What does hawthorn smell like?

Hawthorn in perfumery

In This Article


Although hawthorn is no longer widely consumed, its phytotherapeutic virtues and the delicate aromas of its flowers continue to inspire creators who seek to design a perfumed note that mirrors its gentle, powdery essence, in order to enhance beautiful floral and oriental compositions.

Hawthorn: The Small, Venerable Wild Rose

Hawthorn, known for its remarkable longevity, has been associated with various beliefs since antiquity. Its branches were used to protect against storms, and the plant was thought to be a favored nesting spot for birds. Hawthorn is also linked to a Gaelic legend associated with May 1st, where hanging a branch on the doors of stables and barns would prevent witch spiders from entering.

Regardless of whether it is valued for its berries, mysterious powers, or delicate and sweet floral scent, hawthorn is a well-known plant typical of temperate climates that has been cherished across different eras. As a result, perfumers took an interest in hawthorn to create a floral and voluptuous note in beautiful floral compositions.

Hawthorn Notes in Perfume: Anisic Aldehyde and Guerlain

Since hawthorn does not yield an essential oil, it was necessary to create a synthetic molecule that replicates its floral and wild scent. Anisic aldehyde was developed for this purpose.

Guerlain was reportedly the first to use anisic aldehyde to reproduce hawthorn in their perfume Après l'Ondée in 1906. This delicate, powdery flower aimed to recreate the unique aromas of a slightly damp blooming garden just after a summer rain. Guerlain crafted a poetic and nuanced perfume, blending citrus and orange blossom with the floral and powdery heart notes of hawthorn, iris, violet, and orchid, before concluding with a deep and vanilla base of sandalwood and benzoin. Après l'Ondée remains a beloved fragrance among discerning noses.

The 2000s saw a resurgence of hawthorn's delicate scent in fragrances like Flower by Kenzo, Emporio Night Her by Armani, and Ocean Blue by Escada. Sometimes featured as a top note and sometimes as a heart note, hawthorn harmonizes with fruits, marine notes, citrus, and pink pepper to offer its soft and powdery essence. In Chanel's Beige, hawthorn's top note is combined with ylang-ylang and then with honeyed white flowers.

Hawthorn is particularly versatile in floral fragrances with numerous nuances, as its floral and powdery facets are easy to match and function effectively as a scent fixative. It also appears in some oriental compositions, where it contributes a light and airy quality, contrasting with musk or patchouli. Some woody masculine scents employ hawthorn to soften and powder the fragrance with a touch of floral notes.

Back to blog
  • What Fragrance Has an Orange Blossom Scent?

    What Fragrance Has an Orange Blossom Scent?

    The bitter orange tree's exquisite white blossoms, which have a beautiful orange fragrance, are used in the production of perfume ingredients such as neroli and orange blossom. Orange blossom, with...

    What Fragrance Has an Orange Blossom Scent?

    The bitter orange tree's exquisite white blossoms, which have a beautiful orange fragrance, are used in the production of perfume ingredients such as neroli and orange blossom. Orange blossom, with...

  • Musk smell

    What Does Musk Smell Like?

    The original musk comes from a particular deer species, the Tibetan musk deer, whose sex gland secretion has become endangered. However, since 1979, this creature has been thankfully protected by CITES...

    What Does Musk Smell Like?

    The original musk comes from a particular deer species, the Tibetan musk deer, whose sex gland secretion has become endangered. However, since 1979, this creature has been thankfully protected by CITES...

  • What does patchouli smell like

    What Does Patchouli Smell Like?

    Curious about patchouli's captivating scent? Dive into a world of enchanting aromas with our guide. Explore the earthy, musky, and herbal notes that make patchouli truly unique. Embrace the allure...

    What Does Patchouli Smell Like?

    Curious about patchouli's captivating scent? Dive into a world of enchanting aromas with our guide. Explore the earthy, musky, and herbal notes that make patchouli truly unique. Embrace the allure...

  • Labdanum in perfumery

    Labdanum in perfumery

    Labdanum: Medicinal Properties and Alluring Scents Labdanum, a resin derived from the cistus plant, possesses numerous medicinal properties. It has astringent and antiseptic qualities, making it beneficial for relieving respiratory...

    Labdanum in perfumery

    Labdanum: Medicinal Properties and Alluring Scents Labdanum, a resin derived from the cistus plant, possesses numerous medicinal properties. It has astringent and antiseptic qualities, making it beneficial for relieving respiratory...

1 of 4
mfk-baccarat-rouge-540-dupe

Caramelle Rosse

On the hunt for a perfect Baccarat Rouge 540 dupe? The popular alternative, Caramelle Rosse, is a name you'd often come across. Despite a stark contrast in bottle design and aesthetic, it's the remarkable similarity in their floral and woodsy scent profiles that stands out. As a more budget-friendly alternative to the acclaimed Baccarat Rouge 540, Caramelle Rosse has carved a niche for itself in the fragrance community, offering an unparalleled scent experience without compromising on the distinctive aroma.

Similar Perfumes with Floral Note

Adeline Delina Exclusif by Parfums de Marly, Adesso Adesso by Fragrenza, Amarena Cherry Lost Cherry by Tom Ford, Ancient Syracuse Allure Sensuelle by Chanel, Angel Seduction Mefisto by Xerjoff, Antica di Roma N°5 by Chanel, Arabian Timber Arabian Wood by Tom Ford, Belle di Verona La Vie est Belle by Lancome, Better Peach Bitter Peach by Tom Ford, Black Sahara Sahara Noir by Tom Ford,
Brandy Star Woman

Experience the warmth and radiance of our dupe for Amouage's Sunshine Woman. Brandy Star Woman is a vibrant and uplifting fragrance that blends fruity and floral notes with a touch of warmth. Let its joyful aroma brighten your day and leave a lasting impression.

1 of 4