6.3 Aroma Chemicals in Functional Fragrances (Soaps, Candles, Detergents)

Functional fragrances are specially designed scents used in everyday products like soaps, candles, detergents, air fresheners, and cosmetics. Unlike fine fragrances (perfumes), functional fragrances need to be stable in different conditions like heat, moisture, and strong cleaning agents.

In this guide, we will cover:
✅ What makes functional fragrances different from fine perfumes
✅ Common aroma chemicals used in soaps, candles, and detergents
✅ Practical examples of how to formulate functional fragrances

1️⃣ What Are Functional Fragrances?

Functional fragrances are not just about smelling good—they also serve a purpose:
✔ Masking unpleasant odors (e.g., in detergents and soaps)
✔ Enhancing product experience (e.g., luxurious scented candles)
✔ Surviving harsh conditions (e.g., heat in candles, water in soaps)

Key Challenges in Functional Fragrances:

🔹 Heat Resistance: Candles get hot, so aroma chemicals must be stable.
🔹 Water Solubility: Detergents and soaps need fragrances that work in water.
🔹 Longevity: Scent should last after washing (for soaps, detergents).

2️⃣ Common Aroma Chemicals Used in Functional Fragrances

🔹 Soaps & Shower Gels

🛁 Needs: Fresh, clean, and long-lasting scents that survive in water.
Common Aroma Chemicals:
✔ Linalool (Fresh floral, found in lavender)
✔ Limonene (Citrusy, found in lemons and oranges)
✔ Citronellol (Rose-like, found in geranium and lemongrass)
✔ Hedione (Enhances floral and citrus notes)
✔ Aldehydes (C10, C12, C14) (Fresh, soapy, clean smell)

💡 Example Fragrance Accord for Soap:

• 30% Limonene (Citrusy freshness)
• 25% Linalool (Soft floral balance)
• 20% Citronellol (Adds a fresh, green floral scent)
• 15% Hedione (Enhances floral notes)
• 10% Aldehydes (C10, C12) (Clean, fresh effect)

🔹 Candles & Home Fragrances

🕯 Needs: Heat-resistant, long-lasting, and diffusive scents.
Common Aroma Chemicals:
✔ Vanillin (Sweet, warm vanilla scent)
✔ Iso E Super (Woody, velvety, long-lasting)
✔ Cashmeran (Musky, powdery warmth)
✔ Cedarwood Acetate (Dry, woody)
✔ Ambermax (Amber-like, enhances longevity)

💡 Example Fragrance Accord for a Vanilla-Woody Candle:

• 40% Vanillin (Sweet, creamy base)
• 25% Iso E Super (Adds a soft, woody feel)
• 15% Cashmeran (Gives a warm musky touch)
• 10% Cedarwood Acetate (Enhances the woodiness)
• 10% Ambermax (Adds depth and longevity)

🔥 Tip: Always test fragrances in melted wax before finalizing the blend!

🔹 Detergents & Cleaning Products

🧼 Needs: High-performance scents that survive washing and mask strong odors.
Common Aroma Chemicals:
✔ Galaxolide (Powdery, clean musk)
✔ Helional (Fresh, aquatic scent)
✔ Dihydromyrcenol (Crisp, citrus-like)
✔ Aldehydes (C10, C12, C14) (Soapy freshness)
✔ Methyl Laitone (Creamy, lactonic effect)

💡 Example Fragrance Accord for a Fresh Detergent:

• 30% Dihydromyrcenol (Crisp, fresh citrus note)
• 20% Helional (Aquatic, clean scent)
• 20% Galaxolide (Musky, powdery effect)
• 15% Aldehydes (C12, C14) (Enhances fresh cleanliness)
• 15% Methyl Laitone (Creamy softness)

🔹 Tip: Use encapsulation technology to make scents last longer on fabrics!

3️⃣ Practical Example: Creating a Functional Fragrance for a Soap

🎯 Goal: Formulate a refreshing citrus soap fragrance that lasts after washing.

Step 1: Choose the Aroma Chemicals

✅ Limonene – Bright citrus freshness
✅ Linalool – Floral softness
✅ Aldehydes (C10, C12) – Soapy clean effect
✅ Hedione – Enhances floral and citrus notes
✅ Galaxolide – Long-lasting clean musk

Step 2: Create the Formula

✔ 40% Limonene (Main citrus note)
✔ 20% Linalool (Soft floral balance)
✔ 15% Aldehydes (C10, C12) (Clean, fresh boost)
✔ 15% Hedione (Smooth floral enhancer)
✔ 10% Galaxolide (Fixative for longevity)

Step 3: Test in Soap Base

1️⃣ Add fragrance to liquid soap base (1-3%)
2️⃣ Mix well & let it settle for 24 hours
3️⃣ Test on skin to check scent longevity
4️⃣ Adjust formula if needed

Final Thoughts & Next Steps

✅ Soaps need fresh, clean, and water-resistant scents
✅ Candles need heat-resistant, long-lasting aroma chemicals
✅ Detergents need high-performance scents that stay on fabrics

💡 Next Challenge: Try formulating a floral fragrance for a laundry detergent or a spicy scent for a candle! 🚀