Ingredient dictionary

Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes

Also listed as: OTNE

A synthetic fragrance ingredient with a soft, woody-amber scent that helps give a product its warm, lasting smell. It is on the label of 71 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes does

Adds a soft, woody-amber scent
Helps build a warm, lasting smell
Blends well with other fragrance notes

Tetramethyl acetyloctahydronaphthalenes are made by chemical synthesis, not taken from plants. This fragrance ingredient, often called OTNE, has a soft, woody-amber smell. Perfumers use it to add depth and a smooth, velvety feel to a scent.

In hair care, it is mostly there for scent. It blends easily into shampoos, conditioners and styling products, and it tends to linger on hair after rinsing or drying. Like other fragrance ingredients, it is used in small amounts, and the smell is what most people notice.

Good for

Suits shoppers who enjoy a warm, woody scent in their hair products; those who prefer fragrance-free products may want to skip it.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is Tetramethyl Acetyloctahydronaphthalenes safe in hair products?

It is a fragrance ingredient that most people tolerate well in hair products. Some people react to fragrance, especially with a sensitive scalp. If you notice itching, redness or irritation, stop using the product and speak with a doctor or pharmacist.

Is it the same as OTNE?

Yes. OTNE is the short name many perfumers and chemists use for this same fragrance material. You may see only the full name on a label, but the two refer to the same ingredient.