Beta Damascone Aroma Chemical
CAS# 23726-91-2

Beta Damascone is an aroma molecule belonging to the rose ketone family. It is widely regarded as one of the most influential and powerful materials in a perfumer’s palette. Developed and produced by Firmenich, this compound is renowned for its ability to add richness, depth, and exceptional diffusion to fragrance creations, especially in floral and fruity accords.

In terms of origin, Beta Damascone occurs naturally at extremely low levels in Damask rose essential oil (around 0.05%), tobacco, and certain teas. However, because its natural concentration is far too low for commercial extraction, Beta Damascone today is predominantly produced via synthetic methods.

In the early 1960s, Firmenich collaborated with chemists to conduct an in-depth analysis of Bulgarian rose oil-work that led to the discovery and successful synthesis of rose ketones, including Beta Damascone. The damascone compounds were subsequently isolated for the first time during the 1970–1980 period, and this discovery represented a genuine breakthrough, opening new creative directions for perfumers thanks to their distinctive olfactory profile and extremely high odor intensity.

In appearance, Beta Damascone is a liquid ranging from colorless and transparent to pale yellow, with an intense fruity-floral scent reminiscent of rose, plum, and blackcurrant. Beta Damascone (sometimes written as β-Damascone) is both its chemical name and its most common name, while Firmenich supplies this material under the trade name DAMASCONE BETA FAB. Beta Damascone is widely used not only in fine perfumery but also in cosmetics such as creams and shower gels, and even in the flavor industry to create characteristic fruity and floral notes.

Description

Beta Damascone is a fragrance compound that falls within the Floral and Fruity families. In a fragrance formula, it functions as a highly effective modifier and booster, and is often placed in the heart and base due to its impressive substantivity.

The scent of Beta Damascone is described as very powerful and complex. It delivers a signature rose character, subtly intertwined with dark-fruit facets such as ripe plum and blackcurrant, along with honeyed sweetness and a touch of warm tobacco nuance. Compared to Alpha Damascone, the Beta form is sweeter and less herbal. Its odor impact is extremely high, with strong diffusion that lends radiance and vividness to the overall composition. Notably, Beta Damascone has outstanding longevity and can last more than 180 hours on a blotter strip.

In terms of use, Beta Damascone is a key building block for modern rose accords, helping them feel natural and lifelike. It is also used to amplify fruity notes, especially berry facets. Even at very small dosages, it can create a pronounced diffusive effect, making a fragrance feel fresher, more natural, and deeper. Well-known pairings can be found in classic perfumes such as Poison (1985) by Dior-where its plum and honey facets complement the spicy heart-as well as Paris (1983) by Yves Saint Laurent and Jardins de Bagatelle (1983) by Guerlain.

Because of its very strong odor intensity, perfumers often recommend using Beta Damascone in a pre-diluted solution (for example 10% or lower) to better control dosage and accurately evaluate its effect in complex formulas.

Applications

Beta Damascone is used across multiple sectors thanks to its distinctive note. In perfumery, it is an important ingredient in fine fragrances. In cosmetics, it is used to scent both leave-on products such as creams and rinse-off products such as shower gels and shampoos. In addition, Beta Damascone is used in home care products like cleaners and fabric softeners, as well as in the flavor industry.

However, the use of Beta Damascone is restricted by safety standards due to its potential to cause skin sensitization. According to the 51st Amendment of the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), the maximum permitted use level in products such as perfume (Category 4) is 0.043%. In practice, its average use level in fragrance concentrates typically ranges from 0.02% to 0.2%. Because it is identified as a potential skin allergen, products containing this compound may need to list “Beta-Damascone” on the ingredient label under the regulations of certain regions. For storage, it is recommended to keep it in tightly closed containers in a cool place to maintain quality.

Many classic and modern fragrances have used Beta Damascone to create a distinctive and recognizable signature. Notable examples include Poison by Dior, Paris by Yves Saint Laurent, Jardins de Bagatelle by Guerlain, and Nombre Noir by Shiseido.