The Top 3 Most Aromatic Flowers in Fragrances
Floral fragrances are amongst the most popular aromas of perfumes on the market. Soft, amorous and feminine scents are assured to keep the energy of spring living all year round.
White flowers, in particular, are not only some of the most beautiful blooms, but they have some of the most exotic, sweet fragrances. How are these scents captured in perfumery? We will explore the top 3 most aromatic flowers in Fragrances.
1. Ylang-Ylang
While Ylang-Ylang is either yellow or green in colour rather than white, this marvellous flower shares many common scent characteristics with that of white flowers. Originating from South East Asia, Ylang-Ylang boasts intense, rich facets mixed with heady, spicy notes.
Ylang-Ylang oil is extracted from freshly picked flowers by either steam or water distillation. The top grade of Ylang-Ylang is the first distillation, named ‘extra’. It takes 400kg of flowers to produce 1kg of essential oil. With a single tree producing around 10kg of flowers per year, it’s no surprise that superior grade Ylang-Ylang can drive a high price.
Often regarded as one of the more sensual notes, Ylang-Ylang has both relaxation and antibacterial properties. Such luscious, creamy attributes make this flower central to some of the most beloved fragrances in the world, including one of the most renowned of all: Chanel №5.
2. Narcissus
Narcissus is notably sweeter than most other white flowers and one of the few wildflowers currently used within commercial fragrances. While rich, floral and honey-like, this flower also delivers green, spicy and heady notes. Native to meadows and woods across North Africa and southern Europe, Narcissus can also be found across Asia and the Middle East.
While there are hundreds of different species of Narcissi around today — some white, yellow or even with a hint of orange or pink — not all are fragrant. The Narcissus tazetta variety is said to be the most aromatic of all, celebrated for its sweet, captivating and unique scent. Though one should proceed cautiously with this powerful ingredient, with only a touch being necessary. In a closed room, this fragrance can be overwhelming.
With nearly 500kg of flowers needed to obtain 1kg of ‘concrete’ (semi-solid mass) or 300g of ‘absolute’ (oily liquids created through macerating), Narcissus is very expensive.
3. Jasmine
If Rose is recognised as the queen of flowers, Jasmine must be introduced as the king due to its symbolic ties to opulence, prosperity and beauty. This white flower is foundational in the construction of the majority of perfumes on the market, however, Jasmine varieties are diverse in their aromatic qualities.
There are around 200 species of Jasmine shrubs and vines, with most of them being native to tropical and warmer climates. By far, the most popular varieties of Jasmine within perfumery are Jasmine Sambac — native to China but now commonly grown in India — and Jasmine Grandiflorum — native to Afghanistan and Iran but now mainly grown in France. Every species flaunts its own personality; some sweet, some spicy, some floral, some green — all dependent on where the flower has been grown.
‘Absolute’ Jasmine is remarkably expensive. This is because it takes around 8,000 hand-picked flowers to produce only 1ml of oil, making it one of the dearest ingredients in fragrances. Jasmine can be and often is produced synthetically. Whether natural or synthetic, the scent of Jasmine is incredibly sensual and rich, often with an animalic element. Animalic notes are often considered to add exotic, sexual edges to a fragrance, which may why explain Jasmine has long been considered an aphrodisiac.
At Wolds, we love to create new and exciting formulations from a wide range of ingredients to produce a stand-out, unique fragrance. If you’re looking to create a new product, or perhaps begin the development of an existing product, we can help.
Why not get in touch with us today to discuss your ideas.
