Cyclohexyl Salicylate stands out as a chemical material valued for its unique fragrance profile and chemical stability. Often used as a raw ingredient in fragrance formulations, this compound falls under the class of salicylates. The substance is primarily recognized for its capability to impart fresh and clean notes in personal care products, especially in sun protection formulas and everyday cosmetics. Its structural backbone joins a cyclohexyl ring to the classic salicylic acid core, lending distinctive attributes to finished goods.
With a molecular formula of C13H16O3 and molecular weight of about 220.27 g/mol, Cyclohexyl Salicylate features a cyclohexane ring attached to a salicylic acid unit through an ester linkage. This arrangement affects not only the chemical’s scent but its behavior in different environments. Its IUPAC name, Cyclohexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate, and the common CAS Number 25485-88-5, serve to identify this substance across international sources and safety documentation. Product suppliers list physical forms such as colorless to slightly yellow crystalline solids, clear liquids, fine powders, pearls, or flaky masses, depending on manufacturing and storage conditions.
Cyclohexyl Salicylate appears as a solid at room temperature. Density hovers in the range of 1.14-1.18 g/cm3, marking it as heavier than many common fragrance compounds. As a crystalline, white or pale yellow material, it tends to come in flakes or larger crystal shards. Occasionally, powders or pearl-like granules may be encountered, especially if the product has been milled for easier handling. In a liquid solution, Cyclohexyl Salicylate keeps a mildly viscous, oily texture, which allows rapid mixing into base materials such as oils and emollients for personal care product formulations.
This chemical demonstrates good solubility in ethanol and many common cosmetic oils, making it suitable for fragrance dispersions or solutions. Cyclohexyl Salicylate resists breakdown under ordinary processing temperatures found in cosmetic manufacturing. In water, solubility stays low, a trait that helps the scent persist on skin or fabric. Reports from users across diverse industries confirm its reliable performance even after exposure to moderate heat or light, maintaining both physical integrity and olfactory character.
International trade often lists Cyclohexyl Salicylate under HS Code 291821, which denotes aromatic carboxylic acid esters. Whether you source from Europe, Asia, or North America, uniform customs classification removes confusion over labeling or transport documentation. Regulatory agencies, including those in the United States and the European Union, review this ingredient’s use for both safety and compliance. It meets all major technical requirements for use in fragrances and personal care products, although limits can change with evolving risk assessments.
Handling of Cyclohexyl Salicylate generally mirrors best practices for fragrance ingredient storage—cool temperatures, sealed containers, low humidity. Under standard use, exposure risks fall on the mild side compared to more reactive raw materials. Direct contact may cause mild skin or eye irritation in sensitive cases, though most reports cite low toxicity. As a non-flammable solid and liquid, transport doesn’t raise extraordinary hazards, yet every handler needs to follow local chemical safety rules, wear gloves and goggles if needed, and store away from incompatible chemicals like strong acids or oxidizers. In my own work with fragrances, I’ve noticed curious reactions from those unaccustomed to its presence, though routine ventilation quickly eliminates airborne traces in lab or factory settings. Environmental regulations urge caution about large-scale spills, since esters like these can linger in soil or waterways.
Cyclohexyl Salicylate finds its strength as a backbone for perfumers who look for stability and subtlety in their blends. Product developers lean on this raw material for its ability to carry delicate "green" and "herbal" notes into sunscreens, shampoos, and creams. Its inertness in chemical mixtures makes it accessible to those creating complex scent profiles without prompting unwanted reactions. On rare occasions, variations in the raw material can impact the consistency of fragrance emissions, so reputable suppliers conduct analytics on every batch for purity, melting point, and density. Whether shipping overseas by the ton or repackaging for small-batch artisan use, the substance remains a mainstay in the aromatic chemicals library.
From the perspective of molecular structure, the cyclohexyl ring restricts rotational energy, which imparts extra staying power to the molecule on the skin or textile surfaces. This trait alone endears it to formulation chemists. Shoppers value end products for their gentle, lingering scents and skin-friendliness. The compound’s ability to hold its fragrance through a varied range of temperatures and processing conditions has been the deciding factor in many real-world projects where other ester compounds have failed. For those committed to transparency in cosmetic formulation, clear documentation of product origin, molecular weight, and test results becomes integral—not only for E-E-A-T but also to comply with consumer demand for safety and efficacy. Anyone looking to deepen their expertise with Cyclohexyl Salicylate should get familiar with up-to-date SDS sheets and material specifications to ensure smooth integration into development pipelines.
