Celebrating different notes in the perfumery | thescentbase.com

The Olfactory Library

Welcome to the building blocks of the invisible art. If a perfume is a symphony, then these are the individual notes on the sheet music—the singular elements that the perfumer arranges to create a melody that lingers on your skin.


Whether you are here to understand why you adore Vetiver but detest Patchouli, or simply to find out what "Iso E Super" actually is, this library is your guide.

Florals

The undisputed heart of perfumery, ranging from the innocent whisper of a spring muguet to the narcotic, carnal shout of a tuberose. These notes provide the romance and the texture, proving that flowers are far too complex to be considered merely 'pretty'.

Buddleia note image

Buddleia

The Butterfly Bush, smelling sweet, honeyed, and slightly almond-like. It attracts pollinators and noses alike.

Iris Pallida note image

Iris Pallida

The finest variety of iris. It is softer, sweeter, and more chocolatey than other types.

Blue Poppy note image

Blue Poppy

A Himalayan flower with a cool, earthy floral scent. It feels rare and mountainous.

Kudzu note image

Kudzu

The vine that ate the South. The flowers smell remarkably like grape soda.

Lavender note image

Lavender

The quintessential aromatic. It balances floral sweetness with herbal camphor—calming, clean, and classic.

Cardamom Flower note image

Cardamom Flower

Floral with spicy undertones. It connects the fresh spice to a petal texture.

Clover note image

Clover

Sweet, grassy, and hay-like. It evokes open fields and country air.

Pelargonium note image

Pelargonium

The botanical name for scented geraniums. Rosy, minty, and green.

Coffee Blossom note image

Coffee Blossom

A white flower that smells like jasmine with a coffee nuance. Rare and beautiful.

Azteca Lily note image

Azteca Lily

A striking red flower with a scent that is fresh and slightly spicy. It feels vibrant and Central American.

Princess Tree (Paulownia) note image

Princess Tree (Paulownia)

Vanilla-scented purple flowers.

Taif Rose note image

Taif Rose

A rich, tea-like rose from Saudi Arabia. Spicy and deep.

Larkspur note image

Larkspur

Delphinium. A mild, clean floral scent.

Calla Lily note image

Calla Lily

Elegant and architectural, smelling faintly green and floral. It is more about the visual fantasy than a strong scent.

Silk Tree Blossom note image

Silk Tree Blossom

Albizia. Sweet, fruity, and fluffy.

Rhododendron note image

Rhododendron

Balsamic, herbal, and floral. It smells wilder than a garden flower.

Siberian Rhododendron note image

Siberian Rhododendron

Labrador Tea. Leathery and herbal.

Ashoka Flower note image

Ashoka Flower

A sacred Indian flower with a soft, orange-like floral scent. It is culturally significant and smells gently exotic.

Begonia note image

Begonia

A mild floral scent with lemon-like nuances. It is fresh and unobtrusive, used for a light floral touch.

Strawberry Flower note image

Strawberry Flower

Mild floral.

View All Florals Notes

Fruits, Nuts & Savoury Notes

This is the scent of the orchard and the vegetable patch rather than the patisserie, capturing the crisp snap of an apple or the earthy grit of a carrot. These notes add a mouth-watering texture and vitality, bringing a sense of abundance and natural realism that prevents a fragrance from feeling too abstract.

Papaya note image

Papaya

Sweet, musky, and faintly vomit-like (butyric). It’s a polarizing tropical fruit.

Grape Seed note image

Grape Seed

Oily and mild. Mostly adds texture.

Buriti note image

Buriti

An Amazonian palm fruit smelling oily, woody, and fruity. It is exotic and rich.

Cantaloupe note image

Cantaloupe

Sweet, watery orange melon. It smells fresh, aquatic, and summery.

Banana note image

Banana

Creamy, sweet, and tropical. Depending on the use, it can smell like artificial candy or a lush, green jungle plant.

Coconut Water note image

Coconut Water

Fresh, transparent, and lightly sweet. It adds a quenching hydration.

Coco De Mer note image

Coco De Mer

The sea coconut. It smells marine, nutty, and woody.

Cherry note image

Cherry

Sweet, tart, and almond-like. It adds a playful red fruitiness.

Cauliflower note image

Cauliflower

Sulfurous and vegetal. A savory note for experimental compositions.

Corn note image

Corn

Sweet, starchy, and milky. Unusual in perfume, savory-sweet.

Blackberry note image

Blackberry

Dark, juicy, and sweet-tart. It smells deeply fruity with a hint of musk, evocative of hedgerows in late summer.

cocoa shell note image

cocoa shell

The outer husk of the bean. It smells like dry, dusty chocolate.

Daikon Radish note image

Daikon Radish

Peppery, crisp, and watery. It adds a sharp, earthy crunch that feels decidedly modern and savory.

Ashberry note image

Ashberry

The fruit of the Rowan tree, smelling tart, bitter, and wild. It adds a sharp, foraging vibe to fruity notes.

Argan note image

Argan

Nutty, oily, and rich, recalling luxurious hair treatments. It adds a smooth, fatty depth to the base of a fragrance.

Apple note image

Apple

Crisp, juicy, and refreshingly innocent. It brings a bright, shampoo-fresh crunch that cuts through heavier notes.

Dark Plum Wu Mei note image

Dark Plum Wu Mei

Smoked, dried plums used in Chinese medicine. It smells sour, smoky, and distinctively savory-fruity.

Fig Milk note image

Fig Milk

The white sap of the tree. It smells creamy, woody, and slightly bitter.

Green Anjou Pears note image

Green Anjou Pears

Crisp and watery pear. Less sweet than other varieties.

Feijoa Fruit note image

Feijoa Fruit

Pineapple Guava. It smells distinctively medicinal, minty, and fruity.

View All Fruits, Nuts & Savoury Notes Notes

Musk, Amber, Animalic Smells

These are the sensual heavyweights that linger on the skin long after the citrus has fled, providing warmth, depth, and a certain human intimacy. From the cozy, golden glow of amber to the primitive, purring growl of civet, these notes transform a simple scent into a living, breathing entity.

Sylkolide note image

Sylkolide

A refined musk. Fruity and powdery.

Akashic Acord note image

Akashic Acord

A fantasy concept note meant to evoke the ether or spiritual archives. Usually smells airy, mineral, and impossible to pin down.

Daim note image

Daim

The French term for suede; it smells softer and more velvety than full leather. It evokes the inside of a luxury handbag.

Muskrat note image

Muskrat

An animalic musk. Similar to civet but soapier.

Tolu Balsam note image

Tolu Balsam

Sweet resin. Cinnamon and vanilla scent.

Cetalox note image

Cetalox

A sleek, clean ambergris synthetic famously used as a standalone in 'Not A Perfume'. It smells purely of amber and skin.

Leather note image

Leather

Tanned hide, birch tar, and smoke. Whether harsh or soft, it adds a distinct skin-like toughness.

Ambretone note image

Ambretone

A sweet, musky amber note that is very diffusive. It creates a soft, radiant aura around the wearer.

Kyphi note image

Kyphi

Ancient Egyptian incense recipe. Smells of wine, raisins, honey, and resins.

Exaltolide® note image

Exaltolide®

A refined, elegant musk. It adds a subtle animalic radiance and polish.

Kephalis note image

Kephalis

A synthetic wood note smelling of warm amber, tobacco, and old wood.

Civettone note image

Civettone

A synthetic musk that replicates the warmth of civet without the cruelty or fecal edge. It is velvety and smooth.

Sea Shells note image

Sea Shells

Calcium and salt. Dry mineral scent.

Skin note image

Skin

Salty, warm, and musky. The smell of a human being.

Bacon note image

Bacon

Smoky, salty, and meaty—a novelty note for the brave. It adds a savory, breakfast-time shock to a composition.

Ambrettolide note image

Ambrettolide

A vegan musk molecule with fruity, floral undertones. It brings a soft, soapy cleanliness and exceptional longevity.

Cheese note image

Cheese

Salty, fatty, and funky. In tiny doses, it adds richness to gourmands or oud.

Animal Notes note image

Animal Notes

A catch-all for smells that are furry, warm, and slightly dirty. They add a carnal, living breath to a perfume that makes it sexy.

Goat Hair note image

Goat Hair

Animalic, musky, and distinctly barnyard. It adds a feral, rustic warmth.

Truffle note image

Truffle

Fungus not chocolate. Earthy, musky, and savory.

View All Musk, Amber, Animalic Smells Notes

Beverages

Whether it is the effervescent joy of champagne, the roasted bitterness of espresso, or the warming embrace of a good cognac, these notes add a distinct 'flavour' to the air. They invoke specific moods and social rituals, taking the wearer from a morning café to a dimly lit jazz bar in a single spritz.

Goldwasser note image

Goldwasser

A herbal liqueur with gold flakes. Smells of anise, caraway, and citrus.

Mezcal note image

Mezcal

Smoky tequila. Agave, smoke, and earth.

Wine must note image

Wine must

Freshly crushed grape juice. Sweet and raw.

Liquor note image

Liquor

Generic alcohol note. Sharp, volatile, and warming.

Campari note image

Campari

Bitter herbal liqueur. It smells medicinal, citrusy, and red.

Soy Milk note image

Soy Milk

Bean milk. Nutty, vegetal, and creamy.

Cachaça note image

Cachaça

Brazilian sugarcane spirit. It smells sweet, vegetal, and funky, different from rum.

Syrup note image

Syrup

Sugar water. Thick and sweet.

Bohea (Wuyi Tea) note image

Bohea (Wuyi Tea)

A smoky, oxidized oolong tea. It smells woody, roasted, and sophisticated.

Limoncello note image

Limoncello

Italian lemon liqueur. Intense, sweet lemon zest and alcohol.

Buttermilk note image

Buttermilk

Sour, creamy, and tangy. It adds a fermented lactic quality that cuts sweetness.

Advocaat note image

Advocaat

A rich, creamy liqueur scent smelling of vanilla, brandy, and custard. It is thick and indulgent, adding a boozy sweetness to the mix.

Moonshine note image

Moonshine

Corn whiskey. Raw, harsh alcohol scent.

Tequila note image

Tequila

Agave spirit. Earthy, alcoholic, and weird.

Coca-Cola note image

Coca-Cola

Effervescent and spicy with notes of cinnamon and lime. It brings a playful, nostalgic sweetness that feels decidedly American yet oddly chic.

Kava Drink note image

Kava Drink

Earthy, muddy, and pepper-like. It smells distinctly rooty.

Blackcurrant Juice note image

Blackcurrant Juice

Sweet, syrupy, and intensely fruity. It smells like Ribena, bringing a nostalgic, thirst-quenching vibe.

Pina Colada note image

Pina Colada

Coconut cream, pineapple, and rum. The ultimate holiday scent.

Cognac note image

Cognac

Aged grape brandy. It smells warm, fruity, woody, and expensive.

Daiquiri note image

Daiquiri

Lime, rum, and sugar. It creates a zesty, sweet, and boozy accord that smells like a summer holiday.

View All Beverages Notes

Molecules, Minerals & Curiosities

This is the avant-garde laboratory of the perfumer, featuring everything from the smell of hot rain on asphalt to the invisible radiance of Iso E Super. These notes are often less about a specific 'smell' and more about a texture, a feeling, or an atmospheric vibration that gives modern fragrances their edge.

Gourmand

An unapologetically hedonistic category dedicated to the pleasures of the patisserie, featuring dripping caramel, fluffy cotton candy, and rich chocolate. While purists may scoff, there is a profound, primal comfort in these sugary notes that bypasses the brain and goes straight to the stomach—and the heart.

Strawberry Syrup note image

Strawberry Syrup

Cooked sugar and artificial fruit.

Candied Orange note image

Candied Orange

Sweet, sticky orange peel. It smells festive, often associated with Christmas cakes.

Dragibus note image

Dragibus

A specific French jelly bean. It smells fruity, sticky, and artificial.

Calissons d'Aix note image

Calissons d'Aix

A French candy made of melon and almond paste. It smells fruity, nutty, and sweet.

Baked Apple note image

Baked Apple

Warm, soft fruit with caramelized sugars. It lacks the crispness of fresh apple, replacing it with comforting warmth.

Creamsicle note image

Creamsicle

Orange and vanilla ice cream. A nostalgic summer treat scent.

Coconut Pie note image

Coconut Pie

Custard, crust, and coconut. Sweet and dessert-like.

Gianduia note image

Gianduia

Chocolate and hazelnut paste. It is rich, nutty, and sweet (think Nutella).

Cotton Candy note image

Cotton Candy

Spun sugar. It smells of ethyl maltol—sweet, burnt, and airy.

Baklava note image

Baklava

Layers of phyllo pastry, nuts, and honey. It is intensely sweet, nutty, and sticky—a true sugar rush.

Halva note image

Halva

Sesame paste and sugar. Nutty, oily, and dense.

Donut or Doughnut note image

Donut or Doughnut

Fried dough and sugar glaze. It smells oily, sweet, and comforting.

Fougassette note image

Fougassette

A Provencal bread flavored with orange blossom. Yeasty and floral.

Churros note image

Churros

Fried dough and cinnamon sugar. It is greasy, sweet, and comforting.

Biscuit note image

Biscuit

The smell of baked flour, butter, and sugar. It creates a warm, comforting aura of tea-time treats.

Brown Sugar note image

Brown Sugar

Sweetness with a molasses depth. It smells darker and more caramelized than white sugar.

Cheesecake note image

Cheesecake

Cream cheese, sugar, and crust. It is tangy, creamy, and heavy.

Jiuniang (Sweet Fermented Rice Wine) note image

Jiuniang (Sweet Fermented Rice Wine)

Boozy, sweet, and yeasty. It smells like warm rice pudding with a kick.

Strawberry Fizz Candy note image

Strawberry Fizz Candy

Sherbet powder. Artificial and tangy.

Cereals note image

Cereals

The smell of breakfast grains. Toasty, comforting, and wheaty.

View All Gourmand Notes

Woods & Earth

The stoic backbone of fragrance, grounding the flightier notes with the scent of ancient trunks, dry bark, and the damp, shadowed floor of the forest. Ranging from the creamy spirituality of sandalwood to the dry, pencil-shaving snap of cedar, these notes provide structure, longevity, and a timeless elegance.

White Flowers

A distinct league of floral powerhouses including Tuberose, Jasmine, and Gardenia, known for their creamy, narcotic heaviness that often intensifies as the sun goes down. Unlike their shy daylight cousins, these blooms possess a carnal, indolic undertone—a whisper of animalic warmth amidst the sweetness—that makes them unapologetically sensual and dominating.

Karo-Karounde note image

Karo-Karounde

An African flower smelling of jasmine, chocolate, and spices. It is rich and dark.

Lily note image

Lily

Spicy, waxy, and heady. It smells regal and sometimes slightly salty/meaty.

Black Locust note image

Black Locust

A tree with white flowers that smell intensely sweet and honeyed, similar to orange blossom but heavier.

White Tobacco note image

White Tobacco

Nicotiana flower. Sweet and jasmine-like.

Arum Lily note image

Arum Lily

A fleshy white floral scent that can be slightly animalic. It smells grand and imposing, like a wedding bouquet.

Stephanotis note image

Stephanotis

Madagascar Jasmine. Waxy, sweet, and bridal.

Syringa note image

Syringa

Lilac. Sweet and fresh.

Tiare Flower note image

Tiare Flower

Tahitian Gardenia. Creamy, tropical, and sweet.

White Flowers note image

White Flowers

A genre (Jasmine, Tuberose, Gardenia). Indolic, creamy, and heady.

Datura note image

Datura

A poisonous flower with a narcotic, almond-like floral scent. It smells dangerous, heavy, and hypnotic.

Frangipani note image

Frangipani

Plumeria. Thick, creamy, and tropical, smelling of almonds and fruit. It is the scent of a holiday.

Mandarin Orange Blossom note image

Mandarin Orange Blossom

Floral and honeyed.

Tuberose note image

Tuberose

Carnal, creamy, and loud. It smells of flesh, bubblegum, and green stems.

Mock Orange note image

Mock Orange

Philadelphus. Smells intensely like orange blossom but sweeter.

Lemon Blossom note image

Lemon Blossom

Waxy white floral with a citrus edge. Fresh and pretty.

Moon Flower note image

Moon Flower

Ipomoea alba. A night-blooming vine smelling sweet and musky.

Carissa note image

Carissa

Natal Plum blossoms, smelling similar to gardenia and jasmine. A lush, white floral.

Melati note image

Melati

Indonesian Jasmine. Sweet and tea-like.

Gardenia note image

Gardenia

Heady, creamy white floral with a distinct mushroomy or blue cheese undertone. It is lush and narcotic.

Tangerine Blossom note image

Tangerine Blossom

Sweet white floral.

View All White Flowers Notes

Botanicals & Aromatics

This is the scent of the apothecary’s garden and the gentleman’s barber, full of crushed leaves, bracing mint, and the calming herbaceousness of lavender. These notes cut through heat and heaviness with a savory, green clarity that feels restorative, intelligent, and famously spirited.

Kunzea note image

Kunzea

Tasmanian shrub. Smells medicinal, clean, and spicy like eucalyptus.

Mistletoe note image

Mistletoe

Green and woody. Not very fragrant, mostly symbolic.

Ivy note image

Ivy

Dark green, bitter, and slightly spicy. It evokes cold stone walls and shaded gardens.

Chuan Xiong note image

Chuan Xiong

Szechuan Lovage. It smells spicy and herbal.

Bagas de Zimbro note image

Bagas de Zimbro

Juniper berries in Portuguese. Piney, resinous, and gin-like, they provide a crisp, aromatic lift.

Earl Grey Tea note image

Earl Grey Tea

Black tea infused with bergamot oil. It is citrusy, tannic, and utterly civilized.

Juniper note image

Juniper

The smell of gin. Piney, peppery, and crisp, it adds a cold freshness.

Jatamansi or Spikenard note image

Jatamansi or Spikenard

A Himalayan root with a heavy, earthy, musky scent. It feels ancient and spiritual.

Henna note image

Henna

Earthy, dry, and hay-like. It smells like the powdered dye.

Jambu note image

Jambu

The toothache plant. It smells herbal and creates a tingling, electric sensation.

Blackberry Leaf note image

Blackberry Leaf

Green, earthy, and slightly tart. It smells like the bush rather than the berry, adding a natural roughness.

Jojoba note image

Jojoba

An odorless oil in reality, but in perfume, it represents a nutty, waxy texture.

Dried Fallen Leaves note image

Dried Fallen Leaves

Crunchy, brown, and earthy. It captures the exact smell of an autumn walk.

White Meranti note image

White Meranti

Tropical wood.

Pesto note image

Pesto

Basil, pine nuts, and garlic. Very savory and Italian.

Cactus note image

Cactus

Green, watery, and succulent. It evokes the desert after rain, fresh and clean.

Geranium Macrorrhizum (Zdravetz) note image

Geranium Macrorrhizum (Zdravetz)

Bulgarian geranium. It smells more woody, herbal, and spicy than the floral variety.

Algae note image

Algae

A slimy, green, oceanic scent that is iodine-heavy and salty. It brings the true, funky smell of the seaside rather than the sanitized version.

Grass note image

Grass

Freshly cut lawn. Green, sweet, and chlorophyll-heavy.

Crithmum note image

Crithmum

Rock Samphire. It smells aromatic, salty, and like lemon oil.

View All Botanicals & Aromatics Notes

Spices

These ingredients bring the heat and the vibration, adding a three-dimensional hum to a composition that tickles the nose and wakes up the palate. From the cooling, camphorous touch of cardamom to the fiery crackle of black pepper, spices prevent a fragrance from ever feeling flat or boring.

Priprioca note image

Priprioca

A Brazilian root. Smells woody, spicy, and grassy.

Pimento Seeds note image

Pimento Seeds

Peppery and dry.

Cacao Pod note image

Cacao Pod

The raw bean smell—bitter, dusty, and earthy. It is chocolate before the sugar is added.

Cassia note image

Cassia

Chinese cinnamon. It smells hotter, sharper, and woodier than true cinnamon.

Japanese Pepper note image

Japanese Pepper

Sansho pepper. It smells intensely lemony and creates a numbing effect.

Peppertree note image

Peppertree

Schinus molle. Resinous, woody, and peppery.

West Indian Bay note image

West Indian Bay

Pimenta racemosa. Clove-like and spicy (Bay Rum).

Coffee CO2 note image

Coffee CO2

A photorealistic roasted coffee bean extract. It smells exactly like an espresso bar.

Guinea Pepper note image

Guinea Pepper

Grains of Paradise. Peppery, citrusy, and woody.

Bengal Pepper note image

Bengal Pepper

Also known as Long Pepper, it is hotter and sweeter than black pepper. It has a complex, spicy-sweet aroma.

Tamarind note image

Tamarind

Sour fruit. Acidic and fruity.

Asafoetida note image

Asafoetida

Pungent and sulfurous when raw, but savory like onions when cooked. In perfume, it adds a weird, compelling earthy spice.

Nutmeg note image

Nutmeg

Dry, spicy, and woody. It adds a warm, dusty heat.

Cloves note image

Cloves

Intense, hot, and numbing spice. It contains high levels of Eugenol and smells medicinal and warm.

Cubeb or Tailed Pepper note image

Cubeb or Tailed Pepper

A pepper variety with a camphorous, allspice-like scent. Cooler than black pepper.

Curcuma (Turmeric) note image

Curcuma (Turmeric)

Earthy, dusty, and slightly ginger-like. It adds a dry yellow spice note.

Biryani note image

Biryani

A complex mix of savory spices including saffron, cardamom, and rice. It is a gourmand scent, but savory and dinner-like.

Toscanol note image

Toscanol

Aromatic chemical. Anise and herbal.

Mace note image

Mace

The outer covering of nutmeg. Smells similar but sweeter and softer.

Green Coffee note image

Green Coffee

Unroasted beans. They smell vegetal, pea-like, and grassy.

View All Spices Notes

Resins And Balsams

The ancient tears of trees, these materials have been burned in rituals for millennia and bring a sacred, meditative smoke to perfumery. They are thick, sticky, and profoundly complex, offering a sweet, leathery darkness that feels like a protective cloak against the cold.

Bushman Candle note image

Bushman Candle

A desert plant with a waxy bark that burns brightly. It smells resinous, incense-like, and sweet.

Benzoin note image

Benzoin

A comforting balsamic resin that smells of vanilla and cinnamon. It gives fragrances a cozy, almost edible warmth without being overly sugary.

Incense note image

Incense

Smoke, resin, and ritual. It captures the cold, spiritual air of a cathedral or a temple.

Copahu Balm note image

Copahu Balm

Copaiba balsam. It smells woody, spicy, and mild.

Choya Ral note image

Choya Ral

Roasted Sal tree resin. It smells leathery, smoky, and woody.

Bakhoor note image

Bakhoor

Wood chips soaked in perfume oil and burned, creating a smoky, fragrant cloud. It smells traditional, Middle Eastern, and welcoming.

Opoponax note image

Opoponax

Sweet Myrrh. Smells like toffee, balsam, and mushrooms.

Styrax note image

Styrax

Sweet, spicy, and leather-like resin. Smells of plastic and balsam.

Rubber note image

Rubber

Burnt tires or latex. Industrial and dark.

Myrica note image

Myrica

Bayberry. Smells spicy, waxy, and balsamic.

Tea Tree Oil note image

Tea Tree Oil

Medicinal and antiseptic. Sharp and clean.

Birch Tar note image

Birch Tar

The concentrated essence of smoke and leather derived from birch. It is intensely phenolic, smelling like a bonfire.

Dragon Blood Resin note image

Dragon Blood Resin

A bright red resin that smells sweet, spicy, and slightly woody. It is lighter and cleaner than frankincense.

Coal Tar note image

Coal Tar

Pungent, medicinal, and asphalt-like. It smells like fresh pavement.

Labdanum note image

Labdanum

The cornerstone of amber accords. It smells leathery, sweet, dirty, and warm all at once.

Balsamic Notes note image

Balsamic Notes

A group of resinous materials like benzoin and myrrh that smell warm, sweet, and thick. They wrap a fragrance in a cozy amber blanket.

Bisabolene note image

Bisabolene

A terpene that smells balsamic, woody, and slightly citrusy. It is often found in myrrh and opoponax.

Resins note image

Resins

Hardened tree sap. Amber, sticky, and warm.

Peru Balsam note image

Peru Balsam

Rich, sweet, and vanilla-like resin. It acts as a fixative and smooths everything out.

Poplar (Populus) Buds note image

Poplar (Populus) Buds

Sticky buds smelling of balsam, honey, and propolis.

View All Resins And Balsams Notes

Citrus

The sunshine of the fragrance world, these volatile oils provide the sparkling opening act that greets you the moment the mist hits the air. While they are fleeting by nature, their zesty, sour-sweet optimism is essential for lifting the heavier materials and preventing a perfume from feeling like a lead weight.

Pokan note image

Pokan

Taiwanese mandarin. Sweet and loose-skinned.

Limetta note image

Limetta

Sweet Lime. Less acidic than regular lime, more floral.

Neroli note image

Neroli

Steam-distilled orange blossom. It smells green, soapy, bitter, and exquisitely fresh.

Calamansi note image

Calamansi

A Philippine lime that is tart, tangerine-like, and floral. It is a complex and exotic citrus.

Buddha's hand note image

Buddha's hand

A strange citrus fruit smelling of lemon zest and flowers without the juice. It is dry and aromatic.

Bigarade note image

Bigarade

Another name for Bitter Orange. It is sharp, zesty, and less sweet than regular orange, adding a sophisticated tartness.

Shiikuwasha note image

Shiikuwasha

Okinawa Lime. Sour and tangerine-like.

Quenepa note image

Quenepa

Spanish Lime. Sour and jelly-like fruit.

Blood Orange note image

Blood Orange

Juicier, sweeter, and redder than standard orange, with raspberry nuances. It feels lush and Mediterranean.

Citron note image

Citron

A large, ancient citrus fruit. It smells dry, zesty, and less sweet than lemon.

Candied Lemon note image

Candied Lemon

Lemon peel boiled in syrup. It is sweet and tart, without the sharp bitterness of fresh rind.

Yuzu note image

Yuzu

Japanese grapefruit. A complex mix of lime, mandarin, and pine. Bitter and aromatic.

Kaffir Lime note image

Kaffir Lime

Makrut lime. The leaves smell intensely sharp, green, and uniquely Thai cuisine-like.

Hassaku note image

Hassaku

A Japanese citrus hybrid. Smells like sour orange and grapefruit.

Litsea Cubeba note image

Litsea Cubeba

May Chang. An shrub that smells intensely like lemon sherbet sweets.

Citruses note image

Citruses

A general category for Hesperidic notes (lemon, orange, etc.). They are volatile, fresh, and uplifting.

Bergamot note image

Bergamot

The finest of citruses, famous for giving Earl Grey tea its distinct aroma. It’s bitter, tart, and floral all at once—the perfect opening act.

Chen Pi note image

Chen Pi

Sun-dried tangerine peel. It smells citrusy but aged and slightly medicinal.

Bitter Orange note image

Bitter Orange

Zesty and sharp, lacking the sugar of sweet oranges. It provides a refreshing, adult citrus note.

Green Tangerine note image

Green Tangerine

Unripe tangerine. It smells more zesty and bitter than the ripe fruit.

View All Citrus Notes

Assorted

A curated cabinet of curiosities for the notes that defy our desire for neat little boxes, yet remain absolutely essential to the perfumer's palette. Here you will find the outliers and the individualists, ingredients that possess a character so distinct they refuse to sit quietly with the flowers or the fruits.