Firmenich launches Dreamwood ingredient with cosmetic benefits

Firmenich vice president of sales for ingredients, perfumery Julien Firmenich said: “Dreamwood is the cornerstone of sustainable innovation and represents the future of our ingredients business, integrating positive consumer benefits at the core level of product composition.

“This innovative captive opens new creative territories for sandalwood fragrances, with the full benefit of responsible business, in one ingredient.”

Dreamwood is Firmenich’s latest white biotech innovation, after the launch of Clearwood in 2014, Ambrox Super in 2016 and Z11 in 2018.

Firmenich vice president for research & development in biotechnology Sarah Reisinger said: “Consumers are looking for renewable, sustainable solutions. Individuals and companies alike are examining how they can do their part to minimize their impact on the earth. Ingredients produced via biotech are one way of doing this.”

Dreamwood is the first ingredient of the company to feature cosmetic benefits.

Demonstrated through rigorous laboratory testing, it carries some of the cosmetics benefits traditionally linked with sandalwood oil.

Due to its antimicrobial effect and soothing properties on skin cells, it may offer a positive benefit in skincare products for special needs, including blemishes.

Firmenich principal perfumer and director of new ingredients discovery François-Raphaël Balestra said: “By being sustainable and affordable, Dreamwood is reviving natural sandalwood notes for modern perfumery creations. Dreamwood reveals its full naturalness and deep creaminess especially in heart and base notes.”

For more than 125 years, Firmenich has created fragrance ingredients such as Hedione, Ambrox Super and Helvetolide.