Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol

For the perfume industry

Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol

For the perfume industry
  • Aspect: Colourless liquid
  • Olfactive family: Rosy
  • Volatility: Heart
  • Restriction: none
  • Olfactive description: Powdery, rose, almondy, plastic, honey, green lily of the valley
  • Year of discovery: 1876 discovered in the rose
  • Origin: Damascena Rose oil and absolute, Neroli oil, Ylang Ylang Extra and Complete, Geranium oil

Introduction on PEA

Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol (PEA) has known its popularity thanks to its delicate, sweet and floral scent reminiscent of fresh roses. It is naturally found in many oils, such as in Damask Rose (both absolute and oil), Geranium oil, Ylang Ylang oil (from Extra to complete) and Neroli oil, but can also be artificially obtained. PEA is a crucial component in many floral compositions, as it is used in rosy floral notes, peony, lilac, hyacinth and freesia.

Characteristics of Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol

PEA is celebrated for its fresh rosy scent, often described as soft, slightly sweet almondy-like and reminiscent of rose petals. This scent profile makes it an essential ingredient in recreating or amplifying the floral aspect not only of rose representations, but also many other flowers.  In addition to its rose-like qualities, PEA has subtle green, honeyed and slightly spicy undertones, adding complexity and depth and making it suitable for other flowers.

Uses in perfumery

Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol is used across various fragrances families, particularly in fruity, floral and ambery accords.

  1. Floral fragrance: PEA is a cornerstone in floral perfumes, where it enhances the natural freshness and sweetness of floral notes, particularly rose and peony.
  2. Orienta-ambery fragrances: oriental compositions, PEA can be used to add a soft and floral touch that balances the richness of amber, spices and resins.
  3. Woody fragrances: PEA is sometimes incorporated in woody compositions to soften and round out the composition, providing a delicate floral contrast to the sharp, dry woody facet.

Volatility and role in fragrances

Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol is used as a heart note in fragrances, bridging top and base notes and ensuring a smooth transition and evolution of the whole composition. The moderate volatility of PEA provides a lasting floral effect that fully blooms in the heart of the fragrance.

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