This section provides an overview of rhodinol, covering its manufacturing processes and regulatory status, applications in food, fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Also, please check out the introduction to rhodinol manufacturers, supply chain issues, rhodinol suppliers, and rhodinol prices. Sinofi can help you buy rhodinol at bulk wholesale prices based on FEMA 2980 and CAS 6812-78-8.
Table of Contents
What is Rhodinol?
Rhodinol is a monoterpene alcohol that occupies a distinctive position in the flavour and fragrance industry. It is chemically defined as (S)-3,7-dimethyl-7-octen-1-ol, the levorotatory enantiomer of 3,7-dimethyloct-7-en-1-ol. In the broader perfumery and flavouring lexicon, however, the name “rhodinol” has historically been applied to a range of materials—from pure L-citronellol to complex mixtures of citronellol and geraniol extracted from natural essential oils. This ambiguity makes it especially important for formulation engineers to understand the precise chemical identity, compositional variations, and regulatory status of the material they are working with. Rhodinol belongs to the acyclic monoterpene alcohol family. It features a primary hydroxyl group at the terminal carbon, a methyl-branched backbone, and a terminal alkene at C-7. This structural profile closely parallels that of citronellol and geraniol, which accounts for the overlapping sensory properties among these three compounds and explains why commercial “rhodinol” products often consist of blends rather than a single pure chemical entity. It blends harmoniously with linalool, geranyl acetate, phenylethyl alcohol, and various woody and musky base notes. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), rhodinol and citronellol are approved to be used in the flavour and fragrance industries.
Regulatory Status and Safety Considerations
Rhodinol has been evaluated by major regulatory bodies like JECFA, EFSA, Food and Chemical Toxicology, ECHACHEM, NIST, IFRA, and WHO.
It holds robust regulatory clearance for use as a flavouring substance in food and beverages across major jurisdictions. The following table summarizes its status across key regulatory frameworks.
- FEMA: GRAS (FEMA No. 2980) for use as a flavouring substance.
- US FDA: Listed under 21 CFR 172.515 as a synthetic flavouring substance permitted in food.
- JECFA (FAO/WHO): Evaluated and assigned JECFA No. 1222; safety assessment published in WHO Food Additives Series No. 52 (2004).
- EU Regulation: Permitted as a flavouring substance under Implementing Regulation (EU) No 872/2012.
- IFRA: Restricted use levels in fragrance applications (e.g., 13.43% max in Cat. 4 finished product for natural grades).
Odor Threshold and Sensory Profile
Rhodinol is classified as a floral-type flavour and fragrance material. Its odour profile is characterised by a fresh, clean, rose-petal quality with soft citrus and green undertones. The flavour impression mirrors this aromatic character: a delicate, sweet, floral taste that is often described as being reminiscent of fresh rose petals with subtle fruity nuances.
In flavour applications, rhodinol contributes a gentle floral note with a sweet, slightly waxy body. It is commonly used to build cherry, strawberry, peach, tutti-frutti, citrus, and of course rose-flavoured profiles. The compound’s ability to impart floral roundness without overwhelming other flavour notes makes it a versatile building block in the formulator’s palette.
Natural Occurrence
Rhodinol is found naturally in the essential oils of geranium (particularly Pelargonium graveolens from Bourbon/Réunion), citronella, rose, and lavender. It can be isolated from these natural sources through saponification and fractional distillation, or produced synthetically via catalytic hydrogenation and terpene chemistry. This dual sourcing—natural isolate versus synthetic—creates distinct market segments with different pricing dynamics, quality benchmarks, and regulatory considerations.
Natural rhodinol grades, such as Rhodinol ex Geranium Bourbon, are obtained by fractional distillation of geranium essential oil. The resulting fraction typically contains approximately 62% citronellol, 35% geraniol, and about 1% nerol—collected together because these three compounds have very similar boiling points and molecular weights. These natural isolates are especially valued in fine fragrance and premium flavour formulation, where consumers and regulators increasingly demand naturally derived ingredients.
CAS No.: 6812-78-8
According to the American Chemical Society, the CAS number of rhodinol is 6812-78-8.
CAS Name: Rhodinol
Molecular Formula: C10H20O
Molecular Mass: 156.27
Appearance: Colourless clear liquid.
JECFA Number: 1222
Food Chemicals Codex Listed: Yes
Boiling Point: 22.00 to 223.00 °C. @ 760.00 mm Hg
Solubility: Insoluble in glycerol, water; soluble in most fixed oils, ethanol, and propylene glycol.
Other Names:
♦α-Citronellol, (-)-
♦ (-)-Rhodinol
♦ (-)-α-Citronellol
♦ (S)-α-Citronellol
♦ (3S)-3,7-Dimethyloct-7-en-1-ol
♦ 7-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (3S)-
♦ 7-Octen-1-ol, 3,7-dimethyl-, (S)-
♦ (3S)-3,7-Dimethyl-7-octen-1-ol
Rhodinol Odor
Odor Strength: Medium.
Substantivity: 208 hours at 100.00 %.
Odor Description: At 100.00 %, floral red rose fruity metallic.
FEMA Number 2980
According to the Flavour and Extract Manufacturers Association (FEMA), the FEMA number of rhodinol is 2980.
Bulk Rhodinol Manufacturers
The bulk rhodinol production features a diverse manufacturer landscape spanning global fragrance houses, specialty chemical companies across China, India, the United States, and Europe. Top rhodinol manufacturers like Givaudan, Lluch Essence, International Flavours & Fragrances, and Mane operate extensive manufacturing networks across Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific. They typically produce rhodinol both through natural isolation and synthetic pathways.
Sinofi is a bulk rhodinol manufacturer in China, and we have a manufacturing facility with 2,500 square meters for the production of rhodinol. We provide significant pricing leverage, supply reliability, and stringent quality assurance systems certified to ISO and IFRA standards. We supply high-quality rhodinol at bulk prices and serve food, fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries worldwide.
Manufacturing Process of Rhodinol
Isolation from Essential Oils
Extraction of rhodinol from essential oils remains commercially relevant, particularly for the natural aroma chemicals market where end-products must be labelled as “natural” under EU Regulation 1334/2008 and US FDA guidelines.
Fractional distillation. Java citronella oil or geranium oil is subjected to fractional vacuum distillation using high-efficiency packed or structured columns (typically 20–40 theoretical plates). Citronellol is separated from citronellal (bp ≈205 °C), geraniol (bp ≈230 °C), and sesquiterpene hydrocarbons. Careful control of reflux ratio and vacuum level (10–50 mbar) is essential to achieve clean cuts, as the boiling points of citronellol and geraniol differ by only about 5–7 °C at atmospheric pressure.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of Citronellal
One of the most straightforward routes to rhodinol involves the selective hydrogenation of citronellal to citronellol. Citronellal already bears the desired chiral centre at C-3, so the reaction preserves stereochemistry while reducing the aldehyde to a primary alcohol. The reaction retains the enantiomeric configuration present in the starting citronellal, making this the method of choice when natural-grade l-citronellal is available, and enantiopure rhodinol is the target product.
Selective Hydrogenation of Geraniol and Nerol
Geraniol (trans-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol) and its cis isomer nerol can be partially hydrogenated to citronellol by reducing the C-2/C-3 double bond while preserving the C-6/C-7 olefin and the hydroxyl group. This route is widely practised because geraniol is one of the most abundant and cost-effective terpenoid feedstocks.
Asymmetric Hydrogenation (Noyori Method)
The industrial synthesis of enantiopure l-citronellol was revolutionised by the development of BINAP–ruthenium catalysed asymmetric hydrogenation, most closely associated with the work of Ryoji Noyori and subsequently scaled by Takasago International Corporation. This remains one of the landmark examples of homogeneous asymmetric catalysis applied at a manufacturing scale. Rhodinol produced by this route is classified as nature-identical and meets fragrance-industry purity requirements.
Bulk Rhodinol Suppliers
The bulk rhodinol supply can be broadly segmented into four categories: integrated aroma chemical manufacturers, essential oil processors, natural isolate specialists, and specialty chemical distributors. Each category serves different buyer profiles and procurement needs. Top rhodinol suppliers like Givaudan, Lluch Essence, International Flavours & Fragrances, and Mane typically supply rhodinol in multi-tonne quantities to their own captive compounding operations as well as to select external accounts.
Sinofi is a bulk rhodinol supplier in China, and we have a warehouse with 1,200 square meters for high-quality rhodinol. We sell different grades of rhodinol at wholesale prices, serving end-users in food, fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries.
Supply Chain of Rhodinol
The rhodinol supply chain is deeply intertwined with the broader essential oils and aroma chemicals sector. Unlike single-origin commodity chemicals, rhodinol occupies a dual-source position: it is available both as a natural isolate derived from botanical raw materials and as a synthetic product manufactured from petrochemical or turpentine-derived intermediates.
Upstream Raw Material Sourcing
Natural Rhodinol
Natural rhodinol is isolated through fractional distillation of geranium oil (Pelargonium graveolens) or citronella oil (Cymbopogon winterianus / Cymbopogon nardus). The most prized grade is Rhodinol Ex Geranium Bourbon, which is extracted from geranium Bourbon oil originating primarily from Réunion Island, Madagascar, and Egypt. This material offers the closest olfactory approximation to natural rose otto among single raw materials and commands a premium price in fine fragrance applications. Rhodinol Ex Citronella is a more cost-effective natural option, derived from Java citronella oil. This grade typically contains 12–25% citronellol and 28–48% geraniol and is widely used in functional perfumery, personal care, and household products.
Synthetic Rhodinol
Synthetic rhodinol is produced through the catalytic hydrogenation of geraniol and nerol, which are themselves derived from pinene (a turpentine fraction) or through petrochemical synthesis routes. A well-known commercial product is Rhodinol 70, a racemic mixture containing 40–60% 3,7-dimethyloct-7-en-1-ol and 40–60% citronellol. Synthetic grades offer consistent quality, reliable supply, and lower price points compared to natural isolates, making them the dominant choice for large-volume industrial applications.
Primary Processing and Essential Oil Production
In the natural pathway, harvested plant material undergoes steam distillation to yield crude essential oils. Citronella oil distillation is typically carried out at or near the point of cultivation, using relatively simple steam distillation units. In Indonesia, key producing regions include Aceh, Java, Sumatra, and Sulawesi. Indian production is concentrated in the northeastern states. These crude oils serve as the feedstock for rhodinol isolation in downstream processing.
In the synthetic pathway, it encompasses the chemical conversion of turpentine fractions or petrochemical intermediates into geraniol, nerol, and citronellol through catalytic hydrogenation, isomerisation, and other unit operations. This stage is typically carried out by large integrated chemical manufacturers with advanced process capabilities.
Isolation, Refining, and Blending
This tier represents the critical value-addition stage where crude essential oils or synthetic intermediates are transformed into rhodinol-grade products. For natural rhodinol, this involves fractional distillation and purification of citronella or geranium oils to isolate specific terpene alcohol fractions at the required purity and compositional ratios. Saponification may also be employed to separate ester-bound alcohols from geranium oil.
For synthetic rhodinol, this stage involves final purification, quality standardisation, and, in the case of blended products such as Rhodinol 70, the precise formulation of component ratios. Key participants at this tier include specialty aroma chemical manufacturers and essential oil processing houses.
Distribution and Trading
Rhodinol moves from processors to end users through a layered distribution network. Large F&F houses often maintain direct procurement relationships with Tier 3 processors and, in some cases, vertically integrate backward into essential oil production. Mid-sized formulators and smaller perfumery businesses typically source through specialised aroma chemical distributors and trading companies. Distribution logistics require careful temperature and light management, as terpene alcohols are susceptible to oxidation and quality degradation during extended storage or transit. Products are typically shipped in UN-approved drums, IBCs, or flexi-tanks, with documentation including Certificates of Analysis (CoA), Certificates of Origin, IFRA compliance statements, and, where applicable, kosher and halal certifications.
End-Use Integration
The final tier encompasses the incorporation of rhodinol into finished consumer and industrial products. Primary end-use segments include fine fragrances and perfumery (where rhodinol is valued as a foundational material for rose, muguet, and floral accords), personal care products (soaps, lotions, deodorants), household products (detergents, air fresheners), food and beverage flavouring (where FCC-grade rhodinol serves as a GRAS flavouring agent), and, to a lesser extent, insect repellent formulations and pharmaceutical applications.
Wholesale and Buy Rhodinol in Bulk
Rhodinol remains a critically important aromatic chemical with sustained global demand across fragrance, personal care, flavour, and wellness sectors. For purchasing managers, the wholesale rhodinol market offers a wide range of grades, origins, and price points—creating both opportunity and complexity. Success in bulk procurement depends on precisely defining product specifications, rigorously qualifying suppliers, negotiating strategically on pricing and terms, maintaining full regulatory compliance, and actively managing supply chain risks.
Defining Specifications and Quality Requirements
Rhodinol is available in the market under several commercial designations that vary according to source material, purity level, and intended end use. Before engaging suppliers, rhodinol buyers should establish clear internal specifications aligned with end-use requirements. Key parameters to define include purity (percentage of rhodinol content), the acceptable ratio of citronellol to geraniol, refractive index range, density range, colour, and odour profile. For food-grade applications, FCC compliance and the availability of FEMA-referenced documentation are essential. For natural grades, origin certification and the method of isolation (e.g., steam distillation, saponification) should be stipulated.
Rhodinol Ex Geranium (Natural): Isolated from geranium (Pelargonium) essential oil through saponification and distillation. Favoured for premium fragrance applications where natural origin is required. Often sourced from Bourbon geranium oil origins.
Rhodinol Ex Citronella (Natural): Derived from citronella oil fractions. Typically, more cost-effective than geranium-sourced rhodinol while still meeting natural ingredient standards. Widely available from producers in China, India, and Southeast Asia.
Rhodinol 70: A standard commercial grade containing approximately 70% rhodinol content (mixture of citronellol and geraniol). Suitable for many industrial fragrance compounding applications.
Rhodinol Pure Extra FCC: A high-purity grade meeting Food Chemicals Codex (FCC) standards. Intended for flavour and food-grade applications. Purity typically exceeds 95%.
Rhodinol Synthetic: Manufactured via chemical synthesis. Offers consistent quality and competitive pricing. Suitable for cost-sensitive formulation work where natural-origin certification is not mandated.
Supplier Qualification and Due Diligence
A structured supplier qualification process is vital. This should include reviewing the supplier’s manufacturing licences, ISO certifications, GMP compliance (where applicable), and IFRA conformance. Request and evaluate recent batch COAs and SDS (Safety Data Sheets). Where possible, conduct an on-site audit or commission a third-party audit, especially for new suppliers handling significant purchase volumes. Verify the supplier’s capacity to deliver consistent quality across multiple production lots.
Pricing Dynamics and Cost Optimization
Rhodinol pricing is influenced by several factors: the grade and purity level, the source material (natural vs. synthetic), the supplier’s geographic location, prevailing raw material costs (especially citronella and geranium oil), and order volume. Natural-origin grades—especially ex geranium Bourbon—command the highest premiums, while synthetic grades and citronella-derived material offer more competitive price points. Purchasing managers can optimize costs by negotiating annual supply contracts with volume-based tiered pricing, consolidating orders across product lines to increase leverage, and maintaining a qualified secondary supplier to encourage competitive quoting. Monitoring global essential oil market reports and commodity price indices can provide useful forward-looking intelligence for budget planning.
As a bulk rhodinol manufacturer and supplier in China, we wholesale this ingredient to end users in food, fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. We also supply rhodinol to small customers. Normally, they want to buy rhodinol in small quantities. To serve them, we can sell rhodinol at bulk prices and provide a one-stop purchasing service.
Rhodinol Prices (USD/Kg)
Flavour Grade Rhodinol Prices (GC Content >=95%)
| Volume | Unit Price | Shipment |
| 50g | 12 USD | Express |
| 500g | 59 USD | Express |
| 1Kg | 78 USD/Kg | Express |
| 20Kg | >=25% cheaper | Express |
| 100Kg-Above | negotiable | Express / Sea |
The rhodinol market operates on two distinct pricing tiers defined primarily by origin. Synthetic rhodinol at 95% purity trades between $60 and $90/kg in bulk volumes across North America and Europe, based on 2025 transaction data and distributor catalogs. Natural rhodinol — extracted from citronella or geranium oil, carrying FCC-grade certification at 94–100% purity — commands $350–$750/kg, with the premium driven by agricultural supply variability and the regulatory advantage of “natural” labeling in clean-label personal care formulations.
Furthermore, the above price quotations of rhodinol do not include the express shipping fee. The reason is that the shipment cost may exceed the sample value of rhodinol. However, the bulk wholesale prices of rhodinol will be much lower than those of small orders. Please contact us for more details.
Rhodinol Specification
| Appearance | Colourless, clear liquid. |
| Odor: | Floral red rose fruity metallic |
| Purity (GC) | >=95% |
| Acid Value (mg KOH/g) | <=1.0 |
| Density (20°C) | 0.8600 – 0.8720 |
| Refractive index @ 20°C | 1.4620-1.4720 |
Rhodinol Uses
Perfumery and Fine Fragrance
Rhodinol’s most celebrated application lies in fine perfumery, where it serves as a cornerstone ingredient for building authentic rose accords. Rhodinol ex Geranium Bourbon, in particular, is widely regarded as the single raw material that most closely approximates the scent of rose otto. This quality makes it exceptionally valuable for reconstructions of rose absolute and rose essential oils. Historically, rhodinol was a key component of the rose note in iconic fragrances, including Chypre by Coty, where it appeared alongside Rose D’Orient and French Rose de Mai absolute.
Beyond rose, rhodinol contributes to high-class muguet (lily of the valley) bases and adds natural floral complexity to fougère compositions. Rhodinol ex Citronella, for example, is described as having a rounded rose character with fresh muguet-like aspects. Perfumers value the material’s ability to bridge between rosy, green, and clean-fresh notes, making it a versatile building block in both masculine and feminine fragrances.
Cosmetics and Personal Care
In addition to fine fragrance, rhodinol and its constituent terpene alcohols find extensive use in the formulation of fragrances for functional products such as soaps, detergents, household cleaners, and aerosol air fresheners. Its stability in alkaline environments and compatibility with surfactant systems make it well-suited for these demanding formulation matrices. Rhodinol is also employed in geranium, raspberry, and honey-type fragrance notes, broadening its applicability well beyond traditional floral compositions.
Flavour Formulation and the Food Industry
Rhodinol holds FEMA GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) status, which permits its use as a flavouring agent in food products. It is characterised by a floral-type odour and a corresponding soft, floral-type flavour profile. The compound’s safety has been evaluated by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which published a comprehensive review in WHO Food Additives Series No. 52 (2004), covering aliphatic primary alcohols, including rhodinol.
Aromatherapy and Wellness
In aromatherapy practice, rhodinol-rich oils are valued for their calming and mood-balancing effects. The compound’s soft, rose-like aroma is considered soothing and is used in diffuser blends, inhalers, bath preparations, and massage oils intended to reduce stress and promote relaxation. Rhodinol has been associated with a range of therapeutic properties in the aromatherapy literature, including analgesic, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and sedative actions, though it should be noted that much of this evidence is preliminary or based on traditional use rather than rigorous clinical trials.
Rhodinol Benefits
Aromatic and Sensory Benefits
Rhodinol is widely valued for its soft, sweet, and distinctly rosy scent profile, which closely approximates the aroma of fresh-cut roses. It exhibits outstanding compatibility with a wide range of essential oil constituents and aroma chemicals. Perfumers frequently rely on rhodinol to add body and naturalness to floral accords, and its moderate volatility places it comfortably in the heart of a fragrance pyramid, lending longevity without excessive heaviness.
Flavour Enhancement
In the flavour industry, rhodinol serves as a valuable contributor to floral and fruity flavour profiles. It is employed at low concentrations to impart a subtle rose or lychee-like note in confectionery, beverages, bakery products, and dairy applications.
Antimicrobial Activity
One of the most extensively studied benefits of rhodinol is its antimicrobial efficacy. Published research has demonstrated that rhodinol and its constituent terpene alcohols exhibit inhibitory activity against a spectrum of bacteria, fungi, and yeasts.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Rhodinol has been shown to modulate inflammatory pathways in preclinical studies. As a close structural relative of citronellol and geraniol, it shares the capacity to inhibit pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce oxidative stress markers. These anti-inflammatory effects are of interest to the cosmetic and dermatological sectors, where rhodinol-containing formulations may help soothe irritated or sensitised skin conditions.
Rhodinol in E-Liquid and Vaping Products
Rhodinol brings a unique and valued sensory contribution to e-liquid formulation, offering a natural rose-like quality that synthetic alternatives have difficulty matching.
Role of Rhodinol in E-Liquids
Rhodinol is prized in flavour chemistry for what industry sources describe as an unsurpassed floral beauty that cannot be replicated by any grade of synthetic citronellol or citronella-derived isolate. Its olfactory character is distinctly rosy, sweet, and warm, with a honeyed depth that sets it apart from the sharper, more one-dimensional notes of individual terpene alcohols.
In e-liquid formulation, these same properties make rhodinol a valuable ingredient for several product categories. Floral vape profiles—particularly rose, geranium, and honeysuckle themes—benefit directly from rhodinol’s natural rose character. It also functions as a sophisticated modifier in fruit blends, where small additions can lend a perceived freshness and complexity that lifts the overall profile beyond what esters and aldehydes alone can achieve. In dessert and bakery-inspired e-liquids, rhodinol adds a subtle floral sweetness that rounds out heavy vanilla or caramel bases without introducing an overt perfume-like quality.
However, rhodinol is insoluble in glycerol (vegetable glycerin, or VG), which means that direct addition to high-VG base liquids without pre-dissolution in a PG carrier can result in poor dispersion, inconsistent flavour delivery, and potential phase separation over time. Formulators working with VG-dominant bases (such as the 70VG/30PG or 80VG/20PG ratios popular in sub-ohm vaping) should ensure that rhodinol is first dissolved in PG or an appropriate solvent carrier before blending into the final product.
Regulatory Landscape
In the United States, the FDA regulates e-cigarettes and vaping products as tobacco products under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and subsequent deeming regulations. Manufacturers seeking to market new tobacco products—including flavoured e-liquids—must obtain premarket authorization through the Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) process. The European Union regulates e-cigarettes under the Tobacco Products Directive (TPD, 2014/40/EU), which requires member states to establish notification and ingredient reporting systems for e-liquid products. Manufacturers must submit detailed ingredient lists, including flavouring agents, emissions data, and toxicological information.
A Cranberry Flavouring Using Rhodinol
Include the following ingredients (%, by weight):
Styralyl acetate, 0.06; Linalyl acetate, 0.06; Ethyl cinnamate, 0.4; Isoamyl butyrate, 0.6; Ethyl acetoacetate, 1; Ethyl acetate, 0.6; Ethyl butyrate, 0.5; Ethyl hexanoate, 0.5; Vanillin, 0.3; Nerolidol, 0.03; Benzyl alcohol, 0.3; Rhodinol, 0.05; Alpha Terpineol, 0.08; Cis-3-hexenol, 0.3; Isoamyl alcohol, 0.3; Phenylene alcohol, 0.4; Trans-2-hexenal,, 0.03; Benzaldehyde, 0.4; Cinnamaldehyde, 0.3; Damascenone, 0.8; 8-Mercaptomenthone, 0.02; Gamma Undecalactone, 0.03; Gamma Decalactone, 0.5; Strawberry acid, 0.08; Acetic acid, 0.3; 2-Methylbutyric acid, 0.3; 2-Methyl-4-pentenoic acid, 0.7; Propylene glycol, 91.63.
In conclusion, rhodinol occupies a uniquely versatile position across the food, fragrance, flavour, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. As a bulk rhodinol manufacturer and supplier in China, we sell different grades of rhodinol at wholesale prices to clients around the world.