Choosing a Biosynthetic Aroma Molecule for Your Formula
How to match a molecule to a brief, and the four questions to ask a supplier before you commit to a grade.
Start from the odour brief, not the CAS number
A brief written as 'we need a rose' is a conversation, not an order. The real decision sits between geraniol, citronellol, nerol and 2-phenylethanol, and each moves the rose in a different direction. Send us the performance target and the application, and we will send the candidates.
Decide whether you need a molecule or a mixture
If your target is 'harshness and lift', a single molecule is right. If your target is 'a rose that reads natural in a shower gel at 0.3%', you almost certainly need a blend, and we can build one to your brief.
The four questions to ask any supplier
What is the assay range and the analytical method? What is the isomer ratio, and is it fixed or variable? Which IFRA standard and which category limits apply to my product category? And what does the REACH dossier cover? A supplier who cannot answer the isomer question is selling you a mixture.
Ask for the COA before you ask for the price
The certificate of analysis tells you whether the material is fit for purpose. The price only tells you whether you can afford it. Get the analytical picture first, because it is what determines whether the finished product works.
Budget for the documentation, not just the drum
IFRA conformity statements, SDS, REACH dossiers and batch traceability all cost time. A supplier who already has them ready will quote a slightly higher unit price and still cost you less overall than one who has to produce them.