AROMA CHEMICALS – USES AND APPLICATIONS

IN ESSENCE…

• An aroma chemical is a chemical compound used to enhance scents and fragrances.
• Natural aroma chemicals are extracted from pure plant extracts, and synthetic aroma chemicals are formulated in a laboratory to resemble aromas found in nature.
• Synthetic aroma chemicals enable perfumers to formulate a variety of scents, which allow for significant customization of the final product.
• Aroma chemicals are commonly used in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, personal care, and household cleaning supplies, to enhance their fragrance.

WHAT ARE AROMA CHEMICALS?

Aroma chemicals are compounds possessing a complex and distinct scent that enhances the aroma or fragrance of formulations they are infused in. These aroma chemicals are highly volatile with the ability to easily disperse any scent, which enhances the diffusive properties required to create long-lasting fragrances. Aroma chemicals can be used to infuse fragrance into various products with their simple, pure, and manageable aroma. They allow formulators to produce targeted results when blended with the bases of other products. Aroma chemicals can be incorporated into skincare, haircare, and personal care products such as lotions, soaps, shampoos, and perfumes. They can also be infused in household cleaning supplies and detergents, among other products, to enhance their fragrance.

Natural aroma chemicals are obtained from various plant parts including, flowers, fruits, peels, leaves, barks, seeds, woods, roots, and resinous exudates. Extraction methods such as distillation, steam distillation, and mechanical separation or cold pressing are various ways to obtain pure plant extracts used for producing natural aroma chemicals. A natural aroma chemical is further refined and perfected when the raw material goes through a process of fermentation and isolation. Fermentation enhances the aroma, texture, and overall appearance, while isolation separates the constituents of the plant extract and purifies them. Various parts of flowers and fruits are analyzed and extracted to create unique fragrances. The extracts are then further developed to create a longer-lasting natural aroma chemical, while synthetic aroma chemicals are formulated in a laboratory. Synthetic aroma chemicals are normally prepared by standard organic chemistry, but isolated aroma chemicals can also be used as a starting base to develop quality synthetic aroma chemicals.

Since synthetic aroma chemicals are developed in a laboratory, it is much easier to be certain about the aromatic profile and chemical constituents that create the fragrance, thus providing an example of how the finished aroma will smell like.

HISTORY OF AROMA CHEMICALS

Since the beginning of time, humans have been obsessed with smelling good, eating delicious smelling food, and growing fragrant flowers.

In ancient times, perfumes were scented with pressed flowers, and aromas from nature were captured for cosmetic and medicinal use. Natural aromas were discovered earlier on in history, but extraction methods like the distillation method provided early chemists and perfumers with the ability to extract aromas from constituents like olive oil. Consumers and perfumers were both satisfied with this method of acquiring natural scents. A few centuries later, during the 13th century, the systemic development of natural aroma chemicals occurred. During this time, natural aroma chemicals were only produced for medicinal uses in the form of oils. By the 19th century, with the industrialization of aroma chemical isolation, chemists finally developed the first synthetic aroma chemical. The production of synthetic aroma chemicals began with Vanillin in 1858.

NATURAL VS SYNTHETIC AROMA CHEMICALS

Aroma chemicals enhance the aromatic profile of the formulations they are blended into by emulating the aromas and fragrances found in nature or creating a new scent altogether. There are two varieties of aroma chemicals available: natural and synthetic. Natural aroma chemicals are extracted from plants and occasionally even animals but, New Directions Aromatics only offers plant-based aroma chemicals. Synthetic aroma chemicals are developed in a laboratory, without containing the original plant extract, to imitate scents found in nature, which enables manufacturers to formulate new fragrances.

Natural aroma chemicals are believed to have mood-enhancing properties since various aromas can influence a person’s overall mood. Natural aroma chemicals are mild and are also less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Obtained from nature, and more specifically, from plants, they provide an aroma that can enrich the product with their highly coveted scents. The distinct scent of natural aroma chemicals is sometimes hampered because of surrounding factors and the growing conditions of the plant that the aroma chemical is obtained from. The plant may undergo subtle changes caused by a change in temperature, precipitation, wind, sunlight, and soil. These changes in the growing conditions of crops can impact the fragrance of natural aroma chemicals. Although the difference is not drastic, perfumers may need to adjust their formulations accordingly. Natural aroma chemicals can be expensive and rare, but they provide high-quality fragrances.

Synthetic aroma chemicals are long-lasting and complex aromas that are formulated to imitate the aromas found in nature. They are produced at a very low cost using petroleum and aromatic compounds but do not contain the original plant extract. However, synthetic aroma chemicals offer a wide range of fragrances, which allows perfumers to work with a more extensive scent palette consisting of both new and classic nature-imitating scents. These aroma chemicals are analyzed and formulated in such a way that their composition, odor, price, and market availability can be predicted since growing conditions and temperatures do not impact production. Large quantities of synthetic aroma chemicals are available in the market today and the quality of these aroma chemicals stays consistent because of how they are formulated. Synthetic aroma chemicals provide a steady supply to growing market demands since they can produce large volumes of aroma chemicals without having variations in the resulting fragrance. The consistency in finished product quality is difficult to achieve with natural aroma chemicals. Synthetic aroma chemicals can also provide a solution for individuals with allergies to natural scents because they are developed without using the actual plant part.

USES OF AROMA CHEMICALS

Aroma chemicals are isolates of naturally sourced ingredients or chemically produced from petroleum that are used as ingredients to add aromas to various skincare, personal care, and hair care products. They are popularly blended in household cleaning supplies to enhance the aroma and provide a distinct fragrance.

Aroma chemicals are commonly used by perfumers who blend-specific quantities to create a wide range of perfumes. Both natural and synthetic aroma chemicals can imitate the scents found in nature, and synthetic aroma chemicals can be used to create new fragrances that are not present in nature. The incredible variety of scents that can be created using synthetic aroma chemicals has given perfumers the ability to be creative with their scent formulations. With countless combinations of different ratios to formulate the scents, it is sure that there are many more fragrances that are yet to be discovered.

Aroma chemicals allow the customization of popular products without compromising the original benefits of the product. For example, Linalool Natural is an aroma chemical with a fresh, clean, and Lavender-like aroma with a slight citrus edge. When Linalool Natural is blended with a shampoo base, the shampoo will take on the scent of the fragrance that is added to it, without losing any of the cleansing, moisturizing, and nourishing benefits of the shampoo. Aroma Chemicals are used in manufacturing soaps, cosmetics, household detergents, lotions, shampoos, and perfumes.

For an uplifting room spray that will keep negative moods at bay, pour 45 ml (1.5 oz.) Witch Hazel Distillate into a 120 ml (4 oz.) spray bottle. To this, add 15 drops of Clary Sage Essential Oil, 10 drops of Bergamot Essential Oil, a few drops of Linalyl Acetate Natural, and 10 drops of Sandalwood Essential Oil, followed by 1.5 oz. of distilled water. Twist the spray bottle cap back on and shake the bottle to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Spray this blend into a bedroom or any other indoor environment to enhance the mood and promote relaxation.

For a cosmetic fragrance that balances the mood and can be applied to the wrist, the inside of the elbows, and the neck in the same way as a regular perfume, first select any carrier oil of your choice. In a dry glass container, pour 2 Tbsp of the chosen carrier oil, then add 3 drops of Geranium Essential Oil, 3 drops Bergamot Essential Oil, a few drops of Linalyl Acetate Natural, and 2 drops of Lavender Essential Oil. Cover the container and shake it well to thoroughly blend all the oils. To use this natural, homemade perfume, simply dab a few drops onto the pulse points.

A GUIDE TO NDA AROMA CHEMICALS

Aroma chemicals can be used in a variety of applications. The comparison chart below highlights the aroma chemicals offered by New Directions Aromatics and the ways in which they can be used.

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR EXFOLIANTS

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, aroma chemicals are for external use only. Aroma chemicals must never be used near the eyes, inner nose, and ears or on any other sensitive areas of the skin. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using aroma chemicals for healing or therapeutic purposes.

Pregnant and nursing women are advised not to use aroma chemicals without the medical advice of a physician. Those with the following health conditions are recommended to consult the advice of a physician: cancer, heart-related ailments, skin disorders or allergies, hormone-related ailments, or epilepsy. Individuals taking prescription drugs, undergoing major surgery, or those who are at a greater risk of experiencing strokes, heart attacks, or atherosclerosis are also advised to seek medical consultation before use.

These oils should be stored in areas that are inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of seven.

In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue the use of aroma chemicals and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional before use.