Oily

1 perfume

About

The Oily accord evokes the smooth, slick impression of oils or fats on skin or surfaces, often slightly waxy, fatty, or mineral-like. It can range from clean and neutral, like light cosmetic oils, to denser, more greasy facets associated with certain animalic or gourmand materials. Perfumers use it to suggest richness, viscosity, or a realistic 'oil on skin' effect in a fragrance.

Scent Profile

The Oily accord smells smooth, slick, and somewhat fatty, evoking impressions of vegetable oils, cosmetic oils, or lightly warmed skin lipids. It may carry waxy, slightly buttery, or faintly nutty nuances, and can sometimes lean mineral or industrial depending on the materials used. The overall character is textural and enveloping rather than overtly sweet, woody, or floral, contributing a sense of viscosity and weight to the scent.

Citrus 0%

Floral 15%

Fruity 1%

Green 0%

Sweet 22%

Warm 13%

Woody 15%

Earthy 11%

Animalic 44%

Fresh 2%

Signature Notes

Notes most distinctively associated with Oily fragrances.

Labdanum 718

Civet 112

Castoreum 62

Sandalwood 3236

Ambrette 81

Beeswax 50

Ylang-Ylang 814

Iris 970

Common Notes

Notes most frequently found in Oily fragrances.

Civet 112

Ambrette 81

Benzoin 835

Beeswax 50

Ylang-Ylang 814

Iris 970

History

While not a classical named family like floral or fougere, oily effects have long been present in perfumery through fatty, waxy, and balsamic ingredients such as beeswax, animalic tinctures, and certain resins. Modern perfumers deliberately construct oily accords to replicate specific materials like olive oil, suntan oil, or cosmetic serums, especially in niche and experiential compositions. Databases like TheScentBase reflect this trend by tagging perfumes with an Oily accord when this impression is prominent enough to be noticed by wearers.

In Perfumery

Perfumers employ the Oily accord to add realistic texture, depth, and a sense of physical presence, especially in skin-scent, gourmand, or photorealistic concepts. It is often combined with floral, spicy, or woody notes to suggest body oils, massage oils, or culinary preparations, and can enhance the longevity and perceived richness of the base. In small amounts it softens transitions between notes, while in higher doses it can create a distinctively greasy or slick signature that shapes the overall character of the fragrance.