Vetiverol (CAS 68129-81-7) — Woody Base Note Fragrance Ingredient
Vetiverol
CAS 68129-81-7
What Is Vetiverol?
Vetiverol is a synthetic fragrance ingredient used in perfumes and personal care products. It mimics the earthy, woody scent of natural vetiver oil. This ingredient matters because it provides a sustainable alternative to natural vetiver, which is often overharvested and has supply chain issues.
Safety Profile
GENERALLY SAFEWhat Does Vetiverol Smell Like?
Vetiverol offers a deep, smoky, and earthy aroma with hints of dry wood and damp soil. It evolves from a sharp, green top note to a rich, balsamic heart, finally settling into a warm, musky base. The dry-down is long-lasting, with a slightly sweet, leathery undertone that adds complexity to fragrances.
In Famous Fragrances
Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.
Vetiverol is used here to enhance the natural vetiver’s earthy depth, providing a smoother, more refined woody note that lasts throughout the fragrance’s evolution.
In this iconic scent, vetiverol adds a modern twist to the classic vetiver accord, blending seamlessly with citrus and mineral notes for a contemporary earthy aroma.
Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide
The Chemistry
Vetiverol is a synthetic sesquiterpenoid alcohol designed to replicate the key odorants in natural vetiver oil. It is typically synthesized from beta-vetivone or other vetiver derivatives. The molecule’s structure allows for excellent stability and longevity in formulations, making it a popular choice for perfumers seeking a consistent vetiver note.
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Boiling Point | N/A |
|---|---|
| Density | N/A |
Perfumer Guide
| Application | Typical % | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine Fragrance | 1-5% | Up to 10% | Adds depth and longevity |
| Home Fragrance | 0.5-3% | Up to 5% | Provides earthy base notes |
Classic Accords
Tip: Use vetiverol to anchor citrus or floral top notes with a stable, woody base.
Alternatives & Comparisons
A softer, more floral alternative to vetiverol, often used when a lighter vetiver note is desired.
For perfumers seeking the full complexity of natural vetiver, though it comes with sourcing and sustainability challenges.
Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability
⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer
General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.
IFRA Status
No IFRA restrictions apply to vetiverol.
RIFM Assessment
RIFM has assessed vetiverol as safe for use in current cosmetic applications.
Sustainability
Vetiverol offers a sustainable alternative to natural vetiver oil, which is often subject to overharvesting and supply chain volatility. Synthetic production ensures consistent quality and reduces environmental impact associated with wild harvesting.
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References
Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.
Report a data errorIngredient Data Sheet
CAS 68129-81-7Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 220.35 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3🔬 PubChem |
| log Kp (skin permeability) | -1.914💻 Calculated |
Odor & Flavor
| Primary Descriptors | balsamicearthy• leffingwell |
| “fragrance materials known, and it is used Vetivol. camphoraceous notes to the odor of Practically insoluble in water, soluble in Vetiverol.”📖 Arctander | |
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.
Physicochemical Properties
DTXSID: DTXSID301053243
Physical Properties
| Molecular Weight | 220.35 g/mol🔬 PubChem |
Partition & Solubility
| LogP (Octanol-Water) | 3 Log10 unitless🔬 PubChem |
Data Sources:
🔬 EPA Experimental data from U.S. EPA CompTox Chemicals Dashboard & CTX APIs. 📊 OPERA Predicted using EPA's OPERA QSAR models. 💻 Computed Calculated from SMILES using RDKit.
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