Hello everyone, I’m Iris, a perfumer at Gar Aromas. Today, we’re addressing a common challenge in FMCG R&D: fragrance discoloration.
Have you noticed the color change in your products over time? For instance, laundry detergent turns yellow, soaps change color, candles yellow or darken, and car perfumes or fine fragrances develop precipitation? This not only compromises product quality but also leads to customer loss.
The 5 Main Causes of Fragrance Discoloration:
- Light Exposure (UV Radiation): UV light is the primary enemy of fragrances, especially natural ingredients, triggering photo-oxidation that leads to discoloration.
- Temperature: High temperatures accelerate chemical reactions within the fragrance, causing the color to darken.
- pH Level: The varying pH environments of different products (e.g., alkaline laundry detergents, neutral candles) can cause fragrance instability and color shift in acidic or alkaline conditions.
- Metal Ions: Certain fragrance components can react with trace metal ions (e.g., iron, copper) from containers or raw materials, causing precipitation or color change.
- Component Interaction: Complex reactions can occur between ingredients within the fragrance itself, or between the fragrance and other formula components like surfactants or preservatives.
Gar Aromas’ 5 Solutions to Prevent Discoloration:
- Light Protection: Storing fragrances and finished products in a cool, dark place is the most fundamental step to prevent photodegradation.
- Stringent Temperature Control: Implementing proper storage conditions, avoiding high temperatures, is crucial, especially for candles and fine fragrances.
- pH Adjustment and Compatibility: Based on your product’s pH, Gar Aromas technicians recommend fragrances with proven chemical stability or suggest formula adjustments.
- Avoid Metal Contamination: Using stainless steel, plastic, or glass equipment and containers throughout production and packaging minimizes metal ion influence.
- Choose Stability-Tested Fragrances: This is crucial. All fragrances from Gar Aromas undergo rigorous accelerated stability testing and compatibility testing to ensure color and odor stability in your specific formula.
Conclusion:
Fragrance discoloration is manageable with scientific understanding and preventive strategies. Partnering with an expert fragrance supplier like Gar Aromas provides you with targeted stability solutions and technical support, ensuring your product’s superior quality and market success.
