Undecalactone Gamma Coeur: 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 29, 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 Undecalactone Gamma Coeur?

Undecalactone Gamma Coeur is a synthetic aroma molecule used by perfumers to add a lush fruity tone to fragrances. It was first introduced to the market by IFF, one of the largest fragrance houses, and you will often see their name attached to it. That said, the molecule itself is not patented, so several other suppliers offer equivalent grades under slightly different trade names.

Chemically it belongs to a group called lactones, which are ring-shaped esters responsible for many creamy fruit smells in nature. In the factory, it is usually made by turning a plant-derived fatty acid into a ring through a simple heating step. The end result is a clear oily liquid that looks almost like light cooking oil, sometimes showing a faint straw tint if it has been stored for a while.

Because of its pleasing peach-coconut nuance, Undecalactone Gamma Coeur is a staple in modern perfumery. You will find it in feminine florals, gourmand blends and even in some personal care products. Most stockists keep it on the shelf year-round, so availability is rarely a problem. When stored in a cool dark place with the cap tightly closed, it will stay fresh for roughly three to four years before the scent starts to dull.

Cost-wise it sits comfortably in the affordable bracket. It is not as cheap as bulk citrus terpenes yet far from the price of rare floral absolutes, which makes it popular for both fine fragrance and functional formulas. An extra bonus is that the material is listed as vegan friendly and readily biodegradable, ticking a few sustainability boxes without the need for special certification.

Undecalactone Gamma Coeur’s Scent Description

This molecule is usually placed in the fruity family. Off a scent blotter the first impression is ripe white peach drizzled with coconut milk. A soft creamy layer wraps around the fruit, giving it the feel of freshly cut stone fruit cooled in cream. As the minutes pass, a hint of sweet almond and warm skin appears, keeping the note from turning overly tropical.

In the classic pyramid of top, middle and base notes, Undecalactone Gamma Coeur behaves as a robust middle-to-base material. It rises gently after the opening citrus fades then lingers for hours, providing a smooth bridge into the deeper drydown. Think of it as the cushioning that makes a fragrance feel round and edible.

Projection is moderate. It will not shout across a room yet it radiates enough that people within arm’s length catch the fruity halo. Longevity is where it shines: traces can cling to blotters for well over 24 hours, which helps lock the peachy cream character into the perfume long after the lighter notes have gone.

How & Where To Use Undecalactone Gamma Coeur

Perfumers reach for Undecalactone Gamma Coeur when a natural peach or creamy coconut note is needed without the candy vibe that some fruity materials bring. It slots neatly into stone-fruit accords, rounds off tropical blends and lends softness to sharp white florals. It also bridges the gap between bright top notes and deep woody bases, smoothing a formula so it feels seamless from start to drydown.

At very low levels, traces to 0.2 percent of the total concentrate, it acts as a background blender that adds a milky glow rather than a clear fruit statement. Around 0.5 to 1 percent the peach tone becomes recognisable and gives lift to jasmine, osmanthus or ylang. When pushed toward 3 to 5 percent it turns into the star of the show with a lush juicy effect yet can tip into a buttery or oily nuance if the rest of the formula is also heavy on lactones.

Use it in fine fragrance, body creams, shampoos and candles. It performs well in alcohol and most oils but can fade quicker in high-heat applications like soap where higher dosage or encapsulation helps. It is not ideal for very fresh citrus colognes that need an airy feel since its creamy body can dampen sparkle.

Over-use brings risks: too much can weigh down a perfume, mask delicate florals or introduce a waxy note that smells less natural. It can also creep over regulatory limits when combined with other lactones. Always check cumulative totals.

Prep work is simple. Pre-dilute to 10 or 20 percent in ethanol or dipropylene glycol so you can measure drops with accuracy. Give the mixture a brief swirl or gentle warm-water bath to ensure full blending before adding it to your main concentrate. Label the dilution clearly with date and percentage.

Safely Using Undecalactone Gamma Coeur

Dilution is key. Always create a working solution before assessing the scent so the vapor concentration stays low. Avoid direct sniffing from the bottle as undiluted fumes can irritate the nose and dull your sense of smell. Work in a well-ventilated space to keep airborne levels in check and wear gloves and safety glasses to protect skin and eyes from splashes.

Most users handle this material for short periods and at low doses, which is generally safe. Still, some individuals may experience skin irritation or sensitisation, especially after repeated contact. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding speak with your doctor before working with any aroma chemicals.

While its vapor pressure is low, prolonged or high-level exposure can stress the respiratory system so close containers promptly and clean up spills right away. Wash hands after handling and keep food or drink away from the bench to prevent accidental ingestion.

Always consult the latest Safety Data Sheet supplied with your batch. Regulations and recommended limits can change so revisit the document often. Follow current IFRA guidelines for maximum use levels in each product type to make sure your formula remains within safe margins.

How To Store & Dispose of Undecalactone Gamma Coeur

Store the neat material in a tight-sealed glass or aluminum bottle kept in a cool dark spot away from heaters and direct sunlight. A cupboard or drawer that stays below 20 °C works for most users but refrigeration can add extra months of freshness if you have space.

Air is the main enemy. Choose bottles that leave as little headspace as possible and top up partly used containers with clean glass beads or inert gas to push out oxygen. For working dilutions switch to small amber bottles fitted with polycone caps. These caps create a firm seal that limits vapor loss and keeps moisture out. Skip dropper bottles because their vent holes slowly let in air which speeds up oxidation.

Label every container clearly with the material name, dilution strength, date opened and key safety notes so you never mix it up with other fruity lactones. Keep the labels facing forward and easy to read so you can check age and stock level at a glance.

Spills are rare thanks to its oily texture yet still wipe any drips right away with paper towel then wash the bench with warm soapy water. Ventilate the room for a few minutes to clear any lingering scent.

For disposal small leftover amounts can be blended into plenty of warm soapy water then poured down the drain if local rules allow since the molecule is readily biodegradable. Larger volumes or expired stock should be collected in a sealed container, mixed with an absorbent such as cat litter and handed over to a licensed chemical waste facility. Never burn or tip the raw liquid directly into soil or waterways.

Summary

Undecalactone Gamma Coeur is a lactonic aroma chemical from IFF that delivers a creamy peach and soft coconut note prized in everything from fine fragrance to body care. It sits between top and base notes giving smooth fruity warmth without veering into candy territory.

Perfumers like it because it is affordable, easy to dose and friendly to green marketing thanks to its vegan status and ready biodegradability. Still you need to watch for oxidation which dulls its fresh peach glow and for heavy dosing that can make blends feel buttery.

You can buy it in commercial drums direct from IFF or pick up smaller packs from specialty scent suppliers and hobby shops that carry generic versions. With sound storage habits and thoughtful use this workhorse ingredient will keep your formulas smelling juicy and natural for years to come.

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