What is jasmine in perfume? Where it comes from and the main types
Jasmine is the rich, heady white flower behind many perfumes. How it is picked, the two main kinds, and perfumes to try.
What it is
Jasmine is a small white flower. Its scent is strongest at night and at dawn, so the flowers are picked by hand at those hours, and it takes a huge number of blossoms to make a few grams of jasmine absolute.
Where it comes from
Egypt is one of the world’s main producers of jasmine for perfume. It also grows in Grasse in France, India and Morocco.
What it smells like
Rich, sweet and heady, with a creamy, slightly fruity side and a touch of something animalic. It feels sensual and radiant.
The two main kinds
- Jasminum grandiflorum (Spanish or royal jasmine): the classic perfumery jasmine, sweet, fruity and rich. Grown in Egypt, Grasse, Morocco and India.
- Jasminum sambac (Arabian jasmine): creamy, tea-like and heavier. It is the flower many Egyptians know as “el-full”, and it is also used in Indian garlands.
On a perfume’s notes you may see the origin, such as Moroccan or Egyptian jasmine, or sambac. They are variations on the same idea.
Jasmine in our shop
- Aventus Moroccan jasmine in the heart, with pineapple and patchouli, over birch and musk.
- Naxos Jasmine sambac with honey and cinnamon, over tobacco leaf and vanilla.
- Her Confession Jasmine and tuberose with incense, over vanilla and musk. Creamy and floral.
- Arrogate Pink Violet, jasmine and apricot over musk, jasmine and sandalwood.
- Aquatica Jasmine, hibiscus and gardenia with sugar cane, under lime and coconut milk.
- Inara White Jasmine in the top, over vanilla and cedar. A light and simple jasmine.
