Florals · Ingredient
Jasmine
FloralsBoth
What does jasmine smell like?
Rich, intoxicating, and intensely floral with sweet, slightly animalic undertones. Sambac is headier and more narcotic than grandiflorum.
About Jasmine
Jasmine is called the king of flowers in perfumery (rose is the queen). Two species dominate: Jasminum grandiflorum from Grasse and India, and Jasminum sambac from Egypt and Southeast Asia. Grandiflorum is greener, more delicate, and more traditionally floral. Sambac is richer, more narcotic, and has an almost fruity intensity. Jasmine flowers must be picked at night when their oil content is highest, and it takes roughly 8 million flowers to produce just one kilogram of jasmine absolute. That is why genuine jasmine absolute is one of the most expensive materials in perfumery.
Origin and Extraction
Origin
Grasse France, Egypt, India, China
Extraction Method
Solvent extraction produces jasmine absolute. The flowers must be harvested before sunrise when the oil concentration peaks.
Common Pairings
Jasmine works especially well alongside these ingredients:
Interesting Facts
- It takes approximately 8 million jasmine flowers to produce one kilogram of jasmine absolute.
- Jasmine flowers must be picked by hand before dawn, when their oil content is at its peak.
- Jasmine sambac is the national flower of the Philippines.
Fragrances featuring Jasmine
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jasmine smell like?+
Rich, intoxicating, and intensely floral with sweet, slightly animalic undertones. Sambac is headier and more narcotic than grandiflorum.
Is Jasmine natural or synthetic?+
Jasmine used in modern perfumery is both. Jasmine is called the king of flowers in perfumery (rose is the queen).
What fragrances have Jasmine?+
Jasmine is a key ingredient in Cologne Satin Oud Extrait Sapphire Edition, among others.
Try before you commit to the bottle
Not sure yet? Our 10ml gives you 150+ sprays to decide. Starting from under $7.
References
- Green, Mindy. "Natural Perfumery." Interweave Press, 2015.
Last updated: 2026-04-08