Deepen your understanding of scent with our fragrance note glossary. Discover the origins, nuances, and profiles of the notes that describe fragrances. Get ready to elevate your crafting game and impress with your newfound knowledge!
sweet, earthy, green, fresh, watery
Agave is a natural alternative to sugar, used to sweeten, and is described to smell sweet, watery and slightly earthy.
The agave plant is an ancient plant native to the Americas. It's mentioned as a food of the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of the New World in the Florentine Codex of 1580, and began being exported to the Old World by 1520. Mezcal and tequila are made from agave.
Atmospheric, Metallic, Crisp, Ozonic, Floral, Ethereal
Aldehydic notes add an ethereal, atmospheric freshness to fragrances. They are commonly used to boost the qualities of florals and ozonic scents.
Aldehydes were popularized by their use in the iconic Chanel N°5, first developed in 1921.
sweet, dry, cinnamon, clove, ginger, nutmeg, spicy, warm
Allspice smells of a whirlwind of spices such as cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg.
The allspice plant is native to the West Indies and Central America. It is widely used in baking, and is often present in mincemeat and mixed pickling spice. Allspice smells of a melange of different spices like cinnamon, cloves, ginger and nutmeg.
gourmand, fruity, nutty, sweet, salty, succulent, creamy
A gourmand bitter-sweet note, soft and nutty.
The almond is a species of tree native to the Middle East and South Asia. "Almond" is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. The fruit of the almond is not a true nut, but rather, a drupe--a type of fruit with a thin skin and a central stone that contains the seed.
fresh, green, light, watery, subtle, succulent, transparent
Aloe has a subtle, light and watery scent. It is refreshing and adds brightness as well as green facets to a fragrance.
Aloe was known as the "plant of immortality" to the ancient Egyptians since it can grow and thrive in desolate conditions. It was often used as a burial gift, interred with pharaohs in their tombs.
gourmand, almond, liquorice, creamy, sweet, nutty
A blend of creamy almonds with hints of booze. Amaretto offers a gourmand and intoxicating elixir enhanced by pistachio and nutty tones.
Amaretto (Italian for "a little bitter") is a sweet, almond-flavored liqueur first created in Saronno, Italy. Amaretto can be drunk as-is as a cordial or can be added to coffee or other beverages to make popular drinks. In fragrance, amaretto notes add a nutty sweetness with hints of licorice.
warm, sensual, exotic, musky, soft, slightly sweet, slightly spicy, amber
Amber is associated with sweet, spicy, and aromatic notes that are evocative of exotic places, opulent jewelry, and warm memories. It's warmth and subtle sweetness evoke a sense of comfort and indulgence to perfectly match the mood of fall and winter.
Amber is made from fossilized tree resin. Remember the mosquito in Jurassic Park? Used throughout human history for jewelry, medicine, and more, the actual scent we now refer to as "amber" is more of an emulation of the rich, golden appearance of amber as the resin itself has little or no aroma.
woody, balsamic, spicy, leathery
Amyris is used in woody and spicy accords to give a warm woody note. Interesting for its reminiscent sandalwood undertone.
Amyris is distilled from a small bushy tropical evergreen tree, Amyris balsamifera, indigenous to Haiti. It also grows wild in the Bahoruco Forest of the Dominican Republic.
sweet, soft, licorice, mild
The scent of aniseed, rich in anethol, reminiscent of licorice. It belongs to the same family of scents as tarragon and fennel (also rich in anethol). With its sweet taste and unique aroma, anise is instantly recognizable in fragrances. Anise is described as having a sweet, soft, mild, and yet extremely powerful scent.
Star anise is the seed pod from the fruit of an evergreen shrub native to Southwest China. It is commonly grown in China, Southeast Asia, and Japan and is harvested by hand. It is widely used in cuisines across the world and is an essential ingredient in Vietnamese pho and Indian masala chai.
fruity, apple, juicy, sweet
Apple is reminiscent of the fruit in all its naturalness, freshly picked in a garden. A lively shot of energy brings vivid freshness and round sweetness.
Apple is one of the most consumed fruits in the world. Malus Sieversii, a wild apple native to the mountains of Central Asia, has recently been shown to be the sole ancestor of most species of the domesticated apple, malus domestica.
floral, fresh, sweet, fruity, soft, apple
Apple blossom is floral, fresh, and slightly sweet. This soft scent has a hint of crisp fruitiness and is reminiscent of a freshly picked apple.
Apple blossom blooms are one of the first signs of springtime, so they're often associated with springtime and new beginnings.
fruity, juicy, sweet, spicy
The scent of warm apples with touches of brown sugar and spice.
Apple cider is unfiltered and unsweetened apple juice. Traditionally, it is served throughout the fall and winter holidays. Apple cider is the official state beverage of New Hampshire.
fruity, apricot, sweet, lactonic, floral, velvety, soft
A delicious blend between the velvet texture and the natural juiciness of the fruit. Apricot is a joyful aroma that is creamy, fruity, and luscious.
Apricots were domesticated over 4000 years ago and were brought to Europe by Alexander the Great. In the 16th century, apricots were regarded as having aphrodisiac qualities, and the fruit is featured in a line spoken by Titania as she tries to woo Bottom in A Midsummer Night's Dream.
sweet, rich, warm, balsamic, fresh, woody, resinous
From crushed fir needles, balsam sap has a resinous, fresh, fruity aroma reminiscent of spruce. It's slightly sweet with a grounding, woody character.
The Balsam fir is one of the most fragrant conifer trees, making it the most popular Christmas tree variety.
sweet, clean, green, fresh, watery, subtle
A subtle, clean and green leafy scent. It is fresh and watery with a hint of citrus.
The species of bamboo that we know today evolved from prehistoric grasses between thirty and forty million years ago, long after the extinction of the dinosaurs. It then became an important food source for herbivorous animals, eventually becoming a food source for modern humans as well.
fruity, sweet, mellow
Banana has a deliciously fruity and sweet aroma. The creaminess brings a touch of softness and vanilla-like characteristics.
Most people in the US are familiar with the Cavendish banana, which has only existed since 1836.
aromatic, green, herbaceous, warm, fresh, sweet
Basil's scent is aromatic and refreshing, with slightly spicy and sweet tones. It's a combination of anise, green, and licorice notes.
Basil has a long history of use dating back more than 5,000 years. In modern times, its essential oil is extracted from the leaves and used to flavor foods, dental and oral products, in fragrances, and in traditional rituals and medicines. Native to Iran or India, Basil requires a hot and sunny climate. Basil is an annual herbaceous plant.
fir, balsam, spicy, nutmeg, ginger, peppery, berry
Spicy, fresh, sharp, pungent, metallic note with a clove-like aspect.
If you boil bayberries, they give off a waxy substance that can be turned into naturally scented candles. To colonial settlers in North America, who usually burned animal tallow candles, it was a treasure to burn precious bayberry tapers on Christmas Eve.
vanilla, cinnamon, sweet, smooth
Benzoin has warm, balsamic, and vanilla facets. It is sweet and delicate, with a slightly cinnamic profile.
Benzoin is mainly sourced from South-East Asia. This balsamic resin is extracted from the sap of the Styrax benzoin, a tree that grows wild in tropical forests. Locally viewed as having powerful healing properties, it is used to treat skin disorders and conditions.
citrus, floral, spicy, dry, aldehydic, fruity
With its citrus, green, floral, and solar notes, Bergamot is reminiscent of the warm Mediterranean sun. Aromatic floral tones enrich the energizing citrus freshness of bergamot and brings a sweet freshness to a fragrance.
The fruit is a cross between the pear lemon and the Seville orange or grapefruit. While bergamot is a key ingredient in modern perfumery, growers still respect ancestral methods, and harvesting is done by hand. The name is derived from the city of Bergamo in Lombardy, Italy, where the oil was first sold.
fresh, sweet, red fruits, berry, strawberry, raspberry, blueberry, blackberry, musky, powdery
A delicious combination of berries brings a gourmand effect and texture. It is sweet, fruity, and cheerful. The common fruits represented by berries are raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, red currants, blackcurrants, and strawberries.
There are over 400 different species of berries in existence. That's a lot of berries!
fruity, red fruit, musky
A velvety blend of red fruity notes and musky undertones. Raspberry and musk notes are perfectly balanced.
Probably originating from the mountains of the Caucasus in Asia Minor, the blackberry was very likely part of the diet of early hunter-gatherers during the Neolithic era. Blackberries were discovered to be part of the last meal of the Haraldskær Woman, the preserved bog body of a Danish woman dating back 2,500 years ago.
smoky, earthy, soft, spicy, bold, aromatic
Black cardamom is bold, earthy, and aromatic. It has a smokey and vaguely camphor-like flavor. This variety of aroma is typically used for more exotic blends.
Native to the slopes of the Himalayas in Sikkim, India, and Nepal, black cardamom is one of the oldest and most widely used spices in the world, often referred to as the “Queen of Spices.”
fruity, red fruit, juicy, sweet
A rich, juicy, and plump black cherry. Black cherry explores the luscious sensuality of the fruit—a bold and irresistible temptation.
Black cherry (Prunus Serotine), also known as wild black cherry, is found throughout most of the Eastern United States. The inner bark was used to make a concoction to treat colds, headaches, bronchitis, chest pain, and common cough among some indigenous groups.
fruity, tart, red fruit, juicy, sweet, berry
Fruity and tart, the aroma of black currant is similar to juicy dark berries.
Black currant's distinctive dark purple color is due to a type of flavonoid called anthocyanins, which has been associated with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
spicy, pungent, fresh, woody, dry
Black Pepper is fresh, woody, and dry. It brings fresh, delicate, and spicy notes to 'masculine' and floral fragrance compositions.
Pepper was used widely throughout human history. Black peppercorns were found in the nostrils of Ramesses II, believed to be part of the mummification ritual after his death in 1213 BCE. After the fall of the Roman Empire, pepper was so valuable it was often used as collateral and currency.
dry, leafy, earthy, floral, sweet, smoky, spiced
Black tea has dry leafy and smoky notes. It brings freshness and long-lasting spicy notes to a fragrance and adds a woody dimension.
China is known as the birthplace of black tea. Until the 17th century, the only teas consumed were green and oolong. It is believed that black tea was discovered when the Chinese started fermenting tea leaves to extend the storage life of tea.
fresh, fruity, sweet, berry, tangy, juicy
Wonderfully fruity, tangy, and sweet with the perfect combination of jam-like and forest nuances.
Blueberries are one of the only foods in existence that are naturally blue in color. The pigment that gives blueberries their distinctive color is called anthocyanin.
vanilla, caramel, honey, sweet, citrus, rose, peppery, dark, amber, oak, rich
Bourbon is a combination of honeyed vanilla, caramel, and butterscotch. A sweet gourmand with nuanced dark fruits, citrus, and delicate floral aroma.
Bourbon is a strictly American spirit that can only be produced in America. All bourbon is whiskey, but not all whiskey is bourbon. Bourbon must be aged in a charred white oak barrel.
gourmand, bitter, citrus, liquorous, zesty
A rich elixir of cognac. Brandy provides a sweet liquor infused with woody oak tones that intoxicates the senses.
The brandy must be twice distilled in copper pot stills and aged at least two years in French oak barrels from Limousin or Tronçais. Cognac matures like whiskies and wine when aged in barrels, and most cognacs are aged considerably longer than the minimum legal requirement.
gourmand, sugary, buttery, balsamic
Brown Sugar is warm and balsamic, intensified by roasted tones reminiscent of maple syrup.
Brown sugar is made from sugar cane or sugar beets. Cane stalks or beets are cut and squeezed for their juice, which is boiled until it thickens to molasses. Sugar crystals settle out of this mixture and are stripped of the molasses through centrifuging and drying. It is grown worldwide and peaked in popularity in the 1700s with the rise of sugar plantations in the Americas.
sweet, creamy, milky, fatty
Delicious, dairy, and creamy with a sweet, cultured, waxy, and milky undertone
Who doesn't love butter? People have been making butter for at least 9,000 years. It was considered precious to ancient Norsemen, so much so that they were often buried with tubs of butter to accompany them in the afterlife.
butter, vanilla, creamy, sugary
Nostalgic and delicious, whipped buttercream icing with notes of vanilla and sugar
Buttercream is a combination of butter and sugar most often used as frosting for cakes.
rich, warm, sweet, caramel
Sweet, rich, and delicious with notes of butter and caramel.
Butterscotch is a candy made from brown sugar and butter. It differs from caramel in that it is made with brown sugar versus white sugar, lending the flavor of deep, rich molasses.
sweet, gourmand, sugary, buttery, warm
Cake often smells sweet with an indulgent aroma of butter and sugar baked to perfection.
The word "cake" is of Viking origin, from the Old Norse word "kaka." Early cakes were similar to bread, enriched with honey, eggs, and raisins.
fresh, aromatic, herbal, cooling, camphor, pine, balsamic
Camphor has a strong and long-lasting smell. It is fresh, herbal, and aromatic with a 'cooling' facet.
Camphor is a common ingredient in many pain balms.
fruity, melon, sweet, green, watery
A fresh and sweet fruity aquatic note
When you spritz a scent and get an aquatic hit of melon, it’s probably not actually the melon you smell – that so-refreshing summer fruit – but an ingredient called ‘calone’, one of the best-known synthetic ingredients in a perfumer’s arsenal. Launched in the 1990s, calone recreates the honey-like, watery qualities of the delectable fruit, which is a relation of squashes and cucumbers found in Africa and southwest Asia. The availability of this synthetic ingredient has probably helped to shape the trend for aquatic fragrances, as well as for fruity florals.
gourmand, sugary, salty, caramel, creamy
Caramel has a playful, addictive quality both sugary and salty, delightfully textural with its elastic and mellow sensations.
The caramel note in the perfumery industry owes its development to the success of Angel (Thierry Mugler's first fragrance in 1992) which led to the creation of a new olfactive family named Oriental gourmand or Gourmand.
sweet, gourmand, lactonic, sugary, creamy, rich
A sweet gourmand, sensual and rich scent. It is creamy and buttery with slight floralcy.
The temperature at which sugar caramelizes depends on the type of sugar and the presence of other ingredients such as water or acid. Generally, sugar begins to caramelize at around 320°F (160°C).
spicy, citrus, aromatic, zesty, peppery, balsamic, green, herbal
Oscillating between hot and cold, sensual and vibrant, Cardamom displays a multifaceted spiciness tinted with aromatic, balsamic and citrusy facets.
Elettaria cardamomum (commonly called cardamom, green cardamom, or true cardamom) is a herbaceous perennial plant in the ginger family that is distributed from India to Malaysia and cultivated widely in tropical regions. In India, green cardamom is broadly used to treat infections in teeth and gums and prevent inflammation and digestive disorders. It is also reportedly used as a treatment for snake and scorpion venom.
sweet, spicy, floral, clove, bright
A spicy floral scent with a clove-like undertone, bright and vivid.
In modern times, carnations are considered a little basic—think homecoming boutonnières. But carnations have a long history! They were cultivated by Ancient Romans and Greeks 2,000+ years ago, making them one of the oldest-grown flowers in the world.
balsamic, woody, soft, cooling, musky
Cedar has a strong woody note, yet is warm and spicy. It is often used in blend with other “woods” to give a rich natural and powerful masculine effect in composition.
Cedarwood oil, extracted from the foliage, woods, and roots of the cedar tree, was widely used in historical perfumery. Ancient Sumerians used cedarwood oil as a base for paints, and ancient Egyptians used it in embalming practices.
fruity, woody, bright, crisp, sweet, aromatic, fresh
A bright, crisp, sweet, fruity, herbaceous, fresh scent with a bitter top note and tea-like facet.
Camomile, or Chamomile, is a common name for several daisy-like plants of the Asteraceae family. It is mentioned in ancient medical writings and widely used for many different purposes. You'll find it often promoted as encouraging sleep and is often an ingredient in herbal teas.
bubbly, fresh, crisp, fruity, dry, tart
Champagne has an aroma of freshly baked bread crossed with wet limestone. Spices and fruits are often present in different types and brands of champagne and can even represent quality in the wine.
Champagne is a unique winemaking region in France. Ninety miles northeast of Paris, the region's climate, chalky soil, strict regulations, and long history of winemaking combine to produce a sparkling wine that can only be produced in one place: Champagne.
fruity, red fruit, sweet, almond
A deliciously fruity sweet cherry note. It is sweet and juicy and adds an almond facet to a fragrance.
The cherries we commonly eat are derived primarily from two species, the Wild Cherry (Prunus avium), which has given rise to the Sweet Cherry to which most cherry cultivars belong, and the Sour Cherry or Morello Cherry (Prunus cerasus), used mainly for cooking and jam.
subtle, white floral, powdery, delicate
Cherry blossoms have a sweet and delicate floral scent. It is fresh and subtle with powdery notes.
Bath & Body Works Japanese Cherry Blossom became an iconic fragrance in the US, driving the trend across the market that remains strong today.
gourmand, chestnut, nuts, fruity, vanilla, balsamic
Often conceived as roasted chestnut, with a mellow nuttiness and subtle caramelized sweetness.
Chestnuts growing on the tree look like wood urchins, sporting very prickly burrs with one to several nuts inside.
spicy, hot, fiery
Fiery and bold heat can be used to enhance sweet notes with the contrast of an unexpected kick.
Capsaicin is the main bioactive compound in chili pepper that gives its spiciness.
gourmand, chocolate, powdery, vanilla, sweet, cocoa, milky
Chocolate can have both a roasted cocoa bean effect with powdery undertones or a richer liquid aspect with sweet vanilla accents.
Chocolate just might be the "food of the gods." For most of its 4,000-year history, it was actually consumed as a bitter beverage rather than as a sweet edible treat. In 1847, British chocolate company J.S. Fry & Sons created the first solid edible chocolate bar from cocoa butter, cocoa powder, and sugar. Rodolphe Lindt's 1879 invention of the conching machine, which produced chocolate with a velvety texture and superior taste, and other advances allowed for the mass production of smooth, creamy milk chocolate on factory assembly lines.
floral, fresh, green, sweet, earthy, herby
Chrysanthemum has a fresh, earthy, and herby aroma with gentle honey undertones.
As well as exuding elegance, chrysanthemums can also be used to repel insects.
warm, woody, spicy, peppery, almond, clove, citrus, sweet, dry
Cinnamon is woody and spicy with hints of vanilla, clove, and citrus. It adds warmth to a fragrance.
The bark is peeled from the branches using a precise technique to obtain cinnamon sticks. These are dried for several days to develop the cinnamon’s characteristic tonalities. The bark is then processed in the form of sticks, chips, or powder.
dry citrus, zesty, fresh, citrus, white wood, bright
Citron presents a fragrant blend of white woods such as sandalwood or birch and a zesty lemon.
Citron is French for lemon. But a citron fruit (Citrus medica) is rarer than a lemon—and not nearly so juicy.
fresh, green, lemony, citrusy, bright, camphor
Citronella is lemony and camphorous with a fresh, green quality and subtle sweetness.
In addition to its reputation for insect-repelling properties, citronella has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties.
acidulous, bitter, bright, fresh, juicy, sparkling, tonic, zesty
Fresh and bright, citruses include bergamot, mandarin, orange, lemon, lime, and petitgrain.
The Citrus family, historically renowned as “Eaux de Cologne”, is composed of traditional citrus essences such as bergamot, mandarin, orange, lemon, lime, and petitgrain. Ingredients and fragrances from this family are characterized by their diffusive freshness and brightness. Citrus are often combined with floral, chypre, or even aromatic notes to enhance their fresh sparkling aspects. These perfumes, light and fresh, constitute the ideal family for a unisex fragrance.
spicy, smoky, dusty, cinnamon, floral-carnation
Clove has a spicy, woody and sweet aroma, bringing spiciness and freshness.
Prized for their culinary and medicinal properties, Cloves are the flower buds of Eugenia caryophyllus, a tree native to the Molucca islands.
sweet, honey, floral, green
A sweet honey floral and green note.
Bees are highly attracted to clover, yielding the popular clover honey.
fruity, exotic, coconut, lactonic, milky, creamy, gourmand
Smooth, creamy note with addictive freshness and gourmand milky texture of this exotic fruit.
Botanically, coconut is a drupe and not a nut. The term "coconut" dates back to the 16th century. It derives from the Spanish and Portuguese word "coco," respectively meaning "a grin" and "a monkey face" due to the slight resemblance with a human face or a monkey head because of the three tiny indentations on the hairy shell.
fruity, coconut, lactonic, sweet, vanilla
A deep dive into the delicious creaminess of coconut milk. Intensely wrapping, with vanillic tones and a delicate fruity touch.
Coconut milk is obtained by grating the white inner flesh of a coconut which is mixed with a small amount of water or milk until frothy to suspend the fat present. Then the mixture is strained through a cheesecloth, squeezing out as much liquid as possible. The coconut milk is then refrigerated and allowed to set.
gourmand, coffee, toasted, woody
Intensely gourmand and contrasting, lying between softness and strength.
Coffee beans are the fruit of a small tree cultivated in Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, India, Mexico, and Kenya, among others. Today, Colombia and Africa are the main producers. The earliest credible evidence of either coffee drinking or knowledge of the coffee tree appears in the middle of the 15th century, in Yemen's Sufi monasteries. Coffee beans were first exported from Ethiopia to Yemen. Yemeni traders brought coffee back to their homeland and started cultivating the beans.
warm, spicy, nutty, hint of citrus
Coriander seeds offer a warm and spicy character. It is multifaceted and displays a mixture of floral and citrusy notes and sweet and fruity notes.
Coriander is a variation of the parsley family. The plant that springs from the coriander seed is cilantro. Coriander is widely used in different cuisines around the world, and the seeds have been found in ruins believed to be over 5000 years old.
fresh, cotton, bergamot, lemon, flower, crisp, air, rose, musk
An airy, delicate, and sublte floral scent.
None of the cotton plant is wasted. While the fiber or "blossom" is the primary purpose for growing, the seeds can also be used as animal seed and for making cottonseed oil, and the plant stalks are tilled back into the soil after harvesting.
tart, fruity, red fruit, juicy, aromatic, musk, apple, berry
Cranberries have a sweet and tangy scent.
Cranberries are one of the few fruits native to North America. They grow in bogs and have small pockets of air that allow them to float.
creamy, vanilla, gourmand, sweet
A gourmand scent with hints of vanilla and warm sugar notes.
The world record for the tallest dollop of whipped cream on a mug of hot chocolate is just over 18cm
green, watery, salty, aldehydic
Crunchy green and aquatic, cucumber is intensely watery, developing a vivid freshness infused with salty and aldehydic accents.
Cucumber is an herbaceous garden plant from the same family as the African gourd, melon or squash (Cucurbitaceae family); grown for its fruit and is eaten as a vegetable. The plant, which grew naturally at the foot of the Himalayas, was domesticated for the first time in India at least 3,000 years ago.
sweet, vanilla, toffee, custard, creamy, gourmand, balsamic, powdery, marshmallow
A delicious, sweet, and gourmand scent. Creamy with hints of vanilla and marshmallow.
Custard dates back to the middle ages when it was paired with pastry to become a custard tart. The term "custard" is coined from the French term 'croustade' originally referring to the crust of a tart.
woody, green, resinous, coniferous, citrus
Cypress is woody green with a warm resinous character and fresh citrusy tones.
Cypress originated in Western Asia before being introduced to Tuscany, Italy, and the rest of the Mediterranean basin. Young buds are needle-shaped, while older ones have the appearance of green scales. No odor is released, even when rubbed. Branches of cypress are used as a symbol of mourning.
animalic, clean, comfortable, longlasting, powdery, round, sexy, soft
Heavier, more sensual musk notes. (see musk)
Traditionally, musks were extracted from animals musk deers and African civets. In modern perfumery, it is possible to replicate these same musk aromas without the need to harvest from animals.
mossy, damp, musky, peppery, minerality, green
The aroma of earth can be described as musky, damp, peppery, and slightly sweet, with mineral-rich tones and mossy, green qualities.
The scent of the earth has been found to have a calming effect on humans, and researchers have suggested that this may be due to the presence of geosmin, a chemical compound produced by soil-dwelling bacteria that gives the earth its distinctive smell. Geosmin is also responsible for the earthy taste of beets and some other vegetables.
smoky, woody, warm, dry
Smoky and resinous, exuding the woody smoldering warmth of glimmering coals
Embers are the small pieces of glowing, burning coal or wood in a dying fire. They are also known as "firebrands."
green, aromatic, woody, forest, sharp, risemart, mint, honey, citrus, airy
Fresh and herbal, a camphoric note with a sticky resinous bottom effect.
The eucalyptus tree is native to Australia, and are the primary food source of the koala. Eucalyptus essential oil has been used in Indigenous Australian medicine as an antibacterial and anti-fungal agent for centuries.
green, woody, pine, warm, fresh, crisp, strong
Warm, woody, and green, evergreen evokes the outdoor aromas of a forest glen.
An evergreen is a plant with foliage that remains green and functional through more than one growing season.
aromatic, spicy, herbacous, licorice, bitter
A herbaceous, soft, aromatic spiciness scent, similar to anise or licorice.
Fennel is of course familiar to most of us as a food–but did you know it’s also used in creating absinthe, the no-longer-banned-but-it-still-makes-you-dance-on-tabletops French alcoholic drink?
fruity, green, lactonic, sulfuric
Fig offers a fruity green profile reminiscent of peach and sparked with sulfuric accents.
Botanically identified as Ficus carica L., it is unique in a genus embracing perhaps over 1,000 species, mostly giant "rubber trees", and mostly tropical. In June 2006, it was reported that figs dating back 11,400 years were discovered at Gilgal I, a village in the Lower Jordan Valley, just 8 miles north of ancient Jericho. This discovery makes figs the oldest domesticated crop.
sweet, floral, warm, earthy, sensual, honey, spicy
Fig blossom has a sweet, warm, and slightly earthy floral aroma. It's often described as sensual and has a rich, honey undertone with subtly spicy hints.
Fig blossom is the fig tree's flower, a member of the mulberry family native to the Mediterranean region.
fresh, piney, resinous, coniferous
Fir is fresh, uplifting, and aromatic.
There are 10 species of fir native to North America. Canada balsam is used to mount specimens on glass slides for microscopic examination.
earthy, woody, piney, balsamic, soft, sweet, citrus
With a sweet, woody and balsamic undertone, Olibanum offers a green, terpenic, citrusy, peppery and resinous profile. Sensual and rich, the note is typically amber
The genus Boswellia is used to describe any of the varieties of trees that produce frankincense resin, and is native to the Arabian Peninsula and northeastern Africa. It has been used for a variety of medicinal, ceremonial, and religious purpose for over 5000 years.
floral, linalool, delicate
Delicate flowers with a sweet, airy scent. One of the world's most popular flowers. It brings a nice floral linalool like transparency in compositions.
Freesia was discovered in South Africa, in the Cape Colony. Also known as the “Cape lily-of-the-valley”, the name “Freesia” was been assigned to the flower in 1830 by botanic Ecklon, a collector of plants in South Africa. The name was chosen in honor of his friend, the German doctor F. Freese. Freesia is a symbol of unconditional love, innocence and resistance. The flower symbolises the 7th year of marriage in some culture.
fresh, sweet, tropical, spring, summer, tangy, sharp, citrusy, juicy, crisp, ripe, exotic, musky
While fruit is a more general fragrance note, many people understand the aroma that the word "fruit" refers to, and it can be a helpful addition to fragrance descriptions. Fruit is often associated with freshness, sweetness, warm climates, tropical weather, and spring and summer abundance. Tangy and sharp notes are commonly associated with citrus fruits, while juicy sweetness is typically attributed to fruits like berries and melons. We call fruits like apples and pears crisp, reminding us of the "snap" sound they make when bitten or broken in two. Tropical fruits like mangos, pineapples, and papaya are sweeter with a distinct musky aroma.
Some foods that we typically think of as vegetables, like tomatoes and cucumbers, are actually classified as fruits. It's difficult to determine the exact number of fruit varieties because new fruits are constantly discovered, but there are at least over 2000 different fruits in the world.
green, bitter, woody, balsamic
Galbanum is a gum resin that has an intensely green aroma and bitter, woody, balsamic undertones.
Galbanum is derived from the Ferula galbaniflua plant, which is a member of the Apiaceae family alongside carrots, celery, and parsley.
floral, white flower, fruity, green, animalic, spicy
An opulent and creamy white floral signature with a fruity green character and sensual woody undertones.
The common name Cape jasmine comes from the mistaken idea that the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa was the gardenia's homeland. Along with the magnolia, gardenia is a traditional symbol of the American Deep South.
floral, sweet, citrus, fruity, rose, lemon, herbaceous, warm, green
Floral, fresh, sweet, with a characteristic fruity and rose note.
Geranium is a native of South Africa, where more than 250 wild species of the plant still grow. The first geraniums did not come to Europe until the 17th century.
liquor, gin, juniper, citrus
Intensely fresh and aromatic, Gin offers a very rich profile with many citrus (lemon, mandarin) and aromatic (pine, angelica, coriander) facets.
Gin is one of the broadest categories of spirits, all of various origins, styles, and flavour profiles that revolve around juniper as a common ingredient. From its earliest origins in the Middle Ages, the drink has evolved from a herbal medicine to an object of commerce in the spirits industry.
spicy, peppery, sharp, pungent, aromatic, warm
Spicy, citrus, earthy and woody. Herbaceous, zesty citrus and fruity notes can be found in ginger.
Ginger thrives in the tropics and is grown in India, China, West Africa
gourmand, sweet, cinnamon, brown sugar, warm
The classic childhood sweet, baked with brown sugar and a touch of honeyed spice.
Graham flour is a coarse-ground whole wheat flour that's commonly used to make graham crackers as well as some breads and cereals. It is named after Sylvester Graham, a forerunner of the American health food movement.
sweet, fruity, berry, juicy
Grapes have a sweet and fruity aroma with a juicy quality similar to berries.
Grapes have been enjoyed and cultivated by humans for thousands of years, making them one of the oldest fruits to have been grown. Grape cultivation can be traced back to ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans.
citrus, fresh, juicy, bitter
A fresh pink grapefruit note sparked with zesty and juicy tones. Grapefruit surprises by its dual character: both sweet and acidulous with a bitter green effect.
Grapefruit is a hybrid native to Jamaica and Pacific Isles and is an accidental cross between two introduced species, sweet orange and pomelo or shaddock, both of which were introduced from Asia in the 17th century.
green, fresh, fruity
Grass reveals a refreshing green scent punctuated by sappy and fruity undertones.
The Poaceae family, with approximately 10,000 species and 660 genus, is the most ecologically and economically important of all plant families, including lawn and forage grasses. It is estimated that grasslands comprise 20% of Earth's vegetation. In modern residential areas, a well-maintained grassy lawn is a sign of responsibility in the overall appearance of the neighborhood.
green, floral, grass, fresh, tart
Green notes of grass and leaves introduce freshness and tartness in a floral composition, and leave an impression of freshly picked flowers.
Chanel N°19 is one of the most well-known green floral perfumes. The powdery, bright, green floral perfume, created by Henri Robert, commemorates Coco Chanel’s birthday, August 19.
green, fresh, aromatic, crisp, sharp
Fresh lively and crisp notes that evoke snapped leaves, foliage and green vegetal scents.
The minty, oily or sharp smells produced when you crush a leaf or stem also play a defensive role against some predators. The strong bitter scent works to deter pests like aphids, slugs or even bigger animals.
aromatic, green, spicy, smoky
Green Tea offers a wrapping and invigorating aromatic breath with some smoky undertones.
Tea first reached Europe in the 16th century, when green tea was brought from Japan to the Netherlands. Green tea is a "true" tea that has undergone minimal oxidation during processing. Sencha ("roasted tea") is the most common type of green tea in Japan.
fruity, sweet, tropical, ripe, juicy
A sweet juicy tropical fruit with citrus and grapefruit facets
The guava fruit likely originates from Central and South America. While humans have played a large role in its travels, birds and animals have also carried guava seeds. Today, guavas are grown in Florida, Hawaii, and southern California.
gourmand, fruity, nutty, sweet
A nutty sweetness reminiscent of chocolate praline flavor. Hazelnut possesses a green almond profile, with dried fruits accents.
Hazel is a member of the birch family of trees. The common hazel is an important component of the hedgerows that were the traditional field boundaries in lowland England. The wood was grown as coppice. Common hazel is cultivated for its nuts in commercial orchards in Europe, China, Australia and Turkey. The name of the species "Avellana" is derived from Avellino, a region in Italy.
Floral, Sweet, Warm, Creamy, Powdery, Nutty
This floral note is warm, creamy, and sweet with a hint of powder and almond.
Heliotropes flower in one-sided clusters that follow the sun as it moves throughout the day. This plant is aptly named from the Greek words for "sun" and "turn," "helios" and "tropos."
aromatic, bright, citrus, lemon, lime, green, vetiver, patchouli
Strong, earthy, herbaceous and green that can be very tenacious
Hemp has the strongest and longest plant fiber in existence, and is one of the fast growing biomasses in the world. It can be grown without the use of pesticides, captures large amounts of carbon, and is adept at removing toxins from the soil its planted in. It's no wonder that hemp has been grown for at least 8,000 years!
sweet, floral, fruity, citrusy, green
Hibiscus flowers have a distinct aroma that's sweet, floral, and slightly fruity. It's similar to jasmine with a tangy, citrusy undertone and green quality.
Hibiscus is a tropical plant that flourishes in warm and humid climates. The plant is a popular choice for gardens and houseplants in various parts of the world, as its flowers are available in different colors such as red, pink, orange, yellow, and white.
gourmand, sugary
An addictive symphony of sugary and balsamic tones. Honey is naturally delightful with an enveloping and comfortable texture.
The variety produced by honey bees (the genus Apis) is the one most commonly referred to, as it is the type of honey collected by most beekeepers and consumed by people. Honey is also produced by bumblebees or stingless bees. Dating back to over 40 million years before the evolution of man, Honey is the oldest sweetener in the world.
fruity, sweet, melon, green
A sweet fruity melon with a hint of green and floral notes.
Honeydew melons are the third most cultivated melon in the world.
floral, white flower, creamy, jasmine, orange blossom, salicylic
A radiant and delicate white floral note. Honeysuckle develops a generous creamy floralcy with salicylic tones, reminiscent of jasmine and orange blossom.
The Japanese Honeysuckle is a twining vine with bell-shaped flowers that produce a sweet edible nectar. Flowers and dried leaves are of high medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine. Honeysuckle has become an invasive exotic weed in Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and much of the United States.
floral, green, fresh, aromatic, sweet
A fresh, sweet floral with hints of clean, camphorous tonalities.
This shrub is also a wonderful magnet for honeybees, bumblebees, pollen wasps, and syrphid flies. Its inner flowers are fertile, while the more dramatic outer sepals are sterile. In Asia, giving someone pink hydrangeas symbolizes that you are the beat to their heart.
aromatic, wood, spicy, resin, sweet, smoky
Incense usually refers to olibanum or frankincense, with a deep smoky note.
The use of incense dates back to Ancient Egypt and Ancient Rome. The gum was imported to Egypt from Arab and Somali coasts and used as a fragrance and in religious ceremonies.
floral, powerful, sweet, animalic
Jasmine's elegantly curved leaves and delicate white petals provide a floral, sweet, and slightly animalic fragrance. The fragility of this flower's blooms contrasts with the astonishing power of its scent.
Jasmine is a genus of plants in the olive family, Oleaceae. There are over 200 species of jasmine, including both deciduous and evergreen varieties, but the most commonly grown species is Jasminum officinale.
gin, aromatic, fresh, powerful, crisp, camphor
Juniper is a woody conifer with an aromatic, fresh scent and a slightly camphorous, gin-like character.
Juniper has a rich history in mythology and folklore. It was believed to have protective and purifying properties and was often used to ward off evil spirits in ancient times. In herbal folklore, juniper is symbolic of fertility and love.
Ambery, Woody, Leathery, Sweet
Labdanum has a balsamic, ambery, leathery, and sweet character.
Labdanum is a sticky brown resin derived from the Cistus plant. Early perfumers described it as "the sweetest-scented of all substances."
aromatic, floral, herbaceous, fruity, woody, balsamic
Lavender has a fresh, slightly fruity, herbaceous floral quality with woody camphorous accents. Its soft balsamic and hay-like coumarin notes create an intense roundness.
Bees and butterflies love lavender as much as we do! Lavender's nectar-rich flowers provide an important food source for pollinators. This fragrance flower is such a draw for pollinators that it's used to help increase crop yields in nearby gardens!
woody, earthy, aromatic, natural, smoky, velvety
Leather has a smoky, velvety, and woody scent that adds a warm "second skin" effect to fragrances.
We can actually attribute many qualities of leather's scent to the perfumery materials used during the tanning process. Woods like cedar and birch, smoky resins like styrax and labdanum, and patchouli and vetiver were often used to turn the unpleasant scent of freshly tanned natural leather into a more agreeable aroma.
citrus, bright, clean, sharp, fresh, acidic
Fresh and fruity, lemon notes add a juicy, sharp citrus quality that brightens and uplifts.
Lemon oil became one of the most popular ways to mask unpleasant odors during the Victorian era, when cleanliness and hygiene were highly valued. People grew so fond of lemon's fresh, clean scent that some even carried a vial of lemon oil to freshen up throughout the day, and it was widely used in cleaning products and air fresheners.
citrus, smoked, spicy, herbaceous, green, camphorated
Lemongrass has a citrusy quality similar to lemon, but its undertone is herbaceous and camphorous.
Lemongrass is a perennial plant belonging to the Poaceae family, one of the world's most economically significant plant families. You may be familiar with Poaceae species like wheat, rice, corn, and oats, used for their edible seeds. However, lemongrass is one of the few plants in this family used for its flavorful, fragrance stalks.
citrus, zesty, bitter, bright
Lemon peel is slightly bitter and tangy. In comparison to lemon notes, lemon peel is less sharp and more reflective of the flavor of lemon without its acidic bite.
Lemon peel is used in a variety of culinary dishes, from sweet to savory, often in the form of lemon zest. Its citrusy quality helps balance and add brightness to more decadent flavors like cream-based pasta dishes or desserts.
aromatic, citrus, fruity, green, leafy
A fresh aromatic note boosted by citrus tones, lemon verbena's uplifting green character is reminiscent of lemongrass and punctuated by fruity and spicy ginger-like facets.
Lemon verbena was a favorite herb of Julia Child, the famous French chef. She often used it in her cooking and featured it in various recipes.
animalic, clean, comfortable, long-lasting, powdery, round, sexy, soft
While still animalic and sensual, light musk notes feature a more clean and powdery profile than dark musk. (see musk)
Light musk is often called a "skin scent" because it mimics the soft scent of clean skin. Slightly sweet and powdery, light musk is often subtle, romantic, and sensual.
floral, powdery, green, heliotrope, sweet, strong, fFresh
A rich floral with powdery and green notes.
The common lilac (Syringa vulgaris) originated in Eastern Europe. This species and its hybrids were so frequently grown and selected by French nurseries that France became synonymous with fine lilacs, now known as French hybrids.
floral, fresh, green, sweet, bright
A spicy white floral note with sweet undertones.
In ancient Greek mythology, lilies were associated with purity and innocence and are said to have sprung from the milk of the goddess Hera.
fresh, light, watery, floral, jasmine, crisp, green
Lily of the Valley is a delicate white floral note with watery and green qualities.
Lily of the Valley is often associated with the month of May and is sometimes called the "May Lily" or the "May Bells." It typically blooms in late spring and has been used to symbolize the renewal and new beginnings associated with the season.
citrus, green, acid, bitter
Sparkling and uplifting, lime is a green citrus note with an acidic and bitter citrus profile and deep earthy undertones.
Limes were originally grown in Southeast Asia and brought to Mexico by Spanish explorers in the 16th century. They quickly became a staple of Mexican cuisine and are now widely grown and consumed throughout the country.
aromatic, clean, crisp, fresh, laundry, warm, soft
Fresh linen is a clean, fresh scent reminiscent of crisp sheets and the smell of laundry drying in the sun.
The classic linen scent is an ode to when people washed their clothes by hand and then hung them outside to dry. The scent of clean, sun-dried laundry became synonymous with freshness and cleanliness. The first linen fragrances were developed to capture and recreate this scent in the home, even if the laundry wasn't hung outside to dry.
floral, white flower, jasmine, fruity, citrus, vanilla
Delicately suave, Magnolia seduces with its white floral signature. An elegant jasmine-like heart note contrasted by lemony, slightly fruity and vanillic tones.
Fossil records show that magnolias existed in Europe, North America, and Asia over 100 million years ago, making them one of the most primitive plants in history.
citrus, fruity, bitter, floral, green, sweet, slightly aromatic
Mandarin is a citrus note that is both fresh and soft, with a slightly bitter greenness balanced by floral and candied undertones. This note adds luminosity and sparkling freshness to fragrances, making them more vibrant and colorful.
Mandarin is a vibrant citrus fruit with hues ranging from orange to red, originating from the Southeast Asian regions of China and the Philippines. In Chinese culture, this fruit is considered a symbol of good fortune and is widely incorporated in the festivities of the Chinese New Year.
fruity, exotic, green, sweet, sugary, juicy, crisp
Mango is fruity, exotic, and sweet with a crisp texture. This tropical fruit strikes a harmonious balance between green and milky tones, reminiscent of juicy peaches.
Mango is originally from India, where it has been cultivated for over 4,000 years. Over time, this delectable fruit spread its influence to other regions, being introduced to Jamaica, later Tahiti, and eventually making its way to Brazil.
gourmand, sugary, caramel, sweet
The scent of maple syrup is sugary, like dark caramel, with salty roasted walnut undertones.
Quebec, a Canadian province, leads the world in maple syrup production, responsible for three-quarters of the global output. Vermont takes the lead as the largest producer of maple syrup in the United States.
aquatic, fresh, mineral, salty, transparent, watery
Marine notes are fresh and airy with an aquatic feel. They evoke watery fruits and idyllic seaside imagery.
In 1951, chemists developed a compound called calone during pharmaceutical research. While initially intended for drug use, they realized its aroma closely replicates the sea and later marketed and patented it for fragrance use. Calone contains a formation similar to the pheromones released by certain brown algae, contributing to a fragrance's marine characteristics.
gourmand, sugary, creamy, fruity, vanilla, powdery
Deliciously sweet marshmallow blends vanilla, powdery, and fruity notes. Marshmallow is nostalgic and comforting, with an irresistible mellowness reminiscent of coconut milk or pistachio ice-cream notes.
Marshmallow root's gelatinous extract was first used to make marshmallow candy in ancient Egypt. While the candy was said to be reserved for gods and royalty, it was also reportedly used as a remedy for sore throats.
creamy, milky, sweet, gourmand, lactonic
Milk has a creamy, lactonic, slightly acidic aroma with a smooth, subtle sweetness.
Cleopatra was known to bathe in milk and honey as part of her beauty regimen. In ancient Egypt, milk was believed to have beauty-enhancing properties.
green, grassy, soft, spicy, fluffy, heliotrope, powdery
Mimosa is a very green, vibrant floral note with powdery and honey undertones.
The Mimosa flower has a unique mechanism that allows the leaves to respond quickly to external stimuli. It's sometimes called the "sensitive plant" because its leaves fold in when touched or exposed to heat.
green, aromatic, fresh, sweet, minty, cooling
Fresh mint offers a natural aromatic, sweet, and leafy note with earthy accents. It provides a green cooling effect thanks to its menthol qualities.
While the most commonly used varieties of mint plants are peppermint and spearmint, there are over 600 different species of mint.
sharp, bitter, sweet, gourmand, earthy, warm, mineral, brown sugar
Molasses has a sharp, bittersweet smell, similar to brown sugar. Molasses smells warmly sweet with mineral and bitter undertones.
Molasses is a thick syrup used as a sweetener. It comes from crushed sugar cane or sugar beets and is especially popular in Southern American and Caribbean cuisine.
woody, mossy, earthy, powdery
A woody, mossy, powdery scent. It gives an earthy character to a fragrance.
Moss can absorb and retain large amounts of water, up to 20 times its own weight.
Lily of the Valley, Green, Watery, Soft, Floral
Muguet, commonly known as Lily of the Valley, is a delicate and soft white floral fragrance.
This enduring floral fragrance first became popular in 16th century France when the king gave muguet flowers to the ladies of the court.
animalic, clean, comfortable, long-lasting, powdery, round, sexy, soft
Musky notes are animalic, skin-like, and sensual. This popular note adds depth and longevity to fragrances and has a familiar yet abstract, interesting quality. While traditionally sourced from a gland on the abdomen of the musk deer, this practice is now illegal and most modern musk notes are synthetic.
Professor Leopold Ruzicka, a Nobel Prize-winning Croatian-Swiss chemist, analyzed the composition of animal-derived musk and discovered molecules with warm, soft, powdery, round tones. He then became the first to synthesize musk molecules, making it possible to make musk fragrances without animals—a discovery still hugely important to the fragrance industry today.
sweet, ambery, balsamic, smoky
Myrrh is sweet with warm, spicy tones and hints of licorice. Smoky undertones and a distinctly sharp balsamic quality add to its unique aroma.
Myrrh is a natural resin or gum obtained from the bark of trees in the Commiphora genus, native to the Arabian Peninsula, East Africa, and parts of Asia. When their bark is cut or injured, these trees produce a resin or gum, which hardens into a fragrant, reddish-brown substance. Myrrh was traded along the ancient spice routes to Egypt, Greece, and Rome.
fruity, peach, lactonic, creamy
The aroma of nectarine is fresh, natural, and juicy, with creamy, peach-like tones. Nectarine is luminous and velvety, and often reminds us of spring and summer brightness.
Nectarine is a fuzzless variety of peach. While it's commonly thought that nectarines are a hybrid of the plum and peach, they actually result from a natural genetic mutation in peaches.
sweet, floral, green, refreshing, bright, fresh
Neroli is powerful, sweet with green and honey notes and sometimes animalic facets. It give a very addictive orange blossom effect to floral notes.
Neroli's name is said to come from Princess Anne Maria de La Trémoille of Nerola, Italy, who fell in love with the striking fragrance and introduced it to her homeland.
spicy, aromatic, terpenic, pepper, warm, slightly floral, woody
Both warm and fresh, Nutmeg is enhanced by an aromatic spicy heart note and woody dry undertones.
Nutmeg we're familiar with is the dried seed of the fruit that grows on an evergreen tree called Myristica fragrans.
woody, dry, smoky, warm
Oak is woody, dry, and smoky scent that adds a comforting vanilla-like warmth to fragrances.
Oak barrels are commonly used in the production of various beverages. Oak contains vanillin, lactones, and tannins that can give wine and whiskey notes of vanilla, caramel, and toasted nuts, as well as a subtle smokiness or spiciness.
mossy, earthy, marine, green, musky
Oakmoss is woody, mossy, slightly sweet, and long-lasting, with a distinct marine seaweed facet.
Despite its name, oakmoss is not actually a moss but a type of lichen found in many different regions around the world.
Sweet, Nutty, Dry, Cereal
Oat has a dry and slightly nutty character with a subtle hint of sweetness.
Oats are harvested from the Avena sativa plant. While many enjoy oatmeal for breakfast or oat milk with their coffee, oats are also beloved for various skin care benefits thanks to a compound called avenanthramide.
Salty, Earthy, Oily, Green, Bitter
Olive notes have a salty, brined, earthy quality and undertones of mild bitterness.
Olive trees start producing olives at five to six years of age and have an average lifespan of 500 years!
citrus, bright, zesty, juicy, fruity
Fresh and tangy orange has a bright, citrusy, and sweet aroma. It's often associated with cleanliness, and many find the scent of orange to be uplifting and refreshing.
Citrus fruits like oranges contain small pockets of liquid which burst upon contact, releasing a jet of strong-smelling oil into the air. This phenomenon attracts animals that help spread the seeds of the fruit as far as possible.
green, floral, sweet, fruity, petal, white floral
The aroma of orange blossom is sweet and delicate with a hint of citrus.
When spring arrives, you can see orange blossoms in abundance around the Mediterranean Sea, from Italy to Spain, Morocco, and Tunisia.
citrus, zesty, acidic, bitter
Orange peel is fresh, tangy, slightly bitter, and citrusy.
Orange peel contains more vitamin C than the flesh of the orange itself.
Floral, Violet, Woody, Earthy, Powdery, Balsamic, Ambery, Leathery
Complex yet recognizable with violet accents, this powdery and woody note is reminiscent of a suede, velvety texture.
Orris is made from the rhizomes of the iris plant. When harvested, they are odorless and take three to four years to mature.
woody, ambery, leathery, animalic, smoky, earthy, musky
Oud is rich, complex, and extremely long-lasting. Warm amber tones combine with spicy, animalic, and leather qualities, resulting in a sensual, woody, and slightly musky scent.
Oud, also known as agarwood or aloeswood, is obtained from the Aquilaria tree, native to Southeast Asia, India, and Bangladesh. When the Aquilaria tree becomes infected with a certain type of mold, it produces a resinous substance that changes the composition of the wood and gives it a distinctive aroma.
ozonic, fresh, watery, clean
Ozone notes add the freshness of water, with the feeling of electric charge in the air. Ozone can smell watery, with sweet fresh melon notes and floral undertones. It brings intense and lasting freshness as well as cleanliness to fragrances.
You know the smell of rainstorms in the distance? That’s ozone. Lightning can split nitrogen and oxygen molecules in the atmosphere, which later form ozone. Ozone has a distinct smell that’s often described as clean, sharp, and vaguely similar to chlorine.
vegetal, green, herbal
Vegetal, green and watery, like tropical palm leaves blowing in the breeze.
Palm leaves have been used for centuries in religious ceremonies and festivals worldwide, and often symbolize victory, peace, and resurrection.
woody, minty, fresh, cedar, lactonic
A cedar woody profile with lactonic minty effect. Palo Santo adds a sweet and creamy facet to a fragrance.
Palo Santo is an aromatic tree in the Burseraceae family, which also includes frankincense and myrrh. It can grow up to 25 feet tall and is native to South America.
exotic, tropical, sweet, delicous, fleshy, lactonic
Papaya is a tropical fruit with a sweet, lactonic, and slightly anamalic aroma. It has a watery quality similar to melon, with subtle citrus and floral undertones.
Much like people perceive the scent of cilantro differently, people often disagree about how pleasant papayas taste and smell. This debate is likely because of an enzyme called papain, which causes a strong, distinct aroma in ripe papaya fruits.
Pepper, Smokey, Spicy, Dry
Paprika has a smokey, slightly earthy and peppery character with hints of dried fruit.
Paprika is a spice made from grinding a mixture of dried red peppers in the Capsicum annuum family. It's known as the gentler and sweeter cousin of hot chili peppers!
fruity, sweet, tropical, ripe, juicy
Passionfruit is tangy, tropical, sweet, and juicy. While this exotic aroma is very distinct, it's similar to guava, papaya, and other tropical fruits.
Passionfruit is technically a berry. It grows on a vine plant that can grow up to 40 feet high.
woody, camphorated, green, earthy, mossy, balsamic, powdery
Patchouli's aroma is woody, earthy, and slightly sweet with powdery undertones.
Patchouli is native to tropical Asia, where it is widely cultivated and has been used for centuries for its essential oil.
fruity, lactonic, creamy, velvety, juicy, ripe fruit
Peach is juicy and fruity with creamy lactonic elements.
Peach is native to China and grows in temperate and Mediterranean regions. Their fuzzy skin helps protect them from pests and other environmental factors.
fruity, pear, green, crispy, sweet
Pear's fruity aroma is juicy, crunchy, watery, and green. It adds a fresh, ripe sweetness to fragrances.
Flemish flower and fruit paintings from the 15th to 17th century often featured pears. The fruit was also a favorite subject of Vincent van Gogh, who painted both pear trees and the fruit itself.
nutty, sweet, woody, gourmand, buttery, toasty
Pecans smell nutty, sweet, buttery, and woody with a toasty, hearty tone.
"Pecan" is derived from the Algonquin term "pacane," which refers to the "nuts that needed a stone to crack."
floral, white flower, green, rose, lily of the valley
The white peony note is airy and floral, evoking rose and lily of the valley. With a greener scent than rose, it is fresh with slightly animalic undertones.
The peony is the national flower of China. In the Middle Ages, ground peony seeds were taken to prevent bad dreams.
spicy, fresh, smoky, woody
Peppercorn is spicy, smoky, and woody. It brings fresh, zingy tones to fragrances and is a great way to add interest to floral or fruity compositions.
Peppercorns are the fruit of a vine that belongs to the Piperaceae family. Green peppercorns are unripe, while black peppercorns are cooked and dried. White peppercorns come from mature fruit with the skin removed. Red peppercorns are rare and come from fully mature fruit.
fresh, sharp, cool, refreshing, calming, minty
Peppermint is minty, fresh, full bodied and intense with the cooling effect of menthol
Peppermint is thought to have originated in Northern Africa and the Mediterranean, and is a natural hybrid between spearmint and water mint.
sweet, fruity, earthy, pulpy
Sweet, pulpy and aromatic, with notes similar to mango and peach but slightly earthy
Persimmon was first cultivated in China more than 2000 years ago, and introduced to Japan in the 7th century.
green, floral, Leafy, Citrus
Petitgrain has a citrussy, green leaf and floral scent. Especially used with floral, white flowers and orange blossom accords.
Petitgrain is derived from the French term "petit grain," which translates to "little grain." This term originally referred to the small, unripe fruit of citrus trees that was utilized to extract petitgrain essential oil.
baked, warm, buttery, sugar, gourmand, toasted flour
The comforting scent of pie crust is warm, buttery, and slightly sweet, with notes of toasted flour and vanilla.
The first pie crusts were made from just flour and water. Fats like lard and butter were later added to the dough to create a more tender and flaky texture, giving rise to the buttery aroma we associate with pie crusts today.
woody, fresh, dry, weedy, green, pine
Pine has a woody, fresh, dry scent. It adds hints of both sweet and green facets to a fragrance.
Originally from Scandinavia and Russia, Sylvester pine has been prized for its medicinal properties dating back to the middle ages. Its wood is currently used in carpentry and furniture building, and the essential oil is extracted from its buds or resin.
fruity, exotic, pineapple, sweet, lactonic, tart
Fruity and juicy pineapple offers an tropical experience full of sweetness with a slightly milky effect and hints of tartness.
The name pineapple comes from the similarity of the fruit to a pine cone. The pineapple is a symbol of hospitality and can often be seen in carved decorations.
Sweet, Citrus, Grapefruit, Sugary, Zesty, Tart, Juicy
Pink Grapefruit has a juicy, refreshing quality with many facets, from the sweet flesh to the tart rind.
Grapefruit is a hybrid native to Jamaica and Pacific Isles and is an accidental cross between two introduced species, sweet orange and pomelo or shaddock, both of which were introduced from Asia in the 17th century.
Sweet, Nutty, Salty, Creamy, Tonka, Roasted
Nutty, green, and roasted, this indulgent note has a salty yet sweet character with a creamy, tonka-like effect.
Pistachios split open naturally when they ripen. They get their rich colors from a variety of antioxidants and phytonutrients; deep purple hues in the skin come from anthocyanin, while catechin, lutein, and zeaxanthin are responsible for the yellow-to-green color of the nut meat.
fruity, plum, berry, honey
Plum is rich, sweet, and fruity with ripe berry and honey notes.
Plums are part of the Rosaceae family, along with peaches and apricots. Most of the plums cultivated in the United States are hybrids originating from the Japanese plum.
plumeria, gardenia, creamy, lactonic, peach
Plumeria has a gardenia-like scent that is soft with fruity, creamy peach lactonic nuances.
Plumeria flowers are often associated with Hawaiian culture and are commonly used to make leis, which are traditional Hawaiian flower garlands.
sweet, fruity, red fruit, green, citrus
Pomegranate is sublty sweet red fruit with slightly tart citrus qualities.
Pomegranates have been cultivated and enjoyed by humans for thousands of years. Evidence of their use dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks, Egyptians, and Persians.
toasted, buttery, sweet, gourmand
Fresh, toasted and buttery or sweetened with vanilla and caramel notes, popcorn evokes the nostalgia of movie theaters and boardwalks.
Popcorn is one of the world's oldest snack foods, with evidence of its consumption dating back to at least 3600 BC in Peru.
soft, gentle, subtle, fresh, dry, clean
Powdery scents are soft, clean, and enveloping.
Dusting powders were used to absorb sweat and odor in the early twentieth century. As a result, the scent of powder became associated with freshness, luxury, and sophistication.
balsamic, burnt sugar, milky, ambery, nutty, caramel
Praline candy is made from sugar, cream, butter, and almonds or pecans. The aroma is warm, ambery, nutty, balsamic, and milky.
During the 19th century, New Orleans chefs substituted pecans for almonds in the traditional French praline recipe, then added cream to thicken the confection for the American South's rendition of this candy.
fruity, fall, aromatic, strong, cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, sweet, cozy, warm, fresh
Pumpkin is sweet and warm, with hints of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg.
The word "pumpkin" comes from the Greek word "pepon," which means "large melon."
sweet, fruity, berry, gourmand
Raisin is sweet and tart with berry and woody nuances.
Raisins are said to be an accidental discovery from ancient Persia or Egypt when growers happened upon grapes mistakenly left to dry in the sun.
fruity, red fruit, juicy, creamy, powdery, sweet
Raspberry offers fruity softness with tart, creamy, and powdery undertones.
Raspberry's name is thought to be related to Old English term "rasp," or "rough berry."
green, fresh, leaf, fruit, tart, florals, vibrant, bright
Red currant is vibrant and fresh, with fruity, green and tart notes.
Red currant is originally from Western Europe, and is used for a popular French jelly called Bar-le-duc, named after the town it's prepared in.
aromatic, gourmand, floral, citrus, fruity, earthy, grape, berries, cherry, plum
Red wine combines various berries, cherries, and plum notes with fruit, floral, and mineral tones.
A ton of grapes can be produced into 720 bottles of wine.
tart, sharp, refreshing, sweet, fruity, green
Rhubarb is green and fruity with tart and acidic gourmand qualities.
Rhubarb is actually a vegetable, despite its popularity in sweet dessert dishes. So, feel free to count your next slice of rhubarb pies as one of your daily vegetable servings!
floral, sensual, powdery, romantic, sweet
The traditional aroma of rose is sweet, floral, and romantic with warm and slightly spicy undertones.
The roses most commonly used in perfumery are the Turkish rose, the Damask rose, and the Centifolia rose from Grasse.
aromatic, herbaceous, fresh, camphorated, eucalyptus, woody
Rosemary has an aromatic, fresh, eucalyptus, and woody aroma that gives freshness with its characteristic herbal and camphorous quality.
Rosemary, or Rosmarinus officinalis, is native to the Mediterranean region and is thought to grow better by the sea. The name Rosmarinus is derived from the Latin words ros and marinus, which translate to dew of the sea together.
gourmand, woody, liquorous, fruity
Woody and ambery, rum brings a charismatic alcohol note with fruity, oak wood, and bourbon vanilla accents.
Rum is a spirit obtained from sugar cane fermentation and is believed to have first appeared either in India or China.
aromatic, rich, warm, spicy, soft, leathery, woody, floral
Saffron has a distinct aroma often described as floral, warm, and spicy with undertones similar to hay. It has honey tones and a slight metallic quality that some describe as bitter.
Saffron is one of the most ancient perfume ingredients, popular in Ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome. It was often used as a single note perfume, as well as in more complex blends.
herbal, camphorous, rosemary
Sage is herbal and camphorous with subtle fruity and spicy undertones similar to rosemary.
Sage is an aromatic plant native to the Mediterranean region and widely used in Mediterranean cuisine for its unique camphorated taste.
woody, creamy, sweet, balsamic, cedar, warm, spicy
Sandalwood has a rich wood tonality with soft, creamy, and sweet accents. Its creamy and woody character brings roundness and sensuality to fragrance blends.
The earliest records of sandalwood in Ayurvedic texts are estimated to date back as far as 500 BCE, making sandalwood oil one of the most ancient fragrance ingredients still used today.
marine, oceanic, aromatic, watery, salty
Sea salt combines airy, salty, watery, and oceanic notes and evokes the feeling of refreshing oceanside salt air.
Most people agree that time on the beach boosts their mood, and salt air may be a factor. Sea salt in the water charges the oceanside air with negative ions, which are thought to positively impact mood and energy. So if you're someone who just loves the beach, salty air could be a contributing factor!
creamy, vanilla, gourmand, sweet, buttery
Creamy and buttery, shea notes are slightly sweet with hints of vanilla.
Famously beloved by Cleopatra, shea butter is made from the Shea tree nut, native to West Africa.
smoky, woody, warm, dry
Smoke notes exude the resinous, woody, smoldering warmth of glimmering coals.
Smoke notes are often used to evoke nostalgia, like sitting fireside in a cabin or gathering with friends around a firepit or a campfire.
minty, aromatic, herbaceous, sweet, fresh, sharp
Spearmint has a pleasant aromatic, sweet and minty facet. It bring freshness and uplifting characteristics to a fragrance.
Peppermint has a stronger, more intense flavor than spearmint, which has a slightly sweeter taste and a more subtle cooling effect.
cold, warm, effervescent, intense, vibrant
Spice a vibrant blend of warm and cold spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamon and pink pepper. A touch of spice is enough to ensure the originality of a fragrance.
The flavor and aroma of many spices is enhanced by heat because it helps release their oils, so many chefs toast or roast them before adding them to a dish.
woody, balsamic, fir, green, resinous, spicy, leathery, warm, fresh
Spruce has a woody, resinous and fresh green scent. It brings warmth and balsamic facets to a fragrance.
Spruce is an evergreen coniferous tree belonging to the Pinaceae, or pine, family. Most species of spruce grow 60 to 200 feet tall.
fruity, red fruit, fresh, juicy, sweet
Strawberry has a juicy, fruity gourmand signature with a fresh sweetness reminiscent of summertime.
Despite their name, Strawberries are not true berries. Instead, a strawberry is an aggregate fruit made up of multiple achenes, each of which has a seed on the outside. Other fruits like raspberries, blackberries, and boysenberries are also aggregate fruits.
sweet, gourmand, sugary, powdery
The scent of sugar is sweet and gourmand with characteristics similar to caramel.
The amounts and types of sugars plants produce vary based on climate, soil type, and genetics. Some plants are known for their sugar production, such as sugarcane, sugar beets, maple trees (for maple syrup), and agave plants (for agave nectar).
zesty, citrus, juicy, orange, bright, sweet, fruity
Tangerine is zesty, sweet, and fruity with hints of neroli and honey.
A tangerine tree is much smaller than most of the other citrus fruit trees.
woody, masculine, bold, fresh, earthy, green, rich, warm, spicy, strong
Teakwood has a rich, woody and warm scent. It has a pleasant earthy aroma with fresh and slightly spicy characteristics.
Teak is the common name for the tropical hardwood tree species, Tectona grandis, which grows to over 130 feet tall.
sweet, strong, gourmand, alcohol, pepper, citrus, mild, light, subtle
Tequila has a subtle, clean, and slightly sweet scent with a hint of citrus and pepper.
Tequila is made from the blue agave plant, which can take 8 to 12 years to mature before it can be harvested for tequila production.
aromatic, resinous, spicy, leathery, medicinal
Thyme is herbaceous and aromatic with a slightly camphorous undertone. Its aroma is warm, comforting, and refreshing.
During the Renaissance period, thyme was a popular ingredient in "pomanders," which were small, fragrant balls made from a mixture of herbs and spices. These pomanders were carried in pockets or worn as jewelry to mask unpleasant odors and to provide a pleasant fragrance.
warm, earthy, sweet, aromatic, balsamic
Tobacco Leaves has a warm, sweet and aromatic scent. It is earthy, slightly smokey and rounded with honey-like charactics.
Tobacco is derived from the leaves of the genus Nicotiana, a plant from the nightshade family that's native to North and South America.
green, leafy, fresh, aromatic, earthy
Tomato leaf is a green, earthy, fresh aromatic scent with green, sticky, and fruity qualities.
Tomato leaves' aroma is believed to be a defense mechanism against pests and disease. Oils stored in hair-like structures on the stems and leaves of tomato plants are responsible for the distinct scent, which explains why it transfers so easily to our hands!
sweet, spicy, nutty, herbaceous, woody, vanilla, tobaco, warm, seductive
The scent of tonka bean is deep, warm, and sweet with hints of caramel, almond, vanilla, and clove.
Tonka beans are actually seeds. They come from the flowering tree Dipteryx odorata, native to South America.
floral, white fower, green, spicy, fruity, lactonic, jasmine, animalic
Tuberose is a distinctive white floral with lactonic tones. Spicy and warm, it has a fruity green top and animalic, honey-like undertones reminiscent of jasmine and orange flower.
Tuberose is said to smell more powerful after dark, and there's truth to this legend! Also known as Polianthes tuberosa, tuberose is pollinated by moths instead of bees or butterflies. To attract the nocturnal moths, the tuberose flower emits a more potent scent at night.
Floral, Fruity, Green
Slightly sweet and petal-forward, tulip is often characterized by a green, floral, and fruity aroma.
Tulips are descendants of wildflowers native to Central Asia. At present, over 3,500 named varieties of tulips are known.
warm, aromatic, gourmand, sweet, rich, comforting
Vanilla has a rich, sweet, and gourmand aroma that's familiar and comforting, with cocooning notes of caramel.
Vanilla is the only edible fruit of the orchid family, the largest family of flowering plants in the world.
lemon, fresh, citrusy, floral, green
Verbena's aroma is fresh and citrusy, with lemon-like and floral undertones.
When the leaves of the verbena plant are crushed, they release a burst of fragrance reminiscent of lemon.
woody, earthy, rooty, smoky, nutty, powdery
Vetiver has an earthy, smoky, and powdery character. It's often used in compositions to enhance woody and leathery notes, but is also a fantastic complement to marine/ozonic, green, and citrus fragrances.
Vetiver oil is made from the roots of the vetiver plant, a type of perennial grass native to India. The roots of vetiver are known for their strength and depth and are often used in soil conservation and land rehabilitation projects.
floral, powdery, soft, romantic, feminine, fresh
Violet flowers smell soft, sweet, and powdery. This note is often used to add a fresh and romantic character to fragrances.
Ionone, the compound responsible for violet's natural scent, activates our scent receptors but then binds to them and renders them inactive, meaning we can only briefly perceive violet's scent. Moments later, the scent resurfaces as a new stimulus since the brain did not perceive it moments earlier, so each encounter with violet feels like the first time.
alcohol, sweet, fruity, dry, sharp
When served neat or in cocktails, vodka can have a subtle alcoholic scent that's slightly sweet or fruity. In fragrances, vodka notes help differentiate beverage scents and convey the feeling of enjoying a cocktail.
Though grains like wheat, rye, barley, and corn are the most common sources of vodka, it can also be distilled from potatoes, grapes, and molasses.
gourmand, fruity, nutty, salty, warm
This gourmand note is reminiscent of a freshly opened walnut. With its rich, warm, salty, and slightly earthy qualities, this walnut is both inviting and comforting.
Botanically speaking, the walnut is not actually a true nut but rather the seed of a drupe. People have used pigments derived from walnut husks for centuries to create durable ink; it's even believed that Leonardo da Vinci and Rembrandt utilized this ink in their works!
fruity, watery, fresh, green, sweet
Watermelon notes are fresh, fruity, watery, green, and slightly sweet. Often used in tropical and summertime fragrances, this note illustrates the experience of slicing through a perfectly ripe, crisp fruit and elicits memories of carefree summer days.
Watermelon is a vine-like flowering plant that originated in northeast Africa. Egyptian tomb paintings indicate that watermelons were eaten in the Nile Valley as a dessert over 4,000 years ago.
gourmand, bitter, dry, clean, subtle, heavy, smooth, creamy, rich, earthy
Whiskey has a dry yet smooth and creamy aroma. Often described as smokey, gourmand, and woody, this note adds a mature touch to fragrances and often evokes memories of leisure and celebration.
The parallels between whiskey and fragrance are plentiful. Whiskey distillers use aromatic notes to convey a concept; you'll see many of the same notes, like woody, fruity, and floral, in the fragrance world! Tasting wheels—similar to our Fragrance Wheel—are employed for evaluation and pairing whiskies with meals or experiences.
creamy, milky, sweet, gourmand, smooth, vanilla
White chocolate has a sweet, milky, gourmand aroma with hints of smooth vanilla.
White chocolate is made from cocoa butter, sugar, and milk solids. However, it's not technically chocolate because it does not contain cocoa particles.
crisp, watery, floral, acidic, fruity, peach, melon, apple, pear
With a watery and subtle aroma that's both smooth and refreshing, this light floral note exudes spa-like luxury.
White tea is made from the youngest tea leaves and buds, which are picked before they fully open. This tea variety requires a high level of expertise to process, and it is only harvested for a short period each year. As a result, white tea is often considered a luxurious, opulent variety.
crisp, watery, floral, acidic, fruity, peach, melon, apple, pear
Aromas of white wine include citrus, peaches, apples, pears, and melons. A balanced and fruity floral, it can also have crisp aromatic elements.
White wine is made with green or yellow grapes, which are the grapes that have not had a chance to fully ripen.
creamy, dry, earthy, long-lasting, rich, sensual, smoky, warm
Woods can be subtle or rich, dry or wet, soft or strong. These textures bring elegance, structure and character to fragances.
Sensual, warm, and earthy wood textures were traditionally masculine, but modern fragrance houses utilize them in various fragrances to add sophisticated intrigue and evoke feelings of nature. Sandalwood, cedar, pine, and vetiver are a few typical woody notes, but they all feature different olfactive qualities.
floral, white floral, opulent, sweet, spicy, exotic
Ylang Ylang (pronounced ee-lang ee-lang) is floral, sweet, and warm. With its spicy and exotic vibes, this romantic floral is an excellent choice for those who aren't typically fans of floral notes. For perfumers, the Ylang Ylang flower is a composition in itself.
Ylang Ylang is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and translates to "flower of flowers" in Tagalog, a language of the Philippines. A favorite of perfumers for centuries, Ylang Ylang's popularity made its way West when one of the most iconic perfumes in history, Chanel No. 5, was released in 1921.
Citrus, Aromatic, Bitter, Acidulous, Juicy, Mandarin, Cassis
This citrusy note is reminiscent of lemon and mandarin with a fizzy yet slightly bitter quality.
Yuzu is a citrus fruit from East Asia. It's too bitter to eat alone, but its taste is described as a cross between an orange, grapefruit, and lemon.
