Hedione (Firmenich)
Hedione (Firmenich Original) — The Legendary Molecule of Jasmine Radiance
Hedione, discovered in 1958 by Firmenich chemist Edouard Demole, is the most widely used synthetic molecule in modern perfumery. The name comes from the Greek word hēdonē, meaning "pleasure, delight." It is the molecule that single-handedly creates the volatility and "radiance" effect of jasmine. Hammeyd stocks original Firmenich Hedione in Turkey.
Eau Sauvage and the Revolution in Perfumery: Hedione's commercial breakthrough came in 1966 with Dior's Eau Sauvage perfume. Edmond Roudnitska composed 1.8% of the formula with Hedione, creating an unprecedented transparency and freshness in men's perfumery. This date is considered the beginning of the "modern age" in perfumery.
The Only Hedione a Perfumer Should Use: Firmenich production. Others fall short in quality, and none can capture the same character. Although Hedione's patent has expired, Firmenich's version remains the industry benchmark in terms of purity, isomer balance (approximately 90:10 trans:cis), and production standard. The vast majority of professional perfumers prefer only Firmenich Hedione in their formulations.
Hedione is an indispensable molecule at every usage level, from traces to overdose. It is particularly known for its effect of boosting citrus notes and extending the luminosity of lemon; no other molecule can match this radiance and beauty.
Product Information:
Hedione offers a delicate, transparent jasmine-like floral character with a light citrus freshness reminiscent of lemon or grapefruit, accompanied by ethereal, airy qualities and soft, radiant undertones.
A key modulator that creates space, diffusion, and volume in compositions; it enhances floral notes while adding brightness to almost all fragrance families.
Technical Information:
- Brand: Firmenich — Original (patent holder)
- CAS No: 24851-98-7
- Chemical Name: Methyl Dihydrojasmonate (MDJ)
- INCI: Methyl Dihydrojasmonate
- IUPAC: Methyl 2-(3-oxo-2-pentylcyclopentyl)acetate
- Molecular Formula: C₁₃H₂₂O₃
- Molecular Weight: 226.31 g/mol
- FEMA: 4094 (GRAS status)
- Isomer Ratio: Approximately 90:10 trans:cis (classic racemate)
- Appearance: Colorless / pale yellow liquid
- Longevity (smelling strip): 70+ hours
- Solubility: Fully soluble in alcohols, generally requires no dilution
Odor Profile:
- Family: Floral
- Note Position: Heart note (extends to base note)
- Character: Jasmine, citrus freshness, red fruit undertones, transparent, airy
- Odor Strength: Medium (subtle alone, radiance creator in composition)
Usage Rates:
- IFRA 51: No restriction for Category 4
- Average use in perfumery: 4% in perfume concentrate
- Typical range: 2-15% (in fine perfumery)
- In iconic formulas: Up to 35% (jasmine-heavy compositions)
- Maximum use: Some sources consider up to 50% usage possible
- EU Allergen: Not on the list of 26 mandatory perfume allergens
Difference Between Hedione and Hedione HC
Firmenich offers two separate Hedione variants:
| Feature | Hedione | Hedione HC |
|---|---|---|
| Cis isomer ratio | ~10% | ~68.5% |
| Character | Subtle, transparent, universal | Distinct magnolia-jasmine, fresh floral |
| Radiance | Higher, more transparent | More nuanced, more expressive |
| Typical usage | Classic florals, chypre, citrus (Eau Sauvage style) | Modern Chanel style, bloom effect, magnolia compositions |
Hedione HC is available as a separate product in our store.
Warnings and Precautions:
- Irritating in concentrated form.
- Should not be applied directly to the skin.
- For professional use only.
- Keep out of reach of children.
- Protect from light.
- Refrigeration prevents oxidation; spoiled Hedione gives off a slightly sour/butyric odor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I buy Hedione in Turkey?
Hammeyd is an e-commerce store that regularly stocks original Firmenich Hedione in Turkey. Shipping is available domestically and to selected international countries.
Is there a difference between Firmenich Hedione and generic Hedione?
Yes, there is a significant difference. Hedione's patent has expired, and many manufacturers produce the same molecule (Methyl Dihydrojasmonate), but the purity level, isomer balance, and stabilizer use vary by brand. Firmenich's version is considered the industry benchmark and is almost universally preferred in professional formulations. Results obtained from generic counterparts are not comparable in quality.
Hedione doesn't have a strong scent on its own, why is it used?
Hedione's value lies not in its solo scent but in the "radiance" effect it adds to a composition. When smelled alone, it gives a light, green-citrus transparency. However, in a formula, it lifts heavy base notes, extends top notes, and adds an "overflowing from the skin" airy character to the perfume. The revolutionary impact of Eau Sauvage is precisely this mechanism.
In which perfumes can we find Hedione?
Almost all perfumes on the market today contain Hedione in some form. Iconic examples include: Dior Eau Sauvage (1966, 1.8% — Edmond Roudnitska's revolutionary formula), CK One, Issey Miyake L'Eau d'Issey, many modern Chanel compositions. Hedione is now considered the "bread and butter" molecule of perfumery — it can be used at every level from trace amounts to overdose.
Why is Hedione so important in citrus perfumes?
The biggest disadvantage of citrus notes (lemon, bergamot, grapefruit) is their rapid evaporation. Hedione "boosts" these notes — it preserves their brightness, slows their volatility, and creates a lasting citrus freshness in the perfume. For this reason, it is a structural component of modern colognes and fresh formulas.
How long does Hedione last?
It has a longevity of over 70 hours on a smelling strip. In a perfume formula, it functions as a heart-to-base note and extends the life of other notes.
What is the price of Hedione?
Current prices are visible in the variant selection above (10g, 30g, etc.). For higher grammage purchases (wholesale / professional use), you can email destek@hammeyd.com to request a special price offer.
Should I use it pure or diluted?
Hedione is fully soluble in alcohols and can generally be added directly to the formula in its pure state (100%). It does not require dilution.
How should Hedione be stored?
Store in a dark, cool environment. Refrigeration is recommended for long-term storage. Hedione exposed to air and light for extended periods may oxidize and acquire a slightly butyric (sour) character.
Certificates and Documents
hammeyd.com is solely a reseller of this perfume raw material. It is not an agent or distributor of any company.