Woody

Ebony

Note Profile

Botanical 118 perfumes

Also Known As

Ebony Tree

About

Ebony in perfumery is characterized by a deep, dark, and polished wood aroma, often described as smooth, slightly sweet, and subtly smoky. It brings a sense of luxury and depth, reminiscent of fine, dense hardwood, and is used to add richness and sophistication to woody or oriental fragrance compositions.

Scent Profile

Ebony in perfumery presents a dense, dark woody aroma with smooth, polished facets. It carries subtle sweetness, mild smokiness, and a faint leathery undertone, evolving into a persistent, refined woodiness. The scent is deep and enveloping, often evoking the impression of finely worked, high-quality hardwood.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~48h lasting

Family Woody & Earthy, Amber · Musk · Leather

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

What this is made of

Ebony names no single substance

No material referent

Ebony yields no perfumery material; a dark-wood impression.

How the layers join

Origin

Natural ebony wood is sourced from species in the Diospyros genus, primarily in Africa and Asia, but direct extraction for perfumery is rare due to conservation concerns. Instead, perfumers use accords or reconstructions built from other woods, resins, and synthetic materials to evoke ebony's characteristic scent. These reconstructions aim to replicate the olfactory impression of the actual wood without harvesting endangered resources.

Usage in Perfumery

Ebony is typically used as a base note, providing structure and longevity to compositions. It blends well with other woods, spices, balsams, and oriental notes, adding depth and sophistication. Perfumers employ ebony accords to impart a sense of luxury and darkness in both masculine and unisex fragrances.