Ingredient Guide
Hedione is synthetic methyl dihydrojasmonate used as a fragrance ingredient. Sigma-Aldrich’s product information lists this compound as naturally occurring in jasmine. Natural occurrence and synthetic manufacture as a fragrance ingredient are distinct matters. Its scent has a transparent floral scent accompanied by citrus freshness. In 1958, Edouard Demole, a scientist at Firmenich, discovered methyl dihydrojasmonate. It was named Hedione after the Greek word “hedone,” meaning pleasure.
The first perfume to use Hedione was Eau Sauvage (Edmond Roudnitska), Dior’s first men’s fragrance, in 1966. Then, in 1976, Jean-Claude Ellena combined ten times that amount of Hedione with natural jasmine in Van Cleef & Arpels’ first perfume, First, creating a radiant floral scent.
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
In perfume, rather than making jasmine denser, Hedione provides transparency and diffusion, as though letting light and air move around the flowers. HEDIONE® is a synthetic fragrance ingredient, methyl dihydrojasmonate, not natural jasmine essential oil itself. It creates a light, expansive effect in the top and heart notes of jasmine and citrus compositions, giving the outlines of white flowers a clear impression. The high-cis HEDIONE® HC is a different product from the standard grade, distinguished by greater strength and a floral radiance reminiscent of magnolia.
Choosing Hedione Fragrances
Hedione is a fragrance material with a light, jasmine-like floral scent. It appears in fragrances that emphasize fresh flowers and citrus, as well as those that bring out the softness of woods and musk.
- Clear florals: Light jasmine-style fragrances suit those who prefer transparency to rich white flowers.
- Bright citrus: Citrus pairings combine airy florals with a fresh, bright scent.
- Soft woods and musk: Woody and musky pairings suit those who prefer a soft, light scent to a prominent floral fragrance.
Fragrances Featuring Hedione
Escentric 01 (Escentric Molecules)
Iso E Super is paired with lime, pink pepper, Hedione, orris, and other notes. Light citrus and flowers accompany the soft woods.
Escentric 02 (Escentric Molecules)
Ambroxan and Hedione combine in a fresh fragrance reminiscent of gin and tonic. Compared with 01’s soft woods, its character is crisp and mineral-like.
From Hedione 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.
