Iso E Super is a widely used synthetic fragrance ingredient known for its smooth, velvety, woody, amber, and cedar-like aroma. It has a subtle, elegant scent that blends exceptionally well with other fragrance materials and is prized for adding depth, warmth, and longevity to perfumes. Chemically, Iso E Super is a mixture of tetramethyl acetyloctahydronaphthalenes and has become one of the most important aroma chemicals in modern perfumery.
Characteristics
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor: Soft woody, ambergris-like, cedarwood, vetiver, slightly musky
Odor Strength: Moderate
Longevity: 200-400hrs on paper strip
Substantivity: Excellent (long-lasting)
Solubility: Soluble in ethanol, Di propylene glycol (DPG), fragrance oils, and most cosmetic solvents
Stability: Excellent in soaps, candles, detergents, and cosmetic formulation
Uses of Iso E Super
1. Fine Fragrances
Iso E Super is used as a base note in perfumes to:
Enhance woody accords
Add warmth and elegance
Increase fragrance longevity
Improve diffusion ("sillage")
Round out floral and citrus notes
It is found in many luxury men's and women's fragrances.
2. Candles
Ideal for:
Soy candles
Coconut wax candles
Paraffin candles
Beeswax candles
Benefits:
Excellent hot and cold scent throw
Heat stable
Blends well with woody, floral, citrus, and gourmand fragrance oils
3. Soaps
Suitable for:
Cold process soap
Hot process soap
Melt & pour soap
Liquid soap
It remains stable during the soap-making process and provides a clean woody aroma.
4. Personal Care Products
Used in:
Body lotions
Creams
Body butter
Hair conditioners
Shampoo
Shower gel
Deodorants
Body mist
Provides a sophisticated woody background fragrance.
5. Home Fragrance
Commonly used in:
Reed diffusers
Room sprays
Air fresheners
Fabric sprays
Linen sprays
6. Cleaning Products
Used in:
Laundry detergents
Fabric softeners
Dishwashing liquids
Surface cleaners
Its excellent stability helps fragrances last longer in household products.
Benefits
Soft, elegant woody scent
Excellent fragrance fixative
Enhances projection and longevity
Blends well with nearly all fragrance families
Stable in a wide range of formulations
Suitable for fine fragrances, candles, soaps, and cosmetics
Blends Well With
Iso E Super pairs well with:
Cedarwood
Sandalwood
Vetiver
Patchouli
Amber accords
Musk
Bergamot
Grapefruit
Lemon
Lavender
Rose
Jasmine
Violet
Iris
Vanilla
Tonka Bean
Benzoin
Frankincense
Typical Usage Levels
Application Recommended Use
Fine Fragrance 5–30%
Candles 2–10%
Reed Diffusers 5–20%
Room Sprays 1–10%
Soaps 0.5–3%
Lotions & Creams 0.1–1%
Shampoo & Body Wash 0.1–1%
