Exaltolide (Firmenich)

Exaltolide

• INCI Name: Exaltolide
• Molecular Formula: C₁₆H₃₀O₂
• CAS Number: 106-02-5
• Alternate Names:
  • Macrolide Musk
  • Musk Exaltolide
  • Cyclopentadecanolide (related macrocyclic musk family)
  • Clean Musk Base
  • Lactone Musk

• Benefits & Uses (Short):
  • Soft clean musky, slightly sweet skin-like scent
  • Adds elegant, natural musk warmth to perfumes
  • Improves longevity and smooth dry-down
  • Used in fine fragrances, skincare, soaps, deodorants, detergents
  • Gives “clean skin” effect in modern perfumery

• How It Works (Short):
  • Works as a macrocyclic musk molecule that has high substantivity to skin and fabrics
  • Evaporates slowly, providing long-lasting soft musk background
  • Creates a natural “skin-like” scent aura rather than a sharp synthetic musk effect
  • Enhances diffusion by blending smoothly with floral, woody, and amber materials
  • Acts as a fixative by anchoring volatile fragrance components in the base
  • Its large ring structure gives it excellent stability and low volatility for prolonged performance

• FAQs:

  Q: What does Exaltolide smell like?
  A: Clean, soft, slightly sweet musky scent with a natural skin-like warmth.

  Q: Is it natural or synthetic?
  A: It is a synthetic macrocyclic musk designed to mimic natural musk characteristics.

  Q: Is it strong?
  A: It is soft but very long-lasting and noticeable in the dry-down phase.

  Q: What is it used for?
  A: It is used to add clean muskiness, softness, and longevity in perfumes and personal care products.

  Q: How is it different from Galaxolide?
  A: Exaltolide is softer, more natural-skin-like, while Galaxolide is brighter, sweeter, and more laundry-