Cashmeran Aroma Chemical
CAS# 33704-61-9

In the world of fragrance materials, there are molecules that are not merely a scent, but a sensation. Cashmeran is one such legend-a synthetic compound that helped redefine luxury and warmth in modern perfumery.

Its origin story is a classic example of serendipitous discovery. Invented by Dr. John Hall at IFF in the 1970s, Cashmeran emerged from research on polycyclic musks. Yet something unexpected happened: although its structure sits close to the musk family, its odor profile unfolded as a distinctive symphony of wood and resinous pine facets, effectively creating a new olfactive category at the time.

Physically, it is also unusual, appearing as an off-white crystalline solid or wax that softens/melts around room temperature. Behind that lies an irresistibly complex scent: dry woods and warm musk, accented with hints of spice, camphor, and a touch of damp earth after rain. Introduced and patented by IFF in 1976, Cashmeran became one of the early materials to blur the boundary between woody and musky families. It gives perfumers a priceless tool for adding body, warmth, and-above all-a soft, luxurious “cashmere” feel, like wool gently resting against the skin.

Description

Cashmeran is a complex accord in which seemingly opposing notes fuse in a captivating way. It belongs to both the Woody and Musky worlds, functioning as a firm base note, a powerful fixative, and a booster of overall volume and texture.

Its scent is a singular experience, evoking warm, dry pinewood; a soft musk; a curious “wet concrete after rain” nuance; and a faint heliotrope-like floral impression. Its strength shows in both intensity and diffusion-radiating strongly even at low dosage-paired with excellent longevity that can exceed 48 hours on a blotter.

In formulas, Cashmeran is used to build modern woody accords and to round off sharper, colder woods such as cedarwood or patchouli. It also serves as a skilled connector, bridging the floral heart seamlessly into the musky base. Paired with Ambroxan, it produces a clean, contemporary woody effect; alongside white florals, it adds sensuality and depth. Technically, because it is often supplied as a solid or wax, Cashmeran is typically pre-diluted in solvents such as DPG or IPM for easier compounding.

Applications

Cashmeran’s warmth and versatility allow it to infuse a sense of luxury into countless products. It sits at the core of many fine fragrances for both men and women, and it also warms living spaces through scented candles and diffuser oils. Its distinctive soft feel is widely used in body lotions, shower gels, and especially fabric softeners, where its excellent substantivity helps it cling to textiles and linger on fibers.

Despite the creative freedom it offers, use of this powerful molecule still follows safety limits, with typical usage in fragrance compounds ranging from 0.5% to 2%. From a safety standpoint, Cashmeran is generally regarded as mild, not strongly allergenic, and not phototoxic. Storage is straightforward: keep it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place, and gently warm it if liquefaction is needed.

Cashmeran’s influence is clearly proven by its presence in iconic fragrances: it is part of the warm core of Alien, creates an intimate skin-like effect in Dans Tes Bras, and softens the rugged vetiver character in Encre Noire. Although it appeared after Steffen Arctander’s original editions, professionals widely agree that Cashmeran delivers a uniquely distinctive, irreplaceable olfactive signature. It offers remarkable diffusion and a smooth, enveloping effect across an entire fragrance structure, making it a key ingredient for achieving warmth, richness, and a clean sensuality in modern perfumery.