Synthetic

Indole

Note Profile

Synthetic 6 perfumes

About

Floral-animalic with jasmine and narcotic character

Scent Profile

Indole has a distinctive scent that is both floral and animalic, with narcotic, slightly fecal undertones at higher concentrations. In trace amounts, it lends a rich, heady, and naturalistic facet to white florals like jasmine and orange blossom. Its character evolves from sharp and pungent to velvety and enveloping as it diffuses.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~400h lasting

Origin

Indole is a nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound originally isolated from coal tar and also found naturally in many flowers, especially jasmine, as well as in animal matter. In perfumery, it is almost exclusively produced synthetically for consistency and purity.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use indole in minute quantities to add depth and realism to floral accords, particularly in heart notes. It is essential in recreating the narcotic aura of jasmine, tuberose, and gardenia, and can enhance animalic or musky compositions. Indole is often blended with other white florals, musks, and woody notes.

A variety of