Ebanol, Givaudan’s proprietary trade name, is a synthetic fragrance compound known by the chemical name 3-methyl-5-(2,2,3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl)-4-penten-2-ol and CAS No. 67710-71-4. Produced from derivatives of campholenic aldehyde, Ebanol stands out as an innovative solution designed to recreate the captivating scent of natural sandalwood—especially as this resource becomes increasingly scarce and expensive. As a clear, viscous liquid ranging from colorless to pale yellow, Ebanol radiates a powerful, warm sandalwood character, interwoven with a deep, mesmerizing musky nuance.
Recognized as one of today’s strongest and most accomplished sandalwood substitutes, and valued for its excellent chemical stability, Ebanol is widely used in fine fragrance, personal care products such as shower gels and shampoos, and even household cleaners. Ebanol emerged in the 1980s through the work of Givaudan’s chemists, amid intense competition among major fragrance companies to develop “super sandalwood” molecules—structures that are durable, cost-effective, and significantly more intense than natural sandalwood oil. Alongside Javanol and Polysantol, Ebanol helped revolutionize how perfumers build woody bases in modern perfumery, ushering in a new era for the fragrance industry.
Description
Ebanol belongs to the sensual woody family and plays a key role as a base note, functioning both as a fixative that helps fragrances last longer and as a solid structural backbone for a formula. Its scent vividly evokes classic sandalwood with an alluring warmth and smooth, creamy richness. Compared with other synthetics such as Sandalore or Bacdanol, Ebanol stands out thanks to an added subtle musky facet, giving a fuller, rounder, more elegant impression. Rather than feeling dry like cedarwood, Ebanol leans slightly moist and softly sweet, creating a distinctive appeal. With very high odor impact, it can outperform natural sandalwood oil by several times in diffusion, and it delivers remarkable longevity—often lasting weeks on a blotter and clinging impressively to skin.
In fragrance formulas, Ebanol is commonly used to construct artificial sandalwood accords, to support floral bouquets by making them warmer and more diffusive, and to enhance depth and creaminess in seductive oriental or woody themes. Notable pairings include its “power duo” with Javanol (also from Givaudan): Javanol provides lift and explosive diffusion, while Ebanol adds body and an enveloping depth. Combined with Coumarin or Vanillin, it can create a sweet, milky cream effect reminiscent of vintage Mysore sandalwood. With Ambroxan, it forms a modern, clean base with strong sensual pull. Ebanol can be used neat, but because it is highly viscous and very potent, perfumers often dilute it in DPG or ethanol to improve handling and dosing accuracy.
Applications
Ebanol performs strongly across many uses, from fine fragrance—where it appears in styles ranging from bold, masculine woods to soft, feminine florals—to rinse-off and leave-on cosmetics such as soaps, shower gels, and shampoos, thanks to its ability to cling to skin and hair even after rinsing. In detergents and home care, its outstanding stability in alkaline environments and in the presence of oxidants makes it a preferred choice for laundry powders and fabric softeners, leaving a lingering, upscale scent on textiles.
Regarding IFRA use guidance, Ebanol is not subject to a specific, strict allergen-related restriction in current standards, though the latest updates should always be checked. In fine fragrance, it is commonly used at 0.5% to 5% in a concentrate, and can go up to 10% for very dense woody profiles. In soap and other functional products, lower levels can still perform effectively because of its high potency.
Considered generally safe and skin-friendly with a low irritation profile, Ebanol requires only basic storage in a cool, dry place in a tightly sealed container. Its high chemical stability means it does not demand the same strict handling as many aldehydes or citrus essential oils. In the marketplace, it is often cited as contributing to the appeal of popular fragrances such as Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue (women), where Ebanol in the drydown adds warmth to balance bright lemon and fresh apple notes and improves tenacity; Le Labo Santal 33, whose formula is proprietary but analyses suggest heavy use of synthetic sandalwood materials, with Ebanol frequently employed to create its characteristic “sawdust” and leathery woody effect; and Tom Ford Black Orchid, where it supports a dark, mysterious woody base.
An important note: because Ebanol is a modern synthetic invented and commercialized by Givaudan around the 1980s, it is not referenced in Steffen Arctander’s classic two-volume Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (published in 1969).
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