3-Phenyl-1-propanol (also known as Hydrocinnamyl alcohol, 3-Phenylpropyl alcohol, γ-Phenylpropyl alcohol, CAS: 122-97-4) is an aromatic alcohol with the molecular formula C₉H₁₂O and a molecular weight of 136.19 g/mol. It appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a characteristic warm, sweet, balsamic, and floral odor. The compound is found naturally in certain foods, including Artocarpus species, and is produced synthetically via catalytic hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde or acrylonitrile.
As a versatile organic building block, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is widely used across the fragrance, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries. Its pleasant olfactory profile, antimicrobial properties against bacteria and molds, and utility as a chemical intermediate make it an indispensable ingredient for formulators and manufacturers worldwide. Market demand is closely linked to global personal care consumption, pharmaceutical manufacturing growth, and the steady expansion of the agrochemical sector. Based on its chemical characteristics and industrial chain position, this article systematically analyzes international market dynamics of 3-Phenyl-1-propanol, focusing on core application scenarios, competitive landscape, regional differences, regulatory trends, and future outlook, providing strategic references for industry participants.
Core Application Fields and Demand
Market demand for 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is concentrated in four major sectors: fragrances and flavors (≈47% of global consumption), cosmetics and personal care (≈20-25%), pharmaceuticals (≈15-20%), and agrochemicals (≈8-10%). The specific grade — fragrance grade, cosmetic grade, pharmaceutical grade or industrial grade — is selected based on purity and application requirements.
In the fragrance and flavor sector, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is valued as a key ingredient in fresh flower compositions, particularly lilac, hyacinth and lily of the valley, due to its balsamic odor character. Its ester derivatives are widely used in fine fragrances and personal care products. Formulators favor the compound for its ability to impart natural, long-lasting floral-rose undertones in eau de parfum, body lotions, hair care, and household cleaning products. The fragrance and flavor industry consumed over 47% of total 3-Phenyl-1-propanol output in 2025, and this dominance is expected to persist through the forecast period.
In the cosmetics and personal care sector, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol has a natural fragrance with antimicrobial properties against bacteria and molds. It is used in combination with Heliotropin or Piperonal as a preservative for cosmetic products. Its low irritation profile and compatibility with various cosmetic ingredients make it suitable for skin care products, lotions, creams, and other personal care formulations. The compound is also a useful biochemical for proteomics research.
In the pharmaceutical sector, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol serves as a key intermediate in the synthesis of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and drug intermediates, particularly in cardiovascular and central nervous system (CNS) drug development pipelines. It is a crucial starting reagent for the enantioselective synthesis of (S)- and (R)-Dapoxetine, a medication used to treat premature ejaculation. The pharmaceutical industry is a significant contributor to market demand, as 3-Phenyl-1-propanol finds applications in synthesizing various therapeutic agents.
In the agrochemical sector, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is utilized in the development of novel pesticide and herbicide formulations. While smaller in absolute revenue, this segment is registering the fastest CAGR among applications.
Major Market Participants
The global supply system for 3-Phenyl-1-propanol follows a pattern of integrated chemical majors and specialized fine chemical manufacturers dominating large-scale production, with regional formulators serving local markets. Major multinational producers include BASF SE, Givaudan SA, and Symrise AG. Many of these companies offer well-known fragrance and cosmetic grades that meet FCC, FDA, and international quality standards.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has established a reliable supply chain for high-purity 3-Phenyl-1-propanol (Hydrocinnamyl alcohol, CAS 122-97-4). We offer fragrance, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial grades with consistent quality parameters, high purity (≥98-99%), and low impurity profiles. All XinChem grades fully comply with FCC, FDA 21 CFR 172.515, and relevant international standards.
Regional Market Dynamics
Global demand for 3-Phenyl-1-propanol shows regional differentiation: “Asia-Pacific dominates production and consumption (≈38% of global share), North America leads in high-purity pharmaceutical and specialty applications, and Europe maintains a strong position in fine fragrance and cosmetic sectors.”
Asia-Pacific is the world‘s largest producer and consumer, led by China, India, Japan and South Korea. China possesses the most integrated chemical manufacturing infrastructure in the region, serving both domestic demand and exports to Southeast Asia and beyond. Growing middle-class populations across the region drive fragrance and personal care consumption, while expanding pharmaceutical and agrochemical manufacturing bases support intermediate demand.
North America (United States and Canada) accounted for 35% of market revenue in 2026, with the highest concentrations of pharmaceutical-grade and specialty applications. Strict regulatory environments — FDA, EPA, REACH — drive demand for certified, high-purity grades. Customers require full regulatory documentation (FDA letters, FCC compliance statements, heavy metal analysis, impurity profiles). Europe follows, with well-established specialty chemical and fragrance manufacturing ecosystems. Latin America and Middle East/Africa are emerging growth markets, with increasing personal care consumption and pharmaceutical manufacturing investment. Price sensitivity is higher in these regions, and Asian suppliers dominate trade flows.
Regulatory and Environmental Considerations
3-Phenyl-1-propanol is subject to regulatory oversight in major economies, particularly when intended for fragrance, cosmetic, or pharmaceutical applications. The critical requirements center on purity specifications, safety assessments, and compliance with international standards.
In the EU, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is permitted in cosmetic and fragrance formulations subject to REACH regulations. The compound has been evaluated by the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials (RIFM) with a safety assessment based on 7 human health endpoints plus environmental impact, and all endpoints were cleared. It is also assessed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA), which concluded there is “no safety concern at current levels of intake when used as a flavouring agent”. The compound is listed on the EINECS inventory (204-588-1).
In the US, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is regulated under TSCA and is FCC (Food Chemicals Codex) and FDA 21 CFR 172.515 compliant for use in flavors and fragrances. For pharmaceutical use, adherence to cGMP guidelines (21 CFR Parts 210/211) is required. The compound is not typically a key-limited material in IFRA Category 4.
In China, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is listed in the Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (IECSC) and must comply with GB standards for product quality and safety. Manufacturers must obtain safety production licenses and demonstrate compliance with relevant purity specifications. Stringent limits on impurities apply across all grades.
Environmentally, 3-Phenyl-1-propanol has a log KOW of 1.6-2.06, indicating moderate hydrophobicity. It is stable under recommended storage conditions but incompatible with oxidizing agents. The compound has a worldwide volume of use in the 100-1000 metric tons per year range. Manufacturing processes generate solvent-containing waste streams requiring proper treatment and disposal.
Future Outlook
The market outlook for 3-Phenyl-1-propanol is tied to four core drivers: (1) sustained growth in global fragrance and personal care consumption, driven by rising disposable incomes and premiumization in emerging economies; (2) expansion of pharmaceutical manufacturing and generic drug production, particularly in CNS and cardiovascular API development; (3) increasing demand for natural antimicrobial preservatives in cosmetic formulations; and (4) growth of the agrochemical sector requiring novel pesticide and herbicide intermediates. The global 3-Phenyl-1-propanol market was valued at approximately USD 312.4 million in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 521.7 million by 2034, corresponding to a CAGR of 5.9%. The purity ≥99% segment held the largest share at 63.8% in 2025.
On the demand side, fragrance and personal care will remain the largest drivers, especially in Asia-Pacific where per-capita consumption of premium fragrance and cosmetic products continues to grow at robust rates. Pharma will continue to demand high-purity grades for API synthesis and drug intermediate applications. Regulatory trends — including tightening quality standards and increasing focus on sustainable production methods — will push the market toward higher-purity, fully documented grades, creating differentiation opportunities for specialty chemical suppliers.
Challenges include: raw material cost volatility (cinnamaldehyde, acrylonitrile) impacting manufacturing economics, competition from alternative aromatic alcohols and natural extracts in fragrance formulations, and the need for continued investment in quality assurance and regulatory documentation. Enterprises should focus on securing multi-grade certifications (FCC, FDA, REACH), building long-term relationships with fragrance formulators, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and agrochemical developers, and offering customized packaging and quality specifications.
Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem)
As a world-leading supplier of organic chemicals and fine chemical intermediates, Shanghai XinChem Co., Ltd. (XinChem) has always focused on the innovative needs of the fragrance, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and agrochemical industries. Relying on core advantages in sourcing, quality assurance, and global logistics, we provide high-purity 3-Phenyl-1-propanol (Hydrocinnamyl alcohol, CAS 122-97-4) to global customers. Our product is manufactured under strict quality management regimes, achieving consistent specifications across fragrance, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and industrial grades. Fully compliant with FCC, FDA 21 CFR 172.515, and international quality standards, it is an ideal fragrance component, cosmetic preservative, and pharmaceutical intermediate.
1. Technical Advantages
High Purity & Consistency: Our 3-Phenyl-1-propanol achieves purity levels of 98-99% (verified by GC analysis), supplied as a clear, colorless liquid.
Low Impurity Profile: Color (APHA ≤20), water content <0.1%, acid value <0.5 mg KOH/g, no detectable mechanical impurities. Refractive index: 1.5255-1.5285 at 20°C.
Consistent Olfactory Profile: Rigorous quality control ensures reproducible fragrance performance across all production lots.
Batch-to-Batch Uniformity: Constrained variation within 0.5% for key indices (GC purity, refractive index, density).
2. Product Advantages
Versatile Aromatic Alcohol: Delivers warm, sweet, balsamic, and floral notes ideal for fresh flower compositions (lilac, hyacinth, lily of the valley); functions as a natural antimicrobial preservative in cosmetic formulations; serves as a key pharmaceutical intermediate for API synthesis (e.g., Dapoxetine).
Excellent Stability: Stable under recommended storage conditions; compatible with a wide range of fragrance, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical ingredients.
Regulatory Compliance: FCC and FDA 21 CFR 172.515 compliant for use in flavors and fragrances.
Flexible Packaging: 1kg, 5kg, 25kg, and 200L (180-200kg) galvanized steel drums; 1000L IBC totes; and custom packaging for R&D and industrial orders.
Reliable Supply Chain: Annual volume allocation in the metric ton range, with dedicated temperature-controlled warehousing and just-in-time delivery capabilities.
3. Application Fields
Fragrances & Flavors: Fresh flower compositions (lilac, hyacinth, lily of the valley), fine fragrances, perfumery, flavoring agents.
Cosmetics & Personal Care: Natural antimicrobial preservative (in combination with Heliotropin or Piperonal), skin care products, lotions, creams, makeup removers.
Pharmaceuticals: Key intermediate for enantioselective synthesis of (S)- and (R)-Dapoxetine, API synthesis, CNS and cardiovascular drug development.
Agrochemicals: Building block for novel pesticide and herbicide formulations.
4. Service Support
Our technical team provides olfactory profiling guidance, preservative formulation recommendations, impurity profiling, and regulatory documentation (COA, TDS, SDS, FCC compliance, FDA statements, REACH compliance). We offer custom packaging and just-in-time delivery.
5. Why Choose XinChem
Professionalism: 20+ years in the chemical and fine chemical intermediate industry.
Flexibility: Tailored to customer purity, packaging, and quality specifications.
Cost-effectiveness: High quality at competitive prices.
Contact us now to start cooperation!
Website: www.xinchem.com
Email: sales1@xinchem.com
WhatsApp: +86 18049800532
Post time: Jun-28-2026