Levulinic Acid
Levulinic Acid
FREE US shipping over $120. Order within 14 hrs 13 mins for delivery Thursday, March 12 – March 16
Sweet caramel warmth for gourmand accords.
Creamy, buttery, whiskey-like depth.
A gourmand building block with real warmth.
Couldn't load pickup availability
Synonyms: Levulic Acid, Antithermin, Acetopropionic Acid Classification: Base Note[i]
Levulinic acid brings a quiet caramel sweetness to compositions — not the bold hit of ethyl maltol or vanillin, but a softer, more refined burnt-sugar nuance that sits underneath other materials and warms them from below. Think of it as the difference between caramel sauce and the browned edges of a crème brûlée. It is understated but it changes the character of everything around it.
It is also the starting point for ethyl levulinate, a fruity rum-like material used in fine fragrance — so if you work with levulinate esters, this is where they begin. On its own, use levulinic acid in amber and gourmand bases where you want sweetness that doesn't announce itself. It rounds hard edges on resinous materials and adds a toffee-like depth beneath vanilla and benzoin.
Try it in orientals alongside tonka, benzoin, and labdanum. It fills the space between the obvious sweetness on top and the darker resinous notes underneath. A small addition goes a long way — this is a modifier, not a feature note.
Odour Impact Scale [i]
Scale Interpretation
Levulinic Acid has a subtle odour profile both when evaluated directly (2/10 strength) and when used in blends (2/10 impact). Useful for adding gentle nuance.
Odour Family:
Gourmand
Appearance: Clear liquid
Longevity: Lasts > 400 hours on a smelling strip.
Odour Profile: Levulinic acid has a sweet, caramellic odour with creamy, buttery, slightly acidic facets and a warm whiskey-like undertone that recalls brown sugar and toffee.
Uses: Gourmand accords, caramel and toffee effects, warm amber bases, and creamy-sweet compositions.
INCI Name: LEVULINIC ACID
IUPAC Name: 4-oxopentanoic acid
General Information
General Information
Like most suppliers and makers of quality raw materials for fragrances, we do not filter many of our products. This ensures that no odiferous matter is lost prior to use but can result in the appearance of small particles or slight clouding.
All alcoholic fragrances should be macerated for up to a month and then chilled in a moderate freezer overnight before being filtered fine. This will remove all cloudiness or detritus and is the industry norm.
IFRA Standards
IFRA Standards
Permitted amounts in finished product:
IFRA 51: 100%
IFRA 49:
These are derived from calculated concentrations which do not replace chromatographic quantification on individual lots. Disclaimer...
For Trade Use Only
For Trade Use Only
Our products are intended as building blocks in the perfume creation process; they are not to be applied to the skin undiluted.
These raw materials are for use by the perfumery trade only.
Design Your Next Fragrance In 3 Simple Steps
Choose Your Ingredients
Select the weight and concentration that fit your needs.
Same Day Fulfilment
We pack and ship your order safely, worldwide.
Create & Formulate
Use your materials to craft unique fragrances.
Highest quality materials, for those who formulate without compromise.
Perfumery is an art shaped by curiosity, knowledge, and the pursuit of the exceptional.
We source not only the DNA of fragrance composition but also the rare, the distinctive, and the nearly unobtainable. With a deep understanding of the craft and a history rooted in expertise and fragrance making, we provide more than just ingredients, we offer inspiration, guidance, and access to a world of scent that few ever experience.
We Source, You Create.
The foundation of every great fragrance starts here.
We Select The Finest Materials
We source every ingredient from trusted producers and ensure unmatched quality.
We Ensure Effortless Blending
Our materials integrate smoothly into any formulation, from classics to modern creations.
We Enhance Depth And Performance
Each ingredient delivers rich olfactory nuances, longevity, and structural balance.
We Guarantee Transparency
We trace every material to its source and maintain full consistency in every batch.
We Supply Experts And Artisans
Professional perfumers and niche brands trust us for precision, reliability, and artistry.
We Meet All Industry Standards
Our materials comply with IFRA and EU 1223/2009 regulations for safety and quality.
Fast, Secure Worldwide Shipping
Orders arrive in 2–8 days, packaged for safety and compliance.
High-End Packaging
Amber glass bottles, sealed aluminum containers, and protective barriers.
Easy Refund Process
No-hassle resolutions. Full refund with no returns required.
General Disclaimer
(a) Vegan labelling: Where the word “vegan” is used in relation to our products, that indicates that we have not added any animal products to products marked vegan. We do not verify whether any third-party supplier has used animal additives prior to supplying a product to us. We provide products marked vegan “as is” and make no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of that claim.
(b) Natural labelling: Where the word “natural” is used in relation to our products, that indicates that we have not added any synthetic additives to products marked natural. We do not verify whether any third-party supplier has used synthetic additives prior to supplying a product to us. We provide products marked natural “as is” and make no representation as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of that claim.
(c) Documentation: We provide the information contained in each document you obtain from us (including but not limited to SDS, IFRA certificate, COA, TDS, EU Allergens, and any other regulatory document) “as is” and make no representation as to its accuracy, completeness, or reliability. We provide no warranties or guarantees in relation to a document you obtain from us. You purchase and use a document or documents at your own risk. Any implied conditions or warranties are excluded and, to the extent that they cannot be excluded, any liability we have to you or any other person or entity in respect of a document you obtain from us is limited to NZD0.01 (one cent). You indemnify us against any loss we suffer or incur as a direct or indirect result of your use of a document you obtain from us.
(d) Demonstration formulas: Demonstration formulas are provided as a guide only. We provide no warranties or guarantees in relation to the formula. You access and use the formula at your own risk. Any implied conditions or warranties are excluded and, to the extent that they cannot be excluded, any liability we have to you or any other person or entity in respect of the formula is limited to NZD0.01 (one cent). You indemnify us against any loss we suffer or incur as a direct or indirect result of your use of a formula.
Note: Wherever you are a professional perfumer or a hobbyist, we have what you need — from essential oils and absolutes, to bases, perfume chemicals (synthetics), bottles and more. We also offer compounding (contract blend), fragrance formulation, and an artisan lab visit for a guided smelling experience. Please note that we are not selling perfumes and that our materials are for use by perfume creation. We ship all around the world and have customer service that is second to none. We also stock educational kits and sample kits.
-
Regulations
DisclaimerAll of our products are compliant with EU 1223/2009 and the NZCPGS. None of our bases contain prohibited materials and regulatory compliance is possible depending on usage.
-
IFRA Conformity
All of our bases can be used in products requiring conformity with the latest IFRA standards. Fraterworks is an official member of IFRA and the FFAANZ.
-
Nitro Musks
Some of our products may contain small amounts of EU and IFRA compliant musk ketone. We never use musk xylene, musk ambrette or any other prohibited materials.