Honey in Perfume

Honey, with its rich, golden sweetness and warm aroma, has long been a beloved ingredient in perfumery. Its complex profile, ranging from light and floral to deep and almost smoky, makes it a versatile note that adds depth to fragrances.

The History of Honey in Perfumery

In ancient Egypt, honey was a prized ingredient in ointments and balms.

Nowadays honey’s use has evolved. From being a subtle, natural note in early fragrances to becoming a more pronounced and synthetic recreation in modern perfumes.

How to make Honey notes in a perfume?

In perfumery, the honey note is crafted through natural or synthetic methods, each contributing to its sweet aroma. While actual honey cannot be used directly in perfumes due to its instability and complex composition, perfumers often turn to natural alternatives like honeysuckle. Honeysuckle is a flowering plant that emits a light, floral scent with honey-like qualities, providing a natural way to project the essence of honey in a fragrance.

On the other hand, synthetic honey notes can be created using aromatic chemicals such as phenylacetic acid and methyl anthranilate. These compounds can accurately replicate the sweet, warm, and slightly animalic characteristics of honey.

What does Honey smell like?

Honey is one of the most complex notes in perfumery, capable of embodying a wide range of scents depending on its source and concentration. The olfactory profile of honey can include:

Floral: Light and airy with hints of wildflowers, often found in lighter perfumes.

Gourmand: Rich and sweet, like caramel or toffee, adding an edible quality to fragrances.

Animalic: Earthy and slightly musky, offering a raw undertone that adds depth to a composition.

Balsamic: Warm and resinous, with a deep, amber-like quality that can make a fragrance feel luxurious.

Honey in Modern Perfumery

As a Gourmand Note: Honey’s natural sweetness makes it a perfect addition to gourmand fragrances, where it blends seamlessly with notes like vanilla and chocolate. These perfumes often present the comforting experience of desserts and sweet treats.

In Floral Compositions: Honey pairs beautifully with floral notes like jasmine, rose, and orange blossom. It can add a sweet, nectar-like quality to these fragrances.

In Oriental and Amber Fragrances: Honey’s warm, balsamic facets are often found in oriental and amber compositions. Blending well with spices, resins, and woods.

As an Animalic Touch: For those seeking a more daring scent, honey can be used to bring an animalic quality to a fragrance. This use of honey taps into its earthy side, adding a touch of the wild to a composition.

Honey Fragrances

Bilqis: This luxurious fragrance blends honey with floral vanilla and bergamot in its top notes, creating a sweet opening. The heart introduces Yemeni bakhoor and saffron, adding a spicy warmth. Finally, the base of Arabian white musk and amber ending the composition in a rich aroma making "Bilqis" a truly captivating honey-based perfume.

Samiah: the freshness of orange blends seamlessly with the rich sweetness of honey and oriental flowers in the heart, creating a balanced fragrance. The base notes of white musk and light oud provide a soft finish, making "Samiah" a delicate and elegant honey scent.