Ingredient Guide
It has the green, sweet, aromatic qualities of hay, with an earthy, dry scent that seems warmed by the sun. In addition to natural fragrance materials obtained from hay, synthetic materials may also be used to recreate its scent. Hay’s sweetness is provided by coumarin.
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
Perfumery uses both natural hay absolute, made from cut grass, and coumarin, a single molecule with a hay-like character. Hay absolute has a complex scent of sweet herbs layered with warm tobacco, honey, and dried fruit. Coumarin combines a sweetness reminiscent of freshly cut hay with nuances of woodruff and vanilla. The natural extract and the single molecule have different characters, adding dry warmth and gentle sweetness to perfume.
Choosing Hay Fragrances
Hay combines dry grass with a warm sweetness reminiscent of honey or tobacco.
- Dry grass: Herbs and moss suit those who enjoy a meadow-like scent with restrained sweetness.
- Tea and tobacco depth: Scents recalling dried leaves suit those who prefer quiet bitterness and warmth to fresh green leaves.
- A sweet finish: Notes reminiscent of tonka or honey add softness to dry grass.
Fragrances Featuring Hay
Fougère Royale Eau de Parfum (Houbigant)
Lavender and herbs are layered with moss, patchouli, and tonka. Fresh herbs and hay-like sweetness are its defining features.
Thé Noir 29 (Le Labo)
An extract of black tea leaves creates a scent reminiscent of dry leaves, hay, and tobacco. The brightness of bergamot and fig is layered with cedar, vetiver, and musk.
From Hay to Your Next Fragrance
Once you have a sense of the scents you enjoy, open our Fragrance Finder. Choose “Favorite fragrances & notes” on the home screen, search in the “Favorite notes” field, and select an option from the suggestions shown. Choose “Next” to continue. You can start with notes even if you do not yet have a favorite perfume.
