Ethyl maltol, with CAS number 4940-11-8, is a synthetic compound commonly used in perfumery and flavoring. It is known for its sweet, caramel-like scent, reminiscent of cotton candy or candy floss, which makes it a popular choice in gourmand fragrances. In perfumery, ethyl maltol is often utilized to enhance sweetness and add a warm, sugary note to compositions. It typically sits in the base or middle notes of a formula, where it can help to round out and soften sharper or more volatile notes. Ethyl maltol is generally considered safe for use in cosmetics and fragrances, but it is important to adhere to regulatory guidelines, as with any fragrance ingredient. While it is not classified as a common allergen, perfumers should be mindful of its concentration in formulations to ensure compliance with safety standards. Its pleasant aroma and versatility make it a valuable ingredient in both perfumery and food applications. — AI-generated summary, 2026-09-02.
Intensely sweet, sugary aroma reminiscent of burnt sugar, cotton candy and caramelized strawberry. Much stronger and more candy-like than maltol, with a persistent syrupy trail that carries fruity-jammy nuances.AI · claude-opus-4-7
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Other ingredients whose composition declares this material as a constituent. The percentage shown is the supplier-declared concentration in that parent.
| Ingredient | % | Range |
|---|---|---|
| CANDY CANE | — | 10–20% |
| CHOCOLATE FRAGRANCE OIL | — | 5–10% |
| CANDY FLOSS FRAGRANCE | — | — |