Green

Buxus

Note Profile

Botanical 8 perfumes

About

Buxus is the oil of Buxus sempervirens, or boxwood, a shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is steam distilled from the leaves and wood. It smells sharply green, resinous and slightly woody, like crushed leaves and cut stems. It dries to a waxy, almost hay-like finish. It is used sparingly in green accords, chypres and fougeres.

Scent Profile

Buxus, also known as boxwood, has a distinctive green scent with sharp, resinous, and slightly woody undertones. Its aroma can evoke freshly cut stems, crushed leaves, and a subtle waxy facet that develops into a dry, almost hay-like finish. The note is often described as intensely vegetal and somewhat austere.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeHeart · ~5h lasting

Family Green & Aromatic, Elemental, Amber · Musk · Leather

Read off the wheel, not a label applied to the note.

What this is made of

Buxus sempervirens absolute

A natural extract

CAS 84012-17-9

Box. The note names the material.

How the layers join

Origin

Buxus oil is obtained from the leaves and wood of Buxus sempervirens, a shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia. Extraction is typically achieved through steam distillation, though its use in perfumery is limited due to the potency and challenging character of the raw material.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers employ buxus primarily in green accords, chypres, and fougères to impart a naturalistic, leafy sharpness. It is used sparingly as a heart or accent note, often blended with galbanum, vetiver, or moss to reinforce verdant or forest-like themes.