Galaxolide ®
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Galaxolide is a synthetic polycyclic musk developed by IFF in the 1960s, formally classified as a substituted iso-chroman. Known for its clean, sweet-floral musk character, it bridges the tonal gap between polycyclic and macrocyclic musks, offering exceptional stability and diffusion. With a moderate impact and extreme persistence (up to 400 hours on paper), Galaxolide is extensively used in both fine fragrance and functional applications.
It is available in pure form or as a 50% dilution in dipropylene glycol (DPG) to facilitate accurate dosing and handling.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Galaxolide is a synthetic polycyclic musk developed by IFF in the 1960s, formally classified as a substituted iso-chroman. Known for its clean, sweet-floral musk character, it bridges the tonal gap between polycyclic and macrocyclic musks, offering exceptional stability and diffusion. With a moderate impact and extreme persistence (up to 400 hours on paper), Galaxolide is extensively used in both fine fragrance and functional applications.
It is available in pure form or as a 50% dilution in dipropylene glycol (DPG) to facilitate accurate dosing and handling.
Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery
Galaxolide is a synthetic polycyclic musk developed by IFF in the 1960s, formally classified as a substituted iso-chroman. Known for its clean, sweet-floral musk character, it bridges the tonal gap between polycyclic and macrocyclic musks, offering exceptional stability and diffusion. With a moderate impact and extreme persistence (up to 400 hours on paper), Galaxolide is extensively used in both fine fragrance and functional applications.
It is available in pure form or as a 50% dilution in dipropylene glycol (DPG) to facilitate accurate dosing and handling.
Synthetic Ingredient Overview
🏭 Manufacturer: IFF
🔎 Chemical Name: 1,3,4,6,7,8-Hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta[g]benzopyran
🧪 Synonyms: Galaxolide, HHCB, Abbalide, Pearlide, Astrolide, Musk 50, Polarlide
🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₈H₂₆O
📂 CAS N°: 1222-05-5
📘 FEMA: Not applicable
⚖️ Molecular Weight: 258.40 g/mol
📝 Odor Type: Musk (polycyclic)
📈 Odor Strength: Medium; exceptional persistence (≥400 hours)
👃🏼 Odor Profile: Clean, sweet, slightly soapy floral musk with ambrette seed and fruity-red facets
⚗️ Primary Uses: Heart note musky effects, fixative, floral-musk bases, long-wear formulations
🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow oily liquid; also offered at 50% in DPG
What is Galaxolide?
Galaxolide is a polycyclic musk molecule developed at IFF by R.W. Beets and collaborators in 1965. Structurally, it is an iso-chroman derivative designed to enhance hydrophobicity, oxidation resistance, and odor diffusion, outperforming earlier nitro musks in safety and performance.
Its popularity stems from its sweet, clean musk odor with persistent radiance, used across perfumery categories from detergents and lotions to prestige fragrance lines. Though it is not a macrocyclic musk, it mimics the softness and quality of macrocyclics with more robust stability under formulation stress (e.g., heat, acid, light).
Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications
Galaxolide delivers a musky base with a fresh and transparent floral tone, sometimes compared to:
White florals + ambrette seed
Fruity-red nuances (berry-like)
Slight soapiness and lactonic warmth
Functional roles:
As a mid-note musk, it bridges floral and woody structures
As a fixative, it extends the life of volatile components (notably esters like benzyl acetate)
As a blender, it harmonizes citrus, floral, and woody compositions
In functional perfumery, it provides lasting freshness in fabric care and detergents
✔️ Tip: Blend 90% Galaxolide with 10% Benzyl Acetate to extend the acetate’s volatility by ~8x — demonstrating Galaxolide’s molecular “trapping” effect.
Physico-Chemical and Functional Properties
Boiling Point: ~370 °C
Log P: ~6.3
Vapor Pressure: Very low
Flash Point: >110 °C
Persistence: ≥400 hours on blotter
Usage Format: Neat or 50% DPG solution
Solubility: Oil-soluble; poorly soluble in water
Storage: Stable under typical storage; does not degrade under heat/light easily
Industrial and Technical Uses
Galaxolide is highly valued for:
Fine fragrance development: Heart/base structuring, musky accord design
Personal care: Shampoos, lotions, deodorants
Home care: Laundry softeners, surface sprays, candles
Fragrance encapsulation: Performs well in long-release delivery systems
Its low volatility and low skin reactivity also make it a workhorse ingredient in microencapsulation and slow-release matrices.
Regulatory and Safety Overview
IFRA: Restricted under 51st Amendment — concentration limits apply due to environmental persistence (Category-specific)
EU Allergens: Not among the 26 required labeling allergens
FEMA GRAS: Not approved for use in food or flavor
ECHA (REACH): Registered; classified as persistent, bioaccumulative (vPvB) under SVHC list
Toxicology: Not acutely toxic or sensitizing; environmental hazard due to aquatic accumulation
Usage Recommendation: Use within IFRA limits and verify compliance with regional bans (especially Nordic markets)
✅ Excellent performance and safety in formulation when compliant with IFRA and REACH usage guidelines.
Sources
IFF Innovation History – Galaxolide Discovery Archive
Fulvio Ciccolo, Scentspiracy Musk Technical Notes (2020)
ECHA Substance Summary – HHCB, CAS 1222-05-5
PubChem Compound CID 91497 – Galaxolide
RIFM Environmental Reports – Polycyclic Musks and Aquatic Toxicity
Internal Fixative Studies – Galaxolide & Benzyl Acetate Retention Tests (Scentspiracy Lab)