule diluted to a workable strength in dipropylene glycol, which makes the material easier to handle and weigh. The Ultravanil itself is produced through a purely synthetic route, typically starting from petrochemical feedstocks that are converted through a series of controlled reactions similar to those used to create vanillin. Because the chemistry is straightforward and relies on readily available raw materials, supply is steady and cost sits comfortably in the affordable range for perfumers.
At room temperature the ingredient appears as a clear, mobile liquid, making it convenient to incorporate into both oil and water based formulations. Laboratories appreciate its long shelf life, simple handling and compatibility with automated dosing systems. You will find Ultravanil 80%/DPG stocked by most fragrance houses and increasingly by independent creators thanks to its reliability and versatility. Although not considered a luxury specialty item, it enjoys a strong reputation for performance, which has driven widespread adoption across fine fragrance, home scenting and personal care applications.
What Does Ultravanil 80%/Dpg Smell Like?
Perfumers usually place Ultravanil 80%/DPG in the gourmand family. Off a blotter it opens with a full bodied vanilla absolute character that feels dense and indulgent rather than airy. A creamy sweetness dominates first impressions while a faint phenolic edge adds depth, preventing the note from turning cloying. As the scent settles the vanilla facet becomes smoother and slightly smoky, echoing the effect of toasted sugar or the crust of a crème brûlée.
In the traditional scent pyramid top notes are the first to appear, middle notes shape the heart and base notes linger the longest. Ultravanil 80%/DPG behaves mainly as a middle to base note. It does not flash off quickly; instead it anchors other sweet materials and remains detectable long after lighter accents fade. Projection is high, meaning a small amount carries well through the air, and longevity on skin or fabric stretches for many hours, often extending into the next day on blotter tests.
How & Where To Use Ultravanil 80%/Dpg
In the lab Ultravanil 80%/DPG is a joy to handle. It pours easily, mixes without fuss and does not stain your glassware the way many vanilla materials do. The absence of the usual brown tinge means you avoid unwanted colour creep in pale bases or clear candles.
Perfumers reach for Ultravanil when they want a big creamy vanilla backdrop that hangs around but does not push the formula into sticky territory. It excels in gourmand accords where bakery, caramel or toasted sugar effects are needed, yet it also slips neatly into floral orientals to cushion petals with a soft sweetness. Thanks to its phenolic edge it pairs brilliantly with smoky woods, dark resins and leather notes, knitting these heavier facets together while rounding off rough corners.
Compared with vanillin and ethyl vanillin, Ultravanil shows far less discolouration so it is the better choice for white soaps, clear shower gels or wax melts where colour stability is critical. It can also extend the life of a vanilla theme by reinforcing Isobutavan or tonka absolute, giving the heart and base more punch without flooding the top notes.
Concentration matters. At trace levels around 0.02 % of the total perfume oil it simply fattens other sweet notes. Between 0.1 % and 0.5 % the vanilla becomes obvious, offering a dense, almost custard like core. Above 1 % the phenolic side steps forward and the material turns smoky and slightly medicinal, which may be desirable in niche concepts but can feel jarring in light florals. Most finished products sit comfortably below 0.2 % of the whole formula, giving weeks of blotter tenacity without overpowering the composition.
Preparation is straightforward. Keep a 10 % dilution in ethanol or dipropylene glycol on your organ so you can dose tiny amounts accurately. Shake the stock before use and make sure it has acclimated to room temperature for even weighing. No special antioxidants or stabilisers are required, though amber glass helps preserve freshness over long storage.
Safely Information
Working with Ultravanil 80%/DPG requires a few common sense precautions to keep your workspace safe and your senses sharp.
- Always dilute before evaluation: prepare at least a 10 % solution and smell from a blotter to avoid overwhelming your nose
- Never sniff straight from the bottle: headspace can be intense and may irritate nasal passages
- Ventilation: blend and evaluate in a well ventilated area or under a fume hood to prevent build up of vapours
- Personal protective equipment: wear nitrile gloves and safety glasses so spills do not contact skin or eyes
- Health considerations: some individuals experience skin irritation or sensitisation, consult a medical professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, limit prolonged or high level exposure
Responsible practice means checking the supplier’s latest safety data sheet for specific handling limits, first aid measures and disposal guidance then revisiting it regularly for updates. Follow current IFRA recommendations on maximum inclusion rates for each product category to keep both creator and consumer well protected.
Storage And Disposal
When sealed in its original container and kept under suitable conditions Ultravanil 80%/DPG remains in good shape for around two years, often longer before any noticeable drop in strength or colour. A fridge is helpful but not essential; a cupboard that stays cool all year and stays out of direct sunlight works almost as well.
Light and oxygen are the real enemies. Store the bottle inside a cardboard sleeve or amber glass to block UV, then screw on a tight polycone cap after every use. Dropper tops vent air with each squeeze so avoid them for both neat material and dilutions. If the level in a bottle falls below halfway decant the remainder into a smaller vessel to reduce the headspace and limit oxidation.
Keep a small working dilution on your bench and leave the bulk stock undisturbed in storage. Label every container with the full name, concentration, date mixed and any hazard pictograms so nothing goes missing or ends up in the wrong formula.
Although Ultravanil is inherently biodegradable it is classed as harmful to aquatic life. Do not pour leftovers straight down the sink. Collect rinse water in a closed jar, bulk it up with cat litter or another absorbent then hand the solidified waste to a household hazardous collection point. Wipe tools with paper towel, bag the wipes and dispose with regular trash.
Good housekeeping makes a difference. Clean drips immediately, keep shelves organised and review stock dates once a season to stay on top of freshness.
Summary
Ultravanil 80%/DPG is a clear liquid vanilla heavyweight that gives formulas a creamy gourmand heart without the usual brown stains. It smells like rich vanilla absolute touched by a smoky phenolic twist and it clings to blotters for weeks.
Perfumers love it because a drop can fluff up bakery accords, melt into floral orientals or glue dark woods and leathers into a seamless base. It cooperates with classics like vanillin and ethyl vanillin, boosts Isobutavan and behaves in soap, candles and fine fragrance while staying budget friendly.
Just remember its high impact, keep usage below the IFRA limits, watch for phenolic edges at strong doses and keep the bottle full, cool and capped. Play with it, respect its punch and enjoy how easily it lifts almost any sweet accord into dessert territory.