Valencene (CAS 4630-07-03) — Citrus Heart Note Fragrance Ingredient

ByThe Good Scents




Valencene

CAS 4630-07-03

Origin
Note
IFRA
Generally safe
Data as of: Mar 2026

What Is Valencene?

Valencene is a naturally occurring sesquiterpene found in citrus fruits, particularly Valencia oranges. It’s used in perfumes, flavorings, and aromatherapy products for its fresh, citrusy character. This ingredient matters because it provides a natural, vibrant orange note without the phototoxicity concerns of some citrus oils, making it a versatile choice for sun-exposed skin products.

Safety Profile

GENERALLY SAFE

Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
✓ No known restrictions
✓ Non-phototoxic
CAS
4630-07-03
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Valencene Smell Like?

Valencene bursts with the juicy, sun-ripened sweetness of freshly peeled oranges, carrying subtle floral undertones that distinguish it from simpler citrus notes. As it evolves, the initial vibrant top gives way to a softer, woody-orange heart reminiscent of orange zest drying in the sun. The dry-down reveals a delicate, almost honeyed facet that lingers close to the skin, making it particularly valuable for creating naturalistic citrus accords that don’t disappear too quickly.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Used alongside neroli and bergamot to create a more durable orange note in this historic cologne, preventing the citrus from fading too quickly.

Orange Sanguine(Atelier Cologne, 2010)

Amplifies the blood orange accord while adding depth, helping bridge the citrus top to the amber base.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Valencene is a bicyclic sesquiterpene hydrocarbon (C15H24) that occurs naturally in citrus peel oils, particularly in Valencia oranges (Citrus sinensis). Industrially, it’s typically isolated from citrus byproducts through fractional distillation or chromatography. The molecule features a unique 7-membered ring fused to a cyclopropane ring, contributing to its stability compared to monoterpene citrus components. While usually derived from natural sources, synthetic routes exist via cyclization of farnesyl derivatives.

Physical & Chemical Properties

Boiling Point 123-125 °C (at 12 mmHg)
Density 0.86 g/cm³

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Top to Middle
Volatility
Moderate (2-4 hours)
Blending
Excellent with citrus, woods, florals
Application Typical % Range Notes
Fine Fragrance 1-5% Up to 10% For citrus enhancement
Functional Fragrance 0.5-2% Up to 5% In soaps and detergents

Classic Accords

+ Bergamot + Petitgrain = Solar Citrus
+ Sandalwood + Vanilla = Orange Gourmand

Tip: Combine with citrus aldehydes (C-10, C-12) to boost diffusion and longevity of orange accords.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Nootkatone CAS 4674-50-4

When a more intense, grapefruit-like citrus character is needed, though it’s significantly more expensive.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. IFRA, REACH, EU Cosmetics Regulation standards update periodically. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating. Not legal or regulatory advice.

IFRA Status

No restrictions under IFRA standards.

RIFM Assessment

RIFM assessment confirms safe use at current levels in fragrances.

Sustainability

Most valencene is sourced as a byproduct of orange juice production, making it a sustainable choice that utilizes existing agricultural waste streams. Synthetic production exists but is less common due to the availability of natural sources. The citrus industry’s responsible farming practices generally extend to this byproduct material.

Explore Valencene

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Industry & Science Data

Odor Detection Threshold
260 ppb
in air (orthonasal)
Ref: van Gemert, Odour Thresholds (2011)
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References

  1. Burdock, G.A. (2010). Fenaroli’s Handbook of Flavor Ingredients. CRC Press. ISBN 9781420090772

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

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