Earthy

Charcoal

Note Profile

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About

Charcoal is a smoky, woody accord that evokes glowing coals and charred wood, not open flame. It smells dry and ashy, with a mineral edge. Real charcoal has little smell of its own, so perfumers build the note. They use it to suggest embers without sharp, acrid smoke.

Scent Profile

Charcoal smells woody, pithy and densely smoky, like a bonfire burned down to embers. It is drier and more ashy than fresh smoke, with a mineral warmth. Cade gives many versions a tarry, medicinal edge. As it fades it turns quietly ashy, like a fireplace the morning after. Underneath sits an earthy note, like soil and roots, that grounds the smoke.

ScentWheel

Breadthmedium

EnvelopeBase · ~24h lasting

Family Woody & Earthy

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

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Materials That Can Make This Note

Charcoal is usually built as an accord, a blend of several materials, rather than made from one.

Origin

There is no natural oil of charcoal. Real charcoal is made by heating wood with little air, and it gives off little smell. Activated charcoal absorbs smells. Perfumers build the accord from smoky materials such as cade oil, birch tar and guaiacol, dry woods such as cedar and vetiver, and resins or amber materials. Home fragrance suppliers also sell oils named Charcoal.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers place charcoal in the base, where its smoky, woody character gives depth and structure. It pairs with leather, vetiver, patchouli, incense, cedar, juniper and amber materials. It suits dark compositions and outdoor themes such as bonfires and fire pits. It adds contrast against fresh, green or citrus notes.