Earthy

Geosmin

Note Profile

Molecule 9 perfumes

About

Geosmin is an organic compound made by soil bacteria, mainly actinomycetes. It is present only in trace amounts, so perfumers use a synthetic form. It smells of damp soil, ploughed earth and the air after rain. The character is cool, mineral and deep, with a hint of beetroot. It can open sharp and almost metallic, then soften to lingering wet earth.

Scent Profile

Geosmin has a distinct earthy scent reminiscent of damp soil, freshly plowed earth, or the air after rain. Its olfactory character is deeply rooted, cool, and mineralic, with subtle nuances of beetroot and petrichor. The note can evolve from a sharp, almost metallic earthiness to a softer, lingering wet earth aroma.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeHeart · ~8h lasting

Family Woody & Earthy

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

What this is made of

(+)-geosmin

Names this molecule

CAS 16423-19-1

The note name IS the molecule - the wet-earth compound. Linked to the (+) enantiomer, which is the odour-active one.

How the layers join

Origin

Geosmin is a naturally occurring organic compound produced by soil-dwelling bacteria, particularly actinomycetes. In perfumery, it is typically obtained through synthetic means, as natural extraction is impractical due to its trace presence in nature.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use geosmin primarily in the heart or base of compositions to evoke natural, earthy, or rain-soaked landscapes. It is often blended with vetiver, patchouli, or green notes to enhance realism and add depth to woody, fougère, or aquatic fragrances.