Ingredient Guide
Lilac, also known as lilas, belongs to the olive family and produces purple or white flowers in spring. Because the scent of an extract differs from that of the original flowers, a more realistic impression is created synthetically.
The materials often used for this, such as Lilial, are lily-of-the-valley (Japanese article) synthetic fragrance materials (Japanese glossary), so the scent can also be described as close to lily of the valley. Rose (Japanese article) and almond-like notes are used alongside them.
Muguet also resembles components of lilac. Adding terpineol and anise-like aromatic compounds to a muguet note can make it smell more like lilac.
Satori Osawa
What Does It Smell Like in Perfume?
In perfume, lilac is a springlike floral note that layers fresh green nuances over sweet petals. The flowers of Syringa oblata have a complex scent comprising several volatile compounds, and perfumers combine a number of materials to evoke it. The synthetic fragrance material Syringa Aldehyde 50% adds bright floral and green top notes to lilac, hyacinth, and rose accords. Terpineol also contributes to a gentle lilac character. The name lilac can refer to a reconstructed accord rather than to a single natural extract.
Choosing Lilac Fragrances
Lilac fragrances change character according to the balance between sweet petals and the freshness of leaves and stems.
- Light spring flowers: Lilac-led fragrances suit those who prefer light flowers carried on a breeze to rich white florals.
- Green leaves and stems: Green notes add fresh plant scents alongside the floral sweetness.
- A soft finish: Musk and woods leave a gentle scent after the flowers.
Fragrances Featuring Lilac
En Passant (Frédéric Malle)
Inspired by lilac carried on the breeze in Paris in May. Green leaves and fresh stems mingle with the flowers’ sweetness. Lilac, cedar, and white musk are its main notes.
From Lilac 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.
