Ingredient Guide
Coriander, known as koendoro in Japanese, is an annual plant in the carrot family, Apiaceae. It is called phak chi in Thai and xiangcai in Chinese. In perfumery, the fruits and the whole flowering plant are used for their herbal, woody, spicy aroma, enriching the top notes and middle notes.
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
The essential oil obtained by steam-distilling coriander seeds is a natural fragrance material rich in linalool. Unlike the intensely green smell associated with cilantro leaves, it reveals bright floral notes layered with hints of citrus and soft amber. In perfume, it helps floral notes expand with transparency and can add a rosewood-like smoothness to woody compositions. Because the seed oil consists of many constituents, it is a different material both from the single molecule linalool and from an accord that recreates the scent of the leaves.
Choosing Coriander Fragrances
In perfume, coriander can offer a cool spiciness or enhance woody notes. Its scent can be quite different from the leaves used in cooking.
- Cool spice: Green notes and juniper suit those who enjoy a light, leafy freshness.
- Smooth woods: Sandalwood and cedar combine soft woody notes with a touch of spice.
- Bright florals: Floral pairings bring out another side of coriander seed oil, which has floral qualities as well as spiciness.
Fragrances Featuring Coriander
Coriander (D.S. & Durga)
A scent recalling crushed coriander seeds, leaves, and green pepper. Cool, green spices bring out coriander’s fresh character.
Tam Dao Eau de Parfum (Diptyque)
Sandalwood is paired with cedar, cypress, and coriander. Creamy sandalwood takes the lead, with coriander enhancing its softness.
From Coriander 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.
