Terpinolene – Bright Citrus-Pine Monoterpene with Fresh Herbal Radiance

Galbora
5 minutes ago
3 min read

Overview of Terpinolene

Terpinolene is a naturally occurring monoterpene hydrocarbon recognized for its bright citrus sparkle, fresh pine character, and green herbal nuances. Widely used in both fine fragrance and functional applications, it serves as a powerful top-note enhancer that delivers immediate freshness and radiance to a composition.

Cost-effective and highly diffusive, Terpinolene is particularly valued in citrus, coniferous, and herbaceous fragrance types where lift and clarity are essential. Although its substantivity is low, its impact in the opening phase of a fragrance makes it an important structural modifier in modern formulations.

Terpinolene – Bright Citrus-Pine Monoterpene with Fresh Herbal Radiance

CITRUS • PINE • HERBAL • ANISIC • FRESH

Terpinolene is a versatile monoterpene delivering sparkling citrus brightness with piney freshness and a soft anisic-herbal undertone. Nature identical and ISO 16128 compliant, it is widely used across fragrance categories for its diffusion strength and affordability.

Chemical Identity

INCI / Name: Terpinolene
Synonym: p-Mentha-1,4(8)-diene
IUPAC: 1-Methyl-4-(propan-2-ylidene)cyclohex-1-ene
Molecular Formula: C₁₀H₁₆
Molecular Weight: 136.24
CAS No.: 586-62-9
FEMA / GRAS No.: 3046
CLogP: 4.88
Flash Point: 60°C
Vapor Pressure (25°C): 133 Pa
Purity: Min. 95% (GC as Terpinolene)
Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

Olfactory Profile

Terpinolene opens with a bright citrus note, quickly evolving into fresh pine needle and green herbal tonalities, supported by a subtle sweet-anisic nuance.

Olfactive Family: Citrus / Pine / Herbal
Note Position: Top note
Impact: Highly diffusive
Role in Formula: Freshening booster, pine enhancer, citrus modifier

It contributes lift and brilliance rather than long-lasting body.

Occurrence in Nature

Terpinolene naturally occurs in essential oils such as:

Canarium luzonicum (Manila Elemi oil)
Cupressus macrocarpa (Monterey Cypress oil)

It is also present in smaller amounts in various aromatic and coniferous plants.

Application Information

A cost-effective fragrance ingredient used in:

Citrus colognes
Pine and forest accords
Herbaceous and fougère compositions
Air care systems
Fabric and surface cleaners
Personal care formulations

Its strong bloom makes it ideal for delivering an immediate freshness effect in functional products.

Stability Profile

Application	Stability
Fine Fragrance	Fair
Fabric Softener (pH 3)	Good
Antiperspirants (pH 3.5)	Good
Toiletries (pH 6)	Good
Liquid Detergent (pH 9)	Good
Soap (pH 10)	Good
Powder Detergent (pH 11)	Poor
Bleach (pH 14)	Poor

Performs well in acidic to neutral systems but degrades under highly alkaline or oxidizing conditions.

Substantivity

Skin: Poor
Dry Fabric: Poor
Wet Fabric: Poor
Hair: Poor

A highly volatile material with strong initial impact but limited residual presence.

Tenacity & Diffusion

On Blotter:
- Hours: 0
- Days: >4
- Weeks: 0
Bloom / Diffusivity: Strongly diffusive

Provides noticeable radiance in the opening phase of a fragrance.

Typical Use Level

1% – 40% depending on application and desired intensity.

Technical Insight

Low molecular weight → rapid evaporation
Relatively high vapor pressure → strong lift
Lipophilic nature (CLogP 4.88) → good compatibility with oil-based systems

Conclusion

Terpinolene stands out as a bright, economical, and highly diffusive monoterpene that enhances freshness in citrus, pine, and herbal fragrance compositions. While its substantivity is limited, its ability to deliver immediate radiance and clarity makes it a valuable top-note modifier in both fine fragrance and functional applications.

Ideal for formulations requiring strong initial impact and cost efficiency, Terpinolene remains a key ingredient for creating vibrant, clean, and energetic fragrance profiles.

This article was researched and written by Galbora.

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