Ingredient Guide
Basil, a member of the Lamiaceae family, takes its name from the Greek basilikon, meaning “royal plant.” For perfumery, the flowering parts above ground are harvested and then distilled. It is characterized by a fresh, green, spicy, anise-like scent.
Two types are used in the perfume industry: basil grown in places such as the Comoros, and the more strongly scented, more expensive basil grand vert grown in Egypt.
It is often said that the synthetic fragrance material Hedione was responsible for the success of Eau Sauvage, but that view is mistaken. The central element of Eau Sauvage is basil, and adding or subtracting a little Hedione does not change that.
Maurice Roucel
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
Basil materials used in perfume include essential oils obtained from the leaves and flowering spikes, as well as solvent-extracted absolutes. They are characterized by vivid green notes like freshly torn leaves, layered with anise, spice, herbs, and a hint of sweetness. Basil gives the opening a burst of verdant energy and lends crisp definition to the fragrance as a whole. Even within basil, the variety, harvest time, plant part used, and chemotype change the scent profile, which ranges from refreshing to sweet and spicy.
How to Choose Basil Fragrances
Basil perfumes have more to offer than the familiar scent of a culinary herb. Lime gives it a crisp citrus setting, while neroli brings the brightness of white flowers. The choice is between enjoying the herb itself and using it as a sharp accent to flowers or citrus.
Comparing Basil Fragrances
Lime Basil & Mandarin Cologne (Jo Malone London)
Lime is accented by peppery basil. White thyme adds to the fresh citrus-and-herb character of this cologne.
Basil & Neroli Cologne (Jo Malone London)
Basil meets neroli in a cologne with the brightness of white flowers. Rather than the citrus sharpness of Lime Basil & Mandarin, it explores flowers and herbs together.
Find Your Next Fragrance
To explore more perfumes, open our Fragrance Finder. Choose “Favorite fragrances & notes” on the home screen, then search in the “Favorite notes” field. Select a note you like from the results and press “Next” to continue. You can start with notes even if you do not yet have a favorite perfume.
