Opoponax is a gum resin from the Commiphora tree family which features woody, oriental smells, with hints of honey and incense. This perfume ingredient has a smoky profile, lending a bold, exotic touch to an array of unisex perfumes. Its distilled oils have been prized for centuries for their medicinal properties, as well as the…
Labdanum mimics the scent of amber, though it can also be described as having a smoky, strange smell. It smells slightly leathery yet sweet, with a tiny hint of amber. The warm vanilla notes in this dry musk, combined with its leathery scent, create a rich profile, making it a great choice as a base…
Aldehydes are known for their sweet smells and, at times, pungent tones. Aldehydes are present in almost all scents. Many are found in natural materials including citrus rind, rose, citronella oil, and cinnamon bark. However, they can also be produced synthetically in a lab. The production of these synthetic materials means that almost any aroma…
Iso E Super is a synthetic chemical used in perfumery for its warm, woody perfume that’s uniquely soft and warm. Almost undetectable on its own, it emits mesmerizing notes of sandalwood or patchouli for a sensation as smooth as velvet when used in perfumes. Today, this rich substance is a key component in the high-end…
Oud has a rich, leathery, scent profile. Commonly thought to be reminiscent of leather and spices, oud is a scent that is both seductive and intoxicating. The depth of scent within the fragrance allows it to linger on your skin. Imagine a campfire that has burnt down to its embers mingled with a sweeter, almost…
Incense is a biotic material that emits an earthy, woody, and spicy oriental fragrance. Depending on the aromatic plants used, it can smell like resin with exotic, yet warm hints of smoke. Incense has been used in spiritual rites and folk medicine for centuries. Today, it’s prized for the oriental scent it evokes in many…
Violet is a perennial flower with a sweet, powdery perfume that features a slightly fruity, floral scent. Perfumers associate its smell with romance, delicacy, and softness, making it a key ingredient in feminine and botany-inspired perfumes. Today, violets are commonly used in aromatherapy and perfumery, as well as a natural remedy for respiratory or skin…
Myrrh is a gum resin renowned for its oriental, resinous smell that ranges from woody to medicinal. Depending on the distillation process, myrrh can occasionally emit a citrus perfume with smokey hints. This uniquely scented compound has been utilized in medicine, spirituality, and some of the most iconic perfumes, including Eau Sauvage by Christian Dior….
Lavender is distinctive for its light, fresh floral scent, and aromatic herbal notes. Depending on the exact variety of lavender, the fragrance can range from sweet and mild to rich and spicy. The unmistakable aroma of lavender and its soothing properties make it a staple of perfumery and aromatherapy. Whether it’s used to adorn herb…
Have you ever taken a walk through an evergreen forest? If you have, you might have an idea of how cedarwood smells. If you haven’t, true cedar features a camphoraceous top note with a woodsy, balsamic undertone, while red cedar mostly smells like a freshly sharpened pencil. Unlike most fragrance ingredients, cedarwood, or rather, cedarwood…