What it is
3-Hexen-1-ol, commonly the cis isomer known as leaf alcohol, is a volatile alcohol responsible for the smell of freshly cut grass and green leaves. In sunscreens and other personal care products it is added in very small concentrations as part of a fragrance accord to impart a fresh, natural green top note. It is one of the most widely used green-note materials in modern perfumery.
Safety & warnings
Used at the low levels typical of fragrance ingredients it is generally well tolerated. As with most fragrance materials, sensitive or fragrance-allergic individuals may experience irritation or contact reactions, so fragrance-free formulas are preferable for reactive skin.
Origin & sourcing
It occurs naturally in many green plants and leaves and is also produced synthetically for fragrance use; the synthetic and nature-identical forms are chemically equivalent.
Questions everyone asks
Why does this ingredient smell like grass?
3-Hexen-1-ol is the molecule largely responsible for the scent of freshly cut grass, which is why it is used to add a fresh green note to fragrances.
Is it a UV filter?
No. It is a fragrance ingredient and contributes scent only, not sun protection.