The Refreshing World of Green Olfactive Notes : A Beginner’s Guide ( Series: Olfactive Family: Green ) 

When we think of nature, what often comes to mind are lush green forests, freshly mowed lawns, or the calming scent of herbs and plants. For perfume lovers, these natural sensations are captured through a special category of fragrance known as green olfactive notes. These notes evoke the freshness and vitality of the natural world, giving us scents that feel clean, refreshing, and connected to the earth. 

In this blog, we’ll explore the world of green olfactive notes in a simple way. You’ll learn what they are, what they smell like, where they come from, and why they are so beloved in perfumery. 

Whether you are new to perfumes or a long-time fragrance enthusiast, understanding green notes will open a whole new realm of fragrance experiences. 

What Are Green Olfactive Notes?

At its core, green olfactive notes refer to a category of scents that remind us of nature—particularly plants, grass, and fresh leaves. When you smell a green note, you’re likely to think of the outdoors: walking through a forest, the smell of fresh-cut grass, or the crispness of a spring garden after the rain. 

These fragrances are often described as fresh, herbaceous, crisp, and even earthy. The green family of perfumes is generally light and vibrant, evoking feelings of freshness, clarity, and renewal. In the world of perfumery, “green” is a broad term used to cover a variety of natural aromas that come from plants, grass, herbs, and trees. 

The Origins of Green Notes in Perfumery 

Green notes are not a modern invention—they’ve been a part of perfumery for centuries. However, they only started to be recognized as a distinct olfactive family in the 20th century. Before this, fragrances tended to focus more on floral, spicy, or woody notes. It wasn’t until perfumers started experimenting with new materials and techniques that the idea of “green” as its own category emerged. 

The earliest green fragrances used natural ingredients like galbanum (a resin from a plant), violet leaves, and moss to capture the essence of nature. As synthetic materials became more common, perfumers began to create even more precise green scents that mimicked the smells of fresh leaves, wet grass, and other natural elements. 

Key Ingredients in Green Fragrances 

There are several key notes commonly used to create green fragrances. These ingredients help to bring the feeling of freshness and nature into the bottle. Let’s take a look at some of the most important green notes: 

1. Galbanum

Galbanum is one of the most famous green notes in perfumery. It’s a resin that comes from a plant called Ferula galbaniflua, which grows in the Middle East. Galbanum has a sharp, almost bitter scent that smells like freshly cut grass or crushed stems. It’s often used in the top notes of perfumes to create a fresh and green opening. 

2. Violet Leaf

The scent of violet flowers is sweet and powdery, but violet leaves are much greener. When 

crushed, violet leaves release a sharp, green aroma that smells like fresh, dewy plants. It’s often used in perfumes to add a fresh, herbaceous note that balances well with other floral ingredients. 

3. Moss (Oakmoss)

Moss, especially oakmoss, is a deeply earthy green note. While it doesn’t smell like fresh leaves or grass, it brings an earthy, woody element to green fragrances. Oakmoss is often used in the base notes of perfumes to add depth and a slightly damp, forest-like aroma. 

4. Herbs

Herbs like mint, basil, rosemary, and thyme are common in green fragrances. These plants have an aromatic, fresh, and sometimes spicy smell. When used in perfumes, they bring a crisp, lively quality that makes the fragrance feel fresh and energizing. 

5. Grass

The smell of freshly cut grass is one of the most recognizable green notes. It’s clean, sharp, and refreshing. Many perfumes that want to evoke a sense of freshness or remind the wearer of being outdoors use grass as a key ingredient. 

6. Bamboo

Bamboo is a light and slightly sweet note with a cool, almost aquatic touch. It’s fresh and green, like walking through a peaceful garden. Bamboo adds a sense of calmness and tranquillity to perfumes and is often used in fragrances designed to evoke a serene atmosphere. 

7. Citrus Notes

While not strictly green, citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and bergamot are often paired with green notes. These fruits have a zesty, tangy aroma that enhances the crispness of green fragrances. Citrus notes are bright and energizing, making them perfect companions for green accords. 

What Do Green Notes Smell Like? 

Green notes are very diverse in how they smell, but they all have one thing in common: they remind us of the outdoors. Here’s a closer look at the different types of green notes and what they smell like: 

Fresh and Crisp: Some green notes, like grass and bamboo, are very clean and crisp. They 

smell like the fresh air after it rains or the scent of a garden after a spring shower. These 

notes evoke freshness, energy, and vitality. 

Herbaceous and Spicy: Herbs like basil, mint, and rosemary bring a more aromatic, 

herbaceous quality to green fragrances. They often have a slightly spicy or peppery scent 

that makes them feel more complex. 

Earthy and Woody: Moss, especially oakmoss, adds depth and an earthy, damp quality to 

green perfumes. These notes remind us of the smell of the forest floor, where the earth is 

moist, and the air smells cool and woody. 

Watery and Smooth: Bamboo, which has a smooth and light fragrance, is often used to 

create a calm, peaceful green scent. Bamboo notes add a refreshing touch to green 

fragrances, like a cool breeze on a hot day. 

Sharp and Green: Galbanum and violet leaf have a sharp, almost bitter quality. They can be 

quite bold and striking, bringing an intense green freshness to the perfume. These notes 

often open a fragrance with a burst of energy. 

Iconic Green Perfumes 

Some perfumes have become famous for their use of green notes. These iconic fragrances often feature a prominent green character, which makes them stand out from the rest. Here are some of 

the most beloved green perfumes: 

1. Chanel No. 19

Chanel No. 19 is one of the most iconic green perfumes in history. Created by perfumer Jacques Polge, it features galbanum as a key ingredient, which gives it a sharp, fresh opening. It’s combined with floral notes like iris and rose, as well as earthy vetiver and oakmoss, to create a sophisticated green fragrance. Chanel No. 19 is known for its elegant, refined green character. 

2. Dior Diorissimo

Diorissimo, created by Edmond Roudnitska in 1956, is another famous green perfume. It features the scent of lily of the valley, but the green notes of galbanum and hyacinth add a fresh, leafy twist. Diorissimo is a floral-green fragrance that captures the essence of a spring garden. 

3. Hermès Un Jardin sur le Nil

Un Jardin sur le Nil, part of Hermès’ “Garden” collection, is inspired by the gardens near the Nile River. It blends fresh green mango with the crispness of sycamore wood and the calmness of lotus. The fragrance has a green, watery quality that feels light and refreshing, like a gentle breeze on a warm day. 

4. Guerlain Vétiver

Vétiver by Guerlain is a woody-green fragrance that features the earthy note of vetiver. It’s a blend of green, smoky, and woody notes, with a touch of citrus to add brightness. Vétiver is a fragrance that feels grounded and natural, like the outdoors after a rainfall. 

5. Balmain Vent Vert

Balmain’s Vent Vert is a classic green fragrance from 1947. It combines the sharpness of galbanum with citrus and floral notes to create a fresh, vibrant scent. Vent Vert is known for its clean, green character that evokes the feeling of a spring breeze. 

Why Do People Love Green Fragrances? 

Green fragrances have a special place in the hearts of perfume lovers for several reasons: 

 Freshness: Green notes are often associated with cleanliness and freshness, making them 

perfect for daytime wear. They feel light and airy, like a breath of fresh air. 

 

Connection to Nature: Many people are drawn to green fragrances because they remind 

them of the natural world. Whether it’s the smell of grass, herbs, or forests, green 

fragrances evoke a sense of harmony with nature. 

Invigoration: Green scents, especially those with herbs or grass, feel energizing and 

revitalizing. They can uplift the spirit and bring a burst of energy, making them ideal for 

starting the day or for a pick-me-up. 

Calmness: Some green notes, like bamboo and moss, have a soothing, tranquil quality. 

These fragrances can help create a sense of peace and calm, making them perfect for 

moments of relaxation or meditation. 

Conclusion: The Enduring Charm of Green Olfactive Notes 

Green olfactive notes bring the beauty of nature right into our perfumes. They are fresh, 

invigorating, and often calming, evoking the feeling of being outdoors in a lush garden or forest. 

Whether it’s the sharp freshness of grass, the herbaceous of mint, or the earthy depth of oakmoss, green fragrances offer a wide range of aromas that make us feel connected to the natural world. 

For those new to perfumery or looking to expand their fragrance collection, green perfumes are a great place to start. They offer an uplifting, refreshing experience that is both timeless and modern. 

With their light, clean, and invigorating qualities, green olfactive notes are sure to remain a beloved category in the world of fragrance for years to come.