structural formula of Hexyl Salicylate showing ester linkage between hexyl alcohol and salicylic acid. Molecular diagram used in fragrance chemistry documentation and perfumery.
Amber bottle Hexyl Salicylate synthetic fragrance ingredient for perfumery. The label displays the name of the compound
structural formula of Hexyl Salicylate showing ester linkage between hexyl alcohol and salicylic acid. Molecular diagram used in fragrance chemistry documentation and perfumery.
Amber bottle Hexyl Salicylate synthetic fragrance ingredient for perfumery. The label displays the name of the compound

Hexyl Salicylate

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Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery

Hexyl Salicylate is a synthetic ester from the salicylate chemical family, widely used in perfumery as a fixative and floral-green modifier. It exhibits a mild-to-medium diffusion and high substantivity, with a scent profile described as fresh-floral with leafy, fruity nuances. Its low volatility and excellent alkaline stability make it suitable for both fine fragrances and functional applications such as soaps, detergents, and fabric care systems. Typically found in floral, fougère, and green compositions.

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Premium Synthetic Ingredient for Perfumery

Hexyl Salicylate is a synthetic ester from the salicylate chemical family, widely used in perfumery as a fixative and floral-green modifier. It exhibits a mild-to-medium diffusion and high substantivity, with a scent profile described as fresh-floral with leafy, fruity nuances. Its low volatility and excellent alkaline stability make it suitable for both fine fragrances and functional applications such as soaps, detergents, and fabric care systems. Typically found in floral, fougère, and green compositions.

technical Ingredient Overview

  • 🔎 Chemical Name — hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate

  • 🧪 Synonyms — Hexyl salicylate; n-Hexyl salicylate; Hexyl o-hydroxybenzoate; Benzoic acid 2-hydroxy-, hexyl ester; 1-Hexyl salicylate

  • 📂 CAS — 6259-76-3

  • ⚖️ Molecular weight — 222.28 gmol

  • 📝 Odor type — Floral–green, fruity salicylate

  • 📈 Odor strength — Medium–high

  • 👃🏼 Odor profile — Tipycal salicylate note, some say Trefle. Some say balsamic.

  • ⚗️ Uses — Modifier/fixative in floral, fruity, green, fougère and marine accords; stable in soaps, detergents, fabric- & air-care bases

  • 🧴 Appearance — Clear, colourless to pale-yellow oily liquid

What is Hexyl Salicylate?

Hexyl Salicylate is the hexyl ester of salicylic acid, a member of the salicylate family of fragrance molecules. Thanks to its balanced molecular weight (222.28 g/mol) and very low vapour pressure (≈ 0.001 hPa at 25 °C), it imparts long-lasting floral freshness while acting as a gentle fixative in perfumes (PubChem, n.d.; Givaudan, n.d.).

Historical Background

Salicylate esters gained perfumery relevance in the early 20ᵗʰ century as durable substitutes for naturals. Hexyl Salicylate was commercialised by the mid-1950s and comprehensively described by Arctander in Perfume and Flavor Chemicals(1969), who noted its “very faint, sweet-herbaceous floral odour with dry bark-like green undertones.” It remains a core aroma molecule in contemporary catalogues (Symrise, 2021).

Olfactory Profile

  • Scent family: Floral–green salicylates

  • Main descriptors: Lily-of-the-valley, apple-like fruitiness, leafy herbaceous nuance

  • Intensity & tenacity: Moderate diffusion; very high substantivity—detectable for weeks on a blotter (Givaudan, n.d.)

  • Volatility / fixative role: Low volatility (b.p. ≈ 290 °C) makes it an effective mid- to base-note fixative, smoothing top notes and extending dry-down.

Applications in Fine Fragrance

  • Elevates white-floral accords (lily-of-the-valley, jasmine).

  • Bridges fruity top-notes in modern fruity-florals.

  • Confers natural “green sap” tone in colognes and fougères.

  • Commonly paired with fellow salicylates such as Amyl Salicylate and Benzyl Salicylate for additional depth.

Performance in Formula

  • Excellent alkaline stability; ideal for soap and detergent bases.

  • High substantivity on both damp and dry textiles; strong blooming in laundry applications (Givaudan, n.d.).

Industrial & Technical Uses

Widely employed in functional perfumery—laundry liquids, fabric softeners, dishwash detergents, deodorants and air-fresheners—thanks to its hydrolytic stability and ability to mask harsh detergent bases (Symrise, 2021).

Regulatory & Safety Overview

IFRA Standard (Amendment 51, 2023) — Restricted (Limits based on dermal sensitisation and systemic toxicity).

Category 4 (fine fragrance) 6.5 %; Category 1 leave-on 0.092 %; Category 6 oral 0.0092 %.

Additional Information

  • Natural occurrence: Trace constituent of Vanilla planifolia pods (PubChem, n.d.).

  • Synthesis: Industrial Fischer esterification of salicylic acid with 1-hexanol under strong-acid catalysis.

  • Comparative note: Offers a softer, greener tonality than Isoamyl Salicylate and greater tenacity than Methyl Salicylate.

References

Arctander, S. (1969). Perfume and Flavor Chemicals (Vols. I–II). Montclair, NJ: Author.

European Commission, Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. (2024). Scientific Opinion on Hexyl Salicylate (SCCS/1658/23). Brussels: Directorate-General for Health and Food Safety.

Givaudan. (n.d.). Hexyl Salicylate – Ingredient Sheet. Retrieved May 18, 2025.

International Fragrance Association (IFRA). (2023). IFRA Standard – Hexyl Salicylate (Amendment 51).

PubChem. (n.d.). Hexyl Salicylate (CID 22629) – Compound Summary. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Retrieved May 18, 2025.

Symrise. (2021). Hexyl Salicylate – Product Data Sheet. Holzminden, Germany.

Vigon International. (2020). Safety Data Sheet: Hexyl Salicylate.

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