fragrances

alpha-Ionone

alpha-Ionone

fragrance

INCI Name

alpha-Ionone

Functions

1 Roles

Sustainability

5/10

Category

fragrances

What It Does

Alpha-Ionone is a synthetic aroma compound belonging to the ionone family, characterized by a delicate, woody-violet scent with subtle fruity and floral nuances that distinguish it from its isomer beta-Ionone. It is widely used in fine fragrance and cosmetic formulations to impart a soft, powdery violet-like character, and is a key contributor to the olfactory profile of many classic perfumes and personal care products. Formulators favor alpha-Ionone for its excellent stability in a variety of cosmetic matrices, its relatively low sensitization potential compared to some other fragrance materials, and its versatility in blending with floral, woody, and musky accords.

Creates pleasant product scent
Enhances sensory experience
Masks base ingredient odors
Contributes to brand identity

Technical Properties

Ionic Charge

nonionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

neutral

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

none

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

most emollientsestersalcoholssiliconesnonionic surfactantswaxesoils

Avoid Combining

strong oxidizing agentsstrong acidsstrong bases
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

5/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

synthetic

Feedstock

Typically synthesized from citral and acetone via aldol condensation, though it can also be isolated from certain natural sources such as orris root and violet flowers

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