Norlimbanol® (dsm-firmenich) | Woody Amber

Norlimbanol® – dsm-firmenich

Norlimbanol® (product code 967412) is a woody-amber molecule from Firmenich, introduced in 1986: a dry woody amber lasting around one week on the blotter. The manufacturer lists it in its woody-amber line after Z11™.

Odour profile

• "Powerful dry woody and ambery note" (official manufacturer description) – a powerful, dry woody amber note
• Official descriptors: Dry Woods, Ambery
• Cedarwood-like ambery note; according to the manufacturer it works across the whole fragrance pyramid, from top to base
• Note position: heart and base note
• Substantivity on blotter: approx. 1 week (tenacity 9 on the manufacturer's scale)
• Liquid; according to the manufacturer it may crystallise ("Liquid – Could Crystallize")

Role in the formula

According to the manufacturer, Norlimbanol enhances fresh top notes and the tenacity of perfumes in all applications. At low dosage it adds dryness and longevity; at higher dosage it defines the woody-amber character of the composition itself. Compared with Ambrofix® and AmberMor® it is clearly drier and woodier: less warm amber, more dry wood.

Use in perfumery

• Fine fragrance: avg. 0.82 %, up to max. 4.04 % (manufacturer data)
• Shampoo: avg. 0.29 %, up to 0.99 % · Shower gel and soap: avg. 0.18 %, up to 0.89 %
• Detergent: avg. 0.17 %, up to 0.53 % · Fabric softener: avg. 0.28 %, up to 0.88 % (high substantivity according to manufacturer rating)
• All-purpose cleaner: avg. 0.12 %, up to 0.38 % · Candles: avg. 0.23 %, up to 1.12 %

Practical note: dissolving, storing, combining

Dissolving: Liquid, but may crystallise. Carefully re-liquefy crystals in a warm water bath; for formula work a 10 % dilution in ethanol or DPG is practical.

Storage: Store cool, dry, protected from light and tightly closed.

Combining: Works well alongside amber materials such as Ambrofix®. The material is strong – start with small amounts.

From the history

Firmenich's woody line began in 1972 with Polywood®; Norlimbanol® followed in 1986. The manufacturer calls both "two groundbreaking molecules that set the standard for powerful, long-lasting woody and amber notes".

More on our encyclopedia page Norlimbanol® – the dry side of amber.

Safety information

According to the manufacturer's data (dsm-firmenich), Norlimbanol is classified with pictogram GHS07 and signal word "Warning": H317 – May cause an allergic skin reaction (Skin Sens. 1B).

IFRA: Restriction Standard "1-(2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexyl)-3-hexanol" (51st Amendment, 2023; restriction due to dermal sensitisation and systemic toxicity); maximum level in Category 4 (fine fragrance): 1.3 %; the current IFRA Standard is authoritative. According to the manufacturer the material is readily biodegradable.

Physico-Chemical Properties

FAQ

What is Norlimbanol?
A woody-amber molecule from dsm-firmenich dating from 1986: a powerful, dry woody amber.

How does Norlimbanol differ from Ambrofix or AmberMor?
It is drier and woodier ("Dry Woods"). For the warm ambergris facet, choose Ambrofix® or AmberMor®; in the base they complement each other.

How should Norlimbanol be dosed?
For fine fragrance the manufacturer states an average of 0.82 % and a maximum of 4.04 %. Start low. In addition, the maximum levels of the current IFRA Standard apply.

Are there IFRA restrictions?
Yes. Restriction Standard "1-(2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexyl)-3-hexanol" (51st Amendment); maximum level in Category 4 (fine fragrance): 1.3 % in the finished product; the current IFRA Standard is authoritative.

Is Norlimbanol biodegradable?
Yes, according to the manufacturer it is readily biodegradable, with a Green Score of 50–70 %.

Hazard statements (CLP labelling)

Important notice

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.

Please use responsibly.