Givaudan releases “first” fragrance precursor specially designed for hair care

Givaudan has introduced the Scentaurus Aquamelon compound for hair care, expanding its fragrance precursor portfolio. A precursor gradually releases fragrance molecules when exposed to natural triggers such as light, humidity, and oxygen, prolonging the scent over time. 

The flavors and fragrances company says Scentaurus Aquamelon delivers a soft, fruity-floral scent with lasting freshness. According to the Swiss multinational, the compound uses oxygen-activated technology that releases green melon and orange blossom notes gradually. 

The company says the launch is built on consumer demand for longer-lasting fragrances in hair care. Innova Market Insights data backs this up, indicating that “long-lasting” is the third most common positioning in new fragrance launches globally, appearing in 14% of new products.

“Consumer research across multiple markets reveals a consistent demand for more fragrance performance in hair care, and it is no longer measured at rinse-off and drying but throughout the entire day,” says Jeremy Compton, global head of Science and Technology, Fragrances, at Givaudan.

The ingredients company claims the compound offers “a lasting sense of cleanliness, freshness, and naturalness for several days.”

Clean beauty positioning

The fragrance molecule aligns with Giavudan’s sustainability ambitions, and the company says it taps into clean beauty demands, which are rising in the fragrance category. 

Innova Market Insights data indicates that global fragrance launches are increasing, with an average annual growth rate of 51% from 2021 to 2025. The market researcher says consumers globally prefer light fragrances, and sustainability plays a key role in new product development. 

In line with these trends, Scentaurus Aquamelon is biodegradable according to OECD guidelines and developed using green chemistry principles. 

“Our extensive research program inspired by natural mechanisms and guided by our Givaudan perfumers, led to this breakthrough, capturing fresh, green scents within a precursor structure,” says Agnes Bombrun, head of ingredients research, Fragrance Science and Technology at Givaudan. 

The precursor uses oxygen-activated technology to gradually release fragrance notes, prolonging the scent profile of a product.While intended for hair care formulas, Givaudan says there is also potential to use the precursor in fabric care products. 

“This multifaceted material and easy-to-work nature allows perfumers to create distinctive signatures, while the freshness released over time delivers exceptional sensory experiences for hair, beauty, and fabric care formulations,” Bombrun adds. 

Fragrance innovation

The Scentaurus Aquamelon launch follows on the heels of Giavudan’s other precursor launch this year. In February, the company unveiled Scentaurus PolyDoux, a fragrance mechanism with raspberry and powdery vanilla notes for laundry and hair care products.

Earlier in February, Givaudan also announced that it would double down on the production of natural fragrance ingredients, having made a CHF55 million (US$71.5 million) investment to build a new fragrance innovation center in Grasse, France.

The facility aims to explore, develop, and produce natural fragrance ingredients for the company’s perfumers. The move came after Givaudan announced similar projects in Mexico and Indonesia, indicating a growing demand for next-generation fragrance mechanisms.