AROMA COMPOUNDS

Aroma compounds — concentrated fragrance compositions

Aroma compounds are fragrance ingredients with high intensity and thermal stability, designed for perfuming cosmetics, soaps, butters and shampoos as well as candles and waxes. The category currently holds 4 products — methyl salicylate in 10 ml, 100 ml, 500 ml and 1 l packs.

Use in cosmetics and in waxes

In cosmetics, aroma compounds are notable for their good compatibility with surfactants and lipid phases, which makes them a fit for emulsions, balms, shower gels and soaps. In candles, what counts is thermal stability and the resulting hot throw and cold throw — soy and blended waxes both work well. Candles and diffusers are a non-cosmetic use, so the fragrance load in them is not set by cosmetic limits but by testing the particular combination of wax and wick.

Sensory profile and volatility

Every composition has its own volatile structure — top, middle and base notes — which determines both the onset and the longevity of the scent in the finished product: top notes (fresh and citrus ones above all) evaporate fastest, while base notes hold the fragrance longest. When choosing, allow for the sensory profile you want (fresh, floral, fruity, gourmand, woody or oriental notes) and for compatibility with the system — the oil phase, the base or the wax.

Dosage and regulatory limits

The category currently consists of pure methyl salicylate, which is regulated in Annex III to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (entry 324, added by Regulation (EU) 2022/1531). On the skin the maximum is 0.06% in leave-on and rinse-off products alike, 0.6% in alcohol-based perfumes, 0.03% in lip products and 0.002% in eye cosmetics; products containing methyl salicylate are not intended for children under 6 (toothpastes excepted). Check the exact limit for your product category in Annex III and in the product’s IFRA declaration. Methyl salicylate is also among the allergens that must be declared on the label under Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 — above 0.001% in leave-on products and above 0.01% in rinse-off ones. Aroma compounds are for external use only — never take them internally. If you are looking for ready-made fragrance compositions across a wider range of notes, see fragrance oils; the natural alternatives are essential oils and CO₂ extracts.

An SDS (MSDS), a COA certificate, an IFRA declaration and an allergen list are available for every product — the paperwork for safe formulation and for labelling your finished products. For dosage advice on a particular formulation, write to [email protected].