Ethylene Brassylate, often shortened to EB, is a synthetic musk fragrance ingredient prized for its clean, soft, slightly sweet musky scent that lingers on skin, fabric and in a room for hours. It is a colourless to pale (sometimes darker) yellow liquid used mainly as a base note and fixative in perfumes, candles, soaps and cosmetics.
What is Ethylene Brassylate?
EB (CAS 105-95-3, chemical formula C15H26O4) belongs to the macrocyclic musk family. Unlike sharp top notes that flash off quickly, musks like Ethylene Brassylate sit at the bottom of a fragrance and hold the whole composition together. That is why perfumers call it a fixative — it slows evaporation and gives a scent staying power.
Its aroma is best described as clean, powdery and warm, with a faint sweet character. It blends easily and rarely fights with other materials, which makes it a workhorse in both fine perfumery and everyday functional products.
Common uses
- Perfumery: a soft musk base and fixative in eau de parfum, attars and body sprays.
- Candle making: adds a lasting musky warmth and helps round out floral or woody blends.
- Soaps and cosmetics: lotions, creams, deodorants and bath products where a clean musk finish is wanted.
- Home and fabric fragrance: room sprays, reed diffusers and detergent perfumes, thanks to its substantivity on fabric.
How to use it
Ethylene Brassylate is a concentrated aroma chemical, so a little goes a long way. It is almost always used as part of a blend rather than on its own.
- Start small. In a fragrance blend it is commonly used at low single-digit percentages of the total fragrance oil. Add gradually and smell as you go.
- Dilute for evaluation. Perfumers often work with a 10% solution in perfumer's alcohol or a suitable carrier to judge the note accurately before committing.
- Blend with warmth. EB pairs beautifully with florals like rose and jasmine, with vanilla and amber accords, and with woody notes such as sandalwood and cedar.
- For candles, add it to your overall fragrance load within the wax manufacturer's recommended limits, and always test-burn a small batch first.
Safety notes
EB is a fragrance raw material, not a finished product, so treat it with respect.
- For external, formulated use only — do not ingest and keep it off bare skin in undiluted form.
- Follow recognised fragrance usage limits (such as IFRA guidance) for the product type you are making, especially for leave-on cosmetics.
- Work in a ventilated space and avoid eye contact. Wash hands after handling.
- Do a patch test on any new skin-contact formulation before wider use.
- Keep away from children, pets and open flames.
- Always read the COA and MSDS supplied with your batch.
Buying and storage tips
Azlok stocks Ethylene Brassylate from 100 gm jars for hobbyists up to 25 kg for small businesses, with prices starting around ₹349, so you can buy to match your project size rather than over-committing.
- Check the paperwork. A genuine supplier provides a Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS). Ask for them.
- Shelf life: about 12 months when stored well. Buy a quantity you will realistically use.
- Storage: keep the container tightly closed in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight and heat. Minimise air exposure to protect the aroma.
- Colour can vary from colourless to a darker yellow depending on the batch; this is normal for the material and does not by itself indicate a problem.
FAQ
What does Ethylene Brassylate smell like?
It has a clean, soft, slightly sweet musky odour. It is smooth and non-aggressive, which is why it works so well as a background musk and fixative.
Is Ethylene Brassylate a natural or synthetic musk?
It is a synthetic macrocyclic musk. Synthetic musks like EB are widely used because they are consistent, cost-effective and avoid the use of animal-derived musk.
How much should I use in a fragrance blend?
Use it sparingly — typically a low percentage of your total fragrance oil. Start with a small amount, evaluate, and increase only if needed. Follow IFRA limits for the final product type.
Can I use it directly on my skin?
No. It is a raw material meant to be blended and diluted into a finished formulation. Never apply it neat, and always patch-test any product you make.
How long does Ethylene Brassylate last?
Stored in a cool, dark place in a sealed container, it keeps for about 12 months. As a fixative in a finished perfume, it helps the overall scent last much longer on skin and fabric.