Lavender: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Botanical name: Lavandula angustifolia (true lavender), with related species like L. latifolia (spike lavender) and L. intermedia (lavandin).

• Origin: Mediterranean regions, now widely cultivated in France, Bulgaria, England, and India.

• Extraction: Essential oil obtained by steam distillation of the flowering tops.

• One of the most iconic aromatics in perfumery — the backbone of many colognes, fougères, and aromatherapy blends.

2. Aroma Character

• Fresh, floral, herbal, clean, camphoraceous, soft-woody.

• Nuances:

  • Floral-sweet → gentle, powdery, and calming.

  • Herbal-green → aromatic freshness.

  • Camphoraceous (more in spike lavender/lavandin) → uplifting and cooling.

  • Soft woody-balsamic → in the drydown.

👉 Overall impression: balancing — fresh yet soothing, floral yet herbal, clean yet warm.

3. Chemical Composition (Key Molecules)

• Linalool → soft, floral-herbal, calming.

• Linalyl acetate → sweet, fruity-floral smoothness.

• Camphor & 1,8-cineole (more in spike lavender/lavandin) → fresh, cooling lift.

• Coumarins → soft, powdery sweetness in drydown.

4. Perfume Applications

• A versatile heart-to-top note, widely used in:

  • Fougère perfumes → blended with oakmoss, coumarin, and woods (classic masculine style).

  • Citrus colognes → clean, uplifting freshness.

  • Floral blends → supports rose, jasmine, and geranium.

  • Orientals & ambers → balances richness with freshness.

• Blends beautifully with:

  • Citrus oils (bergamot, lemon, orange).

  • Herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme).

  • Florals (rose, geranium, neroli).

  • Woods & resins (sandalwood, frankincense, cedarwood).

• Famous lavender-centered perfumes:

  • Guerlain – Jicky (1889) → pioneering fougère with lavender.

  • Caron – Pour Un Homme (1934) → iconic lavender-vanilla blend.

  • Mugler – A*Men (1996) → lavender with gourmand notes.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Symbol of purity, calm, and clarity.

• Used in medieval baths, temples, and rituals for cleansing.

• Mood impressions:

  • Relaxing & soothing → calms the mind.

  • Clean & fresh → evokes clarity and order.

  • Balancing & harmonizing → bridges floral and herbal worlds.

  • Comforting → associated with sleep and tranquility.

 Quick Summary Table

In essence: Lavender is the perfect balance of floral and herbal freshness, a timeless perfumery note that conveys purity, calm, and harmony — and remains a cornerstone of both classic and modern fragrances.