Timberol

Synthetic Ingredient Overview

• 🏭 Manufacturer: Symrise (originally Dragoco)

• 🔎 IUPAC Name: 1-(2,2,6-Trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol (high-cis racemic mixture)

• 🧪 Synonyms: Timberol, High-Cis Iso E-Super Alcohol, HC Norlimbanol

• 🧬 Chemical Formula: C₁₅H₃₀O

• 📂 CAS N°: 57641-67-3

• 📘 FEMA: Not applicable

• ⚖️ Molecular Weight: 226.40 g/mol

• 📝 Odor Type: Woody-Ambery

• 📈 Odor Strength: Very high

• 👃🏼 Odor Profile: Dry, sharp, woody-ambery with cedarwood-like facets; clean and substantive

• ⚗️ Primary Uses: Woody and amber bases, masculine fougères, oriental accords, shampoos and lotions

• 🧴 Appearance: Colorless to pale yellow liquid

What is Timberol?

Timberol is a synthetic tertiary alcohol used in fragrance compositions for its dry, cedar-like, ambery profile. Its chemical identity is a racemic mixture of 1-(2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexyl)hexan-3-ol, particularly enriched in the cis isomer, which gives Timberol its sharp and linear olfactory character. It is part of a structural pair with its trans-rich counterpart Norlimbanol, produced by Firmenich, which is warmer and rounder in tonality.

The high-cis configuration of Timberol leads to a drier, more vertical aromatic behavior, with excellent substantivity and formulation stability. It does not oxidize easily and remains perceptible across various product formats, from fine fragrance to rinse-off applications.

Olfactory Profile and Perfumery Applications

Timberol is characterized by:

• Dry woody-amber base: Highly substantive and clean

• Sharp cedarwood accent: Adds structure to diffuse or creamy compositions

• Linear, high-impact profile: Maintains clarity without becoming muddy over time

It is used extensively in:

• Masculine woody scents: As a base structure with sharpness and depth

• Amber compositions: Where a dry, non-sweet ambery tone is needed

• Fougères and orientals: To reinforce contrast and prolong wear

• Functional perfumery: Including shampoos, conditioners, and body lotions, where it provides lasting scent retention on skin and hair

Industrial and Technical Uses

Beyond fine fragrance, Timberol is used in:

• Hair care (shampoos, leave-ins): Enhances woody freshness and longevity

• Skincare and body lotions: Adds premium character to formulations

• Home care fragrances: Stable under heat and humidity, useful in fabric care and air fresheners

It is not used in flavor applications or pharma, as its chemical structure and use are fragrance-specific.

Regulatory and Safety Overview

• IFRA: No restrictions under current IFRA guidelines (51st Amendment)

• EU Allergens: Not listed among the 26 declarable allergens

• FEMA GRAS: Not applicable (non-flavor use)

• ECHA: Registered under REACH; not classified as hazardous

• Toxicology: Low dermal and inhalation toxicity; no sensitization reported in standard testing

• Environmental Consideration: Not classified as PBT/vPvB; good biodegradability in formulation levels

✅ Timberol is safe for use in perfumery and personal care at standard usage concentrations.

Sources

• Symrise Ingredient Technical Profile (2022)

• Fulvio Ciccolo, Scentspiracy – Isomeric Analysis (2022)

• Current Topics in Flavours and Fragrances: Towards a New Millennium of Discovery

• REACH Registration Dossier – ECHA Substance Data (CAS 57641-67-3)

• Comparison studies between Norlimbanol and Timberol (Internal Benchmarks)