VETIVAL

Vetival (CAS 4927-39-3) is a fully synthetic aromachemical, not a form of natural vetiver oil, despite its trade name and vetiver-derived odor character; chemically it is 4-cyclohexyl-4-methylpentan-2-one, also called vetiver pentanone or vetivertone, and it does not occur in nature. Its odor is built around the classic vetiver pillars of wood, earth, and a faint smoky-root dryness, layered with a lighter floral-citrus lift and a slightly tart, bitter edge that sets it apart from the deeper, more resinous smell of natural vetiver oil or vetiveryl acetate. Perfumers reach for it less as a standalone vetiver replacement and more as a support material: a touch added to citrus top accords lends bitterness and freshness, while in heart and base work it is used to extend, sharpen, and give lift to vetiver, woody, and chypre-style vetiveryl acetate accords, including masculine fougère and woody-aromatic compositions, at fairly conservative dose levels within the overall formula rather than as a dominant note. It has good tenacity and is considered stable across most cosmetic bases such as soap, shampoo, and antiperspirant formulations, though it performs poorly in bleach-containing products. From a safety standpoint it does not carry any widely established hazard classification or notable IFRA restriction beyond routine fragrance-material review, and it has undergone the standard RIFM safety assessment process applied to commercial fragrance ingredients, though specific numeric limits should be confirmed against current regulatory documentation rather than assumed. — researched, 2026-09-02.