Fragrance Ingredients

What a perfumer builds a composition from scratch

This section covers individual fragrance materials from which perfumers and formulators build their own compositions, unlike ready made fragrance oils. This is a more refined level of scent work, where each component contributes a specific note or function.

For example phenylethyl alcohol and hydroxycitronellal are classic floral fragrance materials.

Varieties and applications

Some materials serve a supporting rather than aromatic function: diethyl phthalate and Aromafix are used as fixatives that extend a scent's longevity on skin or in a formula.

Raspberry ketone gives a recognisable fruity note, while vanilla stabiliser helps preserve the character of a vanilla note during storage of a finished formula.

A separate group covers molecules such as Ambroxan, giving a musky woody trail, and citrus terpenes L-Limonene and D-Limonene, which also work as a natural solvent and antioxidant in a formula.

Selection and compatible ingredients

Working with individual fragrance materials takes more experience than using ready made fragrance oils, but gives full control over the final scent character. Materials in this section pair with fragrance oils from the Fragrance Oils section when a specific note needs adjusting, as well as with raw materials from the Cosmetic Raw Materials section for more complex multi component formulas.

Practical notes on working with molecules

When building a custom formula, introduce components gradually, starting with base notes and adding fixatives and modifiers step by step, rather than mixing everything at once. This step by step approach allows finer control over the balance between top, middle and base notes of the future composition.

L-Limonene and D-Limonene, despite the similar name, differ in molecular structure and scent character, so switching between isomers calls for retesting the final composition rather than relying on the previous dosage.

Storage

Materials are supplied from Germany, the USA, France, India, Spain, China, Ukraine and Switzerland among others. Store in tightly sealed bottles in a cool place away from direct light, as most fragrance materials are volatile and sensitive to oxidation from air.

Before a larger order, it helps to buy small trial packs of several materials and sketch a draft formula on paper, estimating the rough ratio of top, middle and base notes, before moving to actual mixing.

This approach helps avoid wasting costly components while a formula is still being refined.

FAQ

How does a fragrance material differ from a ready made fragrance oil?

A fragrance material is a single scent component used to build a custom composition, while a ready made fragrance oil is already a finished blend.

What is a fragrance fixative used for?

A fixative extends a scent's longevity on skin or in a formula by slowing the evaporation of lighter fragrance materials.

How do L-Limonene and D-Limonene differ?

These are different isomers of the same molecule with different molecular structure and scent character, switching between them calls for retesting the composition.

How should fragrance materials be stored?

In tightly sealed bottles in a cool place away from direct light, most fragrance materials are volatile and sensitive to evaporation and oxidation.

Recommendations

When building a custom composition, it helps to test combinations in small volumes before scaling up, introducing components gradually from base notes to fixatives. Mylo Opt has supplied fragrance materials for perfumery for over twelve years. Place your order by email with the items you need.