Cetalor (IFF) – Ambergris-Type Molecule | Perfumery Raw Material

Cetalor by IFF

Ambergris-Inspired Molecule for Fine Fragrance Creation

Ambergris has been among the most defining scent materials in perfumery for centuries.

Its characteristic scent – dry, mineral, warm and exceptionally long-lasting – has served as inspiration for numerous modern amber molecules.

Cetalor by IFF is among the best-known representatives of this fragrance family.

The material combines the radiance of classic ambergris accords with the stability, purity and reliability of a modern perfumery material. Its character is often described as dry, mineral, woody and elegantly ambered.

Unlike sweet or resinous amber materials, Cetalor feels clear, precise and controlled. It is precisely this property that makes the material a valuable building block for amber, woody and skin-scent compositions.

Cetalor is often mentioned together with Cetalox, Ambroxan and Ambrofix – in fact, Cetalor and Cetalox are the same molecule (CAS 3738-00-9), merely under different trade names from different manufacturers: Cetalor is IFF's designation, Cetalox is Firmenich's. Ambroxan and Ambrofix, by contrast, are based on a different CAS (6790-58-5) and differ clearly in character.

Odor profile

Cetalor is often perceived as:

• dry amber

• ambergris-like facets

• mineral nuances

• warm woody notes

• subtle skin warmth

• transparent depth

• clean radiance

• long-lasting base note

The scent recalls dry minerals, sun-warmed woods and the elegant restraint of classic ambergris accords.

Instead of creating a dominant single note, Cetalor often expands the spatial impression of a composition and lends it more structure and persistence.

Why is Cetalor used?

Even small amounts can:

• extend tenacity

• improve diffusion

• round out amber accords

• deepen woody compositions

• stabilize base notes

• support skin-scent effects

• extend the drydown

With increasing dosage its own character emerges more clearly, creating a dry ambergris signature with mineral and woody facets.

Cetalor compared with Ambroxan, Ambrofix and Cetalox

Although the names are often mentioned together, these are not identical materials.

Ambroxan is often described as warmer and slightly more animalic.

Ambrofix has a particularly dry woody-amber radiance and is frequently used to enhance diffusion and projection.

Cetalox and Cetalor sit closer to the classic ambergris idea and combine amber, wood and mineral facets into a balanced whole – chemically they are even identical, only the trade name differs by manufacturer.

Many perfumers value Cetalor precisely for its balance of transparency, tenacity and elegant ambergris character.

Applications

Cetalor is particularly suited to:

• ambergris accords

• amber and woody-amber compositions

• modern skin-scents

• women's, men's and unisex perfumery

• musk and wood accords

• niche perfumery

• body-care products

• deodorants and antiperspirants

• shampoo and hair-care applications

Safety information

According to the current safety data sheet (version 4.2, February 2025), Cetalor is classified as: Repr. 2, H361 – suspected of damaging fertility or the unborn child; Aquatic Chronic 3, H412 – harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects. Signal word: Warning.

No classification applies for skin irritation, eye irritation, sensitization, mutagenicity or carcinogenicity. Acute oral toxicity (rat): LD50 6,650 mg/kg. Not a PBT or vPvB substance, no endocrine-disrupting properties. Not classified as a dangerous good for transport (ADR/IMDG/IATA).

Due to the H361 classification, it is recommended to avoid direct skin contact and to use protective gloves and safety goggles.

Physico-chemical properties

• Manufacturer: IFF

• Product name: Cetalor

• Fragrance family: ambery / woody / ambergris

• Perfumery role: base note, fixative, diffusion enhancer

• Odor profile: ambergris-type molecule

• Material form: white crystals

• Molecular formula: C16H28O

• Molecular weight (MW): 236.4 g/mol

• CAS no.: 3738-00-9

• EC no.: 223-118-6

• REACH registration number: 01-2119976315-31

• Melting point: 75–85°C

• Flash point: 101°C

• LogP: 6.86

• Vapor pressure: 0.000465 mmHg at 23°C

• Solubility: insoluble in water, soluble in ethanol

Hazard Information (CLP Labelling)

Important note

This product is a perfumery raw material intended exclusively for fragrance development, creative experimentation, education and the study of perfumery materials.

It is not a finished cosmetic product.