Indole
Synthetic

Indole

Note Profile

Synthetic 1 perfume

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.

Citrus Floral Fruity Green Sweet Warm Woody Earthy Animalic Fresh
Citrus 0%
Floral 40%
Fruity 0%
Green 0%
Sweet 0%
Warm 0%
Woody 0%
Earthy 0%
Animalic 55%
Fresh 0%

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 Synthetic Synthetic

Similar Notes

Common Accords

Perfumes featuring Indole

A selection of reviewed perfumes where Indole appears prominently.