Humans have been employing fragrance compounds since ancient times to refresh the air and mask undesirable odours. A range of air freshener varieties exists, encompassing electric units commanding a 30% market share, aerosol sprays constituting 27%, automobile air fresheners at 16%, gel-based options contributing 9%, along with candle and wax melt combinations at 7%, liquid solutions at 6%, and other alternatives.
The composition of air fresheners can have a spectrum of chemicals, but rarely any of them harm human well-being. These air fresheners are widely used in diverse settings like homes, schools, offices, and healthcare facilities.
Researchers have conducted many studies to uncover essential compounds within spray air fresheners. One of the major compounds is the fragrance agent.
Through research, it is found that most air fresheners contain flavouring compounds such as lilial, carvone, musk ketone, menthol, linalool, etc. However, we will discuss the important ones in detail.
Carvone
Carvone, a naturally occurring compound found in plants like spearmint and caraway, is harnessed for its refreshing aroma in air fresheners. Its minty or slightly spicy scent makes it a popular choice. Carvone can be included in air fresheners through essential oils, fragrance oils, or blends. It adds a natural and pleasant aroma to the product. It's used in scented candles and sprays as well. Most carvone-scented products are used in indoor spaces. Carvone's versatile and appealing scent contributes to creating enjoyable and refreshing environments through various air freshener applications.
Menthol
Menthol is derived from mint oils and finds its place in air fresheners for its refreshing and invigorating aroma. Its cool and minty scent brings a sense of revitalization to indoor environments. Menthol is incorporated into air fresheners through various means: it can be introduced via essential oils or fragrance sticks, where its distinctive minty note combines with other scents for a unique olfactory experience.
Additionally, menthol is integrated into products like sprays, gels, solids, and electric devices, allowing it to disperse gradually and envelop the surroundings in its refreshing fragrance. Whether in a revitalizing spray or a slowly diffusing gel, menthol contributes to creating an uplifting and refreshing atmosphere in diverse air freshener applications.
Linalool
Linalool, a natural compound present in plants like lavender and citrus, is prized for its calming and refreshing fragrance in air fresheners. Its floral and citrus notes are known to create a soothing ambience. Whether released as a mist or emanating from a solid medium, linalool significantly contributes to establishing a serene and inviting atmosphere in various air freshener applications.
Thymol
Thymol is a natural compound extracted from herbs like thyme. It is used in air fresheners for its distinctive and invigorating aroma. It has somewhat herbaceous and slightly spicy notes. Much like Menthol, Thymol is also used for air fresheners through diverse methods such as essential oils or fragrance blends. Although it is widely used in diffusers, it holds equal importance in aromatherapy.
Apart from the fragrance, Thymol and thyme essential oil have a rich history in traditional medicine, known for their roles as expectorants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antiseptic agents. They are primarily utilized to address issues within the upper respiratory system. Since Thymol is a phenolic compound found in thyme, it imparts a camphor-like spiciness with warm, aromatic notes reminiscent of lavender and fougère herbs.
Its versatile properties make it a common ingredient in antiseptic formulations, citrus-based mouthwashes, pear-infused rice, toothpaste, and minty preparations as well.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-caryophyllene is a natural compound found in plants like black pepper and cloves and lends its spicy and woody aroma to air fresheners. Its distinct scent adds a touch of comfort to indoor spaces.
Moreover, recent research reveals that it functions as a CB2 receptor agonist, leading to notable anti-anxiety and antidepressant outcomes. It not only excels as a top choice for alleviating anxiety but also stands out for its effectiveness in pain relief.
In case you are looking for aromatic compounds, contact SBBLG today. We are one of the leading suppliers of flavours and fragrances at scale with strong footprints in Asia, Europe and North America.