Pentadecalactone

Also known as: Cyclopentadecanolide / Exaltolide

INCI: Pentadecalactone | Function: Fragrance, Masking | Type: Macrocyclic Lactone (Musk)

What Is Pentadecalactone?

Pentadecalactone (cyclopentadecanolide, also known as Exaltolide) is a 15-membered macrocyclic lactone with a soft, warm musk odor. It is one of the most important synthetic musk compounds used in fine fragrance and cosmetics. Unlike nitro-musks and polycyclic musks (which faced environmental and safety restrictions), macrocyclic musks like pentadecalactone are considered biodegradable and safer alternatives.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Clean musk note — soft, warm, powdery fragrance for cosmetics
+ Fixative — helps stabilize and prolong fragrance longevity
+ Biodegradable — macrocyclic musks break down in the environment
+ Low use level — effective at ppm concentrations

Pros

+ Safer musk alternative — no bioaccumulation concerns
+ Biodegradable and environmentally preferred
+ Excellent fixative properties extend fragrance wear
+ Widely used and well-tolerated in cosmetics

Cons

− Synthetic — not suitable for 100% natural formulations
− Fragrance allergen potential (rare, but possible)
− High cost compared to polycyclic musk alternatives

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Body, Hair
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Semi-synthetic
Natural Level	Semi-synthetic

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	2/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Fine fragrance	0.1 - 5% (in fragrance concentrate)
Scented lotion	0.001 - 0.05%
Shampoo / Conditioner	0.001 - 0.02%

References

CosIng (2025) — Pentadecalactone, INCI function: perfuming. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
EWG Skin Deep — Pentadecalactone score 2. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
SCCS (2012) — Opinion on fragrance allergens in cosmetic products. SCCS/1459/11
IFRA Standards — Macrocyclic musk safety. https://ifrafragrance.org/

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