Spicy

Eugenol

Note Profile

Natural

Also Known As

Isoeugenol

About

Eugenol has a distinctive spicy, warm, and sweet scent reminiscent of cloves, with subtle hints of cinnamon and a touch of smokiness. It adds depth and piquancy to fragrances, often used to evoke spicy, oriental, or carnation-like accords. Its aroma is both comforting and invigorating, making it a popular ingredient in both classic and modern perfumery.

Scent Profile

Eugenol presents a spicy, warm, and sweet aroma closely associated with cloves, accompanied by subtle nuances of cinnamon and a faint smokiness. Its scent is persistent and can impart a slightly medicinal or balsamic undertone as it develops. The note evolves from a sharp initial impression to a softer, lingering warmth in a composition.

Citrus 0%

Floral 10%

Fruity 0%

Green 0%

Sweet 20%

Warm 80%

Woody 10%

Earthy 0%

Animalic 0%

Fresh 0%

Origin

Eugenol is a naturally occurring phenolic compound primarily extracted from clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum) by steam distillation. It is also found in smaller quantities in cinnamon leaf oil, nutmeg, and basil. Synthetic eugenol is widely produced for use in perfumery and flavoring.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use eugenol mainly as a heart note to build spicy, oriental, and carnation accords, often blending it with floral, woody, or amber materials. It provides depth and complexity, and is a key component in recreating the scent of carnations and certain classic spicy florals. Its use is regulated due to potential allergenic properties, so concentrations are carefully controlled.

A variety of