Lychee: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Botanical name: Litchi chinensis.

• Origin: Native to southern China, cultivated widely in Asia and subtropical regions.

• Extraction: Natural lychee oil/absolute is not viable (the fruit yields little to no extractable aroma).

• In perfumery, lychee is a fantasy note, reconstituted with aroma molecules to mimic its juicy tropical sweetness.

2. Aroma Character

• Fruity, juicy, tropical, floral, rosy, slightly tart.

• Nuances:

  • Sweet & fresh → reminiscent of strawberry, watermelon, or pear.

  • Floral-rosy undertone → hints of rose petals due to shared compounds.

  • Tart sparkle → a bright, champagne-like freshness.

  • Syrupy tropical nuance → exotic, gourmand fruitiness.

👉 Overall impression: a juicy, sparkling, exotic fruit note with rosy floral brightness.

3. Chemical Composition (Key Molecules)

• cis-Rose oxide → rosy, lychee-like fruity-floral note.

• Linalool & geraniol traces → fresh, floral undertones.

• Citrus esters (ethyl butyrate, etc.) → fruity sweetness.

• Synthetic recreations often combine rose oxide + fruity esters to capture the lychee effect.

4. Perfume Applications

• Typically used as a top-to-heart note for juicy sparkle.

• Applications:

  • Fruity-floral perfumes → adds exotic freshness and sweetness.

  • Modern gourmands → enhances edible tropical nuance.

  • Rosy florals → natural synergy with rose accords.

• Blends well with:

  • Rose & peony → natural pairing (shared rosy-floral molecules).

  • Other tropical fruits (mango, passionfruit, guava).

  • Citrus notes (grapefruit, bergamot) for freshness.

  • Woods & musks → soft balance in dry down.

• Famous uses:

  • Chloé (2008, Chloé) → lychee with peony and rose.

  • Delina by Parfums de Marly (2017) → lychee with Turkish rose and rhubarb.

  • Omnia Pink Sapphire (Bvlgari, 2018) → lychee in a bright citrus-fruity accord.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Represents exotic indulgence, joy, and playfulness.

• Mood impressions:

  • Sparkling & lively → uplifting, effervescent.

  • Exotic & playful → tropical sensuality.

  • Feminine & romantic → rosy, youthful charm.

  • Sweet & addictive → gourmand pleasure.

 Quick Summary Table

In essence: Lychee is a juicy, sparkling, and exotic fruity-floral note — with rosy undertones and tropical sweetness — perfect for creating playful, feminine, and luminous perfumes.