Glycerol ester of rosin (CAS 8050-31-5) — Woody Fixative Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents
Woody · Balsamic

Glycerol ester of rosin

CAS 8050-31-5

Origin
synthetic
Note
Fixative
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Glycerol ester of rosin?

Glycerol ester of rosin is a synthetic resin used as a fixative in perfumes and as a binder in chewing gum. It helps slow the evaporation of fragrance oils, making scents last longer on skin. This ingredient matters because it extends the life of fragrances without altering their scent profile, acting like an invisible anchor for volatile top notes.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ FDA-approved for food contact
⚠ Avoid inhalation of powder form
CAS
8050-31-5
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Woody · Balsamic
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Glycerol ester of rosin Smell Like?

Glycerol ester of rosin is nearly odorless, though some grades may carry faint woody-pine undertones from its rosin origin. In perfumery, it functions as a silent workhorse—adding no discernible scent but providing crucial viscosity and tenacity to fragrance compositions. When blended, it creates a subtle ‘grip’ that slows the release of other materials, particularly enhancing the longevity of citrus and light floral notes that would otherwise vanish quickly.

Scent Profile
Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

This material is produced by esterifying rosin (colophony) with glycerol. Rosin itself is derived from pine tree oleoresin, composed primarily of abietic acid and related diterpenes. The esterification process converts the carboxylic acid groups of rosin into glycerol esters, creating a more stable and less acidic product. The resulting amber-colored resin is soluble in ethanol and commonly used in adhesives, inks, and fragrance fixatives.

Physical & Chemical Properties

FormAmber viscous liquid to brittle solid
SolubilitySoluble in ethanol, acetone; insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Fixative
Volatility
Very low
Blending
Universal carrier
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance1-3%Up to 5%Fixative base for citrus colognes
Functional Fragrance0.5-2%Up to 3%Extends air freshener longevity

Classic Accords

Tip: Dissolve in ethanol before adding to fragrance oils to prevent uneven distribution.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Benzyl benzoate CAS 120-51-4

Another nearly odorless fixative with better solubility in both polar and non-polar solvents.

2
Diethyl phthalate CAS 84-66-2

Historically used as a fixative and solvent, though restricted in some markets.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No IFRA restrictions. Listed as a permitted fixative under IFRA 49th Amendment.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM considers this material safe for current fragrance use levels based on dermal exposure data.

Sustainability

While derived from renewable pine sources, the esterification process is energy-intensive. Some manufacturers now use byproduct rosin from paper production rather than tapping live trees. Synthetic alternatives exist but lack the same biodegradability profile.

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References

  1. PubChem. Glycerol ester of rosin. PubChem
  2. IFRA Standards Library (2021). 49th Amendment. IFRA

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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Perfumer’s Notes

Ingredient Data Sheet

CAS 8050-31-5
Data Sources & Attribution
Physical data: PubChem (NIH/NLM), U.S. EPA CompTox Dashboard, EPA OPERA models, RDKit. Odor & flavor: Arctander (Perfume & Flavor Chemicals), Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Leffingwell. Thresholds: van Gemert (Compilations of Odour Threshold Values). Regulatory: IFRA Standards 51st, FEMA GRAS. Trade names: Surburg (Common Fragrance & Flavor Materials). All data compiled and cross-referenced for perfumertools.com.

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