Linalool Aroma Chemical
CAS# 78-70-6

Linalool is one of the most commonly and widely used fragrance ingredients worldwide. With its fresh, versatile scent profile and reasonable cost, it has become a foundational component in countless products, from perfumery and cosmetics to home-care applications.

In terms of origin, linalool occurs naturally and is also produced in a nature-identical form. In the plant world, it is a major constituent of many essential oils such as lavender, coriander, rosewood, and bergamot, and it appears in more than 200 different species. However, to meet massive industrial demand, linalool today is produced primarily by synthetic methods. Large companies such as NHU manufacture linalool through complex chemical processes-often as part of vitamin production chains-to ensure a stable supply, consistent quality, and competitive pricing.

Physically, linalool is a colorless liquid with an aroma described as fresh, featuring floral facets accented by subtle woody and citrus nuances. The history of this compound dates back to the 19th century, when it was first isolated from essential oils. With the development of organic chemistry in the 20th century, industrial-scale synthesis became feasible, making linalool one of the most produced and consumed fragrance materials in the world. Thanks to its pleasant scent and high versatility, linalool is used in nearly every category that incorporates fragrance, including fine fragrance, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and even flavor applications.

Description

Linalool sits in the Floral and Woody odor families, with Fresh and Citrus undertones. In a fragrance formula, it mainly functions as a top- and heart-note material, acting as a modifier and a basic building block for many different accords.

Linalool’s scent is highly characteristic. Perfumer and author Steffen Arctander, in the classic reference Perfume and Flavor Chemicals, describes it as “a light, fresh, floral-woody odor with a sweet nuance almost like petitgrain.” He also notes that it has good diffusion but is not overly tenacious, with moderate substantivity-around 6 hours on a scent strip. Interestingly, linalool’s odor can shift slightly depending on its optical isomer: licareol leans more woody, while coriandrol is sweeter and more distinctly floral.

In application, linalool is indispensable for building floral accords such as lily-of-the-valley, lavender, and lilac, and it also supports citrus notes effectively, especially bergamot. It brings freshness, naturalness, and a “blooming” effect to floral notes while providing balance. In addition, it is a precursor for producing other important esters used in perfumery, such as linalyl acetate. One of linalool’s most classic roles is as a cornerstone of lavender accords-central to the Fougère family. Combined with coumarin and oakmoss, it helped define the classic structure of many iconic masculine fragrances, famously exemplified by Guerlain’s Jicky (1889).

Applications

Because of its flexibility and pleasant scent, linalool is found throughout consumer products. It is widely used in fine fragrance, skincare products such as lotions and creams, haircare products such as shampoos and conditioners, soaps, deodorants, and home-care products including laundry detergents, fabric softeners, floor cleaners, and scented candles. It is also used in flavor applications.

From a regulatory perspective, the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) does not set a concentration limit for linalool. However, IFRA includes an important requirement: linalool should not be used in consumer products if its peroxide value exceeds 20 mmol/L. This rule reflects the fact that the oxidation products of linalool-rather than linalool itself-are the primary sensitizers.

Regarding safety and labeling, linalool is one of the 26 potential fragrance allergens that the European Union requires to be declared on ingredient labels when present above 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products. It is important to note that linalool itself is not considered a strong sensitizer. However, when exposed to air, it can oxidize and form hydroperoxides, which have a higher allergenic potential. For that reason, proper storage of linalool in tightly sealed containers, protected from light and air, is critical to maintaining both quality and safety.

Linalool’s popularity is reflected in the fact that almost all products on the market contain it at some level. Classic examples in perfumery include Chanel No. 5, Guerlain Jicky, and countless modern fragrances.