Intelligence · Ingredients

The ingredient narratives reshaping clean beauty.

fragrance component
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Linalool

aka (R)-linalool · (S)-linalool · 3,7-dimethylocta-1,6-dien-3-ol · beta-linalool

The most commonly occurring fragrance terpene alcohol in both natural and synthetic fragrance. Present in hundreds of botanical extracts and essential oils. On the EU's 26 mandatory fragrance allergen disclosure list.

Benefits
  • Floral, fresh, slightly citrus-green fragrance character
  • Present naturally in lavender, bergamot, coriander, and many botanical extracts
  • Mild natural antimicrobial at higher concentrations
  • Calming/relaxing psychophysiological association
  • Major component of lavender essential oil
Example uses
  • Lavender essential oil products
  • Floral fragrance compositions
  • Natural botanical skincare
  • Body products with herbal fragrances
  • Aromatherapy-positioned skincare
Formulation notes

Oil-soluble. Oxidises in air to sensitising linalool hydroperoxides — antioxidant protection and fresh packaging critical. EU mandatory allergen disclosure applies to both fresh linalool and its oxidation products.

Watchouts

One of the most frequently sensitising fragrance allergens due to its ubiquitous presence. Like limonene, oxidation products are more sensitising than fresh linalool. Present in an enormous range of natural botanical extracts — inadvertent linalool content in 'fragrance-free' formulations using botanical extracts is common.

Clean beauty perception

The paradox of linalool in clean beauty is significant: it is present in countless natural botanical extracts and essential oils used in clean formulations, yet it is one of the most common contact allergen triggers. Many clean-beauty 'fragrance-free' products contain significant linalool via botanical ingredients.