What Cashmeran is
Cashmeran® is a synthetic aroma chemical made by IFF (International Flavors & Fragrances). Chemically it is dihydro pentamethylindanone, usually shortened to DPMI, with CAS number 33704-61-9 and formula C14H22O. You will also see it called musk indanone, indomuscone or "cashmere wood" in note lists.
It was developed at IFF by the chemist John B. Hall, who also created Iso E Super. It does not occur in nature. Although it has a musky character, it is neither primarily a musk nor part of the polycyclic musk group as IFRA defines it. It sits in its own space between woods, musks and ambers.
What it smells like
Perfumers often describe Cashmeran as a texture rather than a note. On a blotter it is soft, warm and slightly powdery: blonde woods and musk, with a spicy, ambery body and fresh hints of apple, red fruit and pine. The name refers to the feeling of cashmere: smooth, plush and close to the skin.
It is diffusive and lasts around 48 hours on a smelling strip, so it works from the heart of a fragrance through to the dry-down. In a blend it rounds off sharp edges and makes the whole formula feel fuller.
Melting and diluting
Pure Cashmeran melts close to room temperature, so it often arrives as a solid or semi-solid crystalline mass. That is normal and does not affect quality.
To melt it
- Keep the bottle tightly closed.
- Stand it in warm water, around 40 °C, until it is fully liquid.
- Swirl gently so it is even, then weigh what you need straight away.
Never heat aroma chemicals with an open flame or in a microwave.
To make a 10% solution
Most perfumers keep Cashmeran as a 10% solution for smelling and small-batch work. Weigh 1 part melted Cashmeran and 9 parts dipropylene glycol (DPG) or perfumer's alcohol, by weight. For example, 1 g Cashmeran plus 9 g DPG. Mix until clear and label the bottle with the material, strength and date.
If you would rather skip this step, our 10% in DPG is ready to use.
How much to use
IFF gives a typical use level of traces to 2%. In practice:
- Traces to 1%: rounds and softens a blend, adds diffusion and warmth without being recognisable.
- Around 1–2%: a noticeable soft, woody-musky texture in the base.
- Higher levels: Cashmeran becomes a signature. Some modern fragrances are built almost entirely around it, such as Escentric Molecules' Molecule 05.
Start low, smell over a full day, and adjust. Because it is long-lasting, its effect on the dry-down is easy to underestimate in the first hour.
What it pairs with
- Iso E Super and Ambroxan: the classic trio for clean, modern woody-amber "skin scents".
- Musks: builds a soft, cosy musk accord with more body.
- Florals: adds velvety depth under rose, jasmine and tuberose. IFF also suggests citronellol, isoeugenol and delta damascone.
- Woods and spices: sandalwood-style and cedar notes, pink pepper, cardamom.
- Gourmand and amber: vanilla and labdanum-type ambers become softer and more refined.
Beyond fine fragrance, IFF rates its stability highly in many product types, so it is also used in candles, home fragrance and soaps.
Cashmeran vs Cashmeran Velvet
Cashmeran Velvet is a separate IFF product: a liquid base built around Cashmeran together with other materials. It is easier to pour but is not pure DPMI. If a formula calls for Cashmeran, use Cashmeran (CAS 33704-61-9). That is what we sell, as pure crystals or a 10% solution.
Safety
Undiluted Cashmeran can irritate the skin and eyes and may cause an allergic skin reaction. It is also toxic to aquatic life. Wear gloves and eye protection when handling the neat material, work in a ventilated space, and never apply it undiluted to skin. Read the Safety Data Sheet before use, and check your finished product against the current IFRA Standards.