Woody

Oakmoss

Note Profile

Botanical 3,405 perfumes

Also Known As

Evernia Prunastri (Oakmoss)

About

Earthy, forest floor

Scent Profile

Oakmoss has a deep, earthy aroma reminiscent of damp forest floor, with nuances of moss, bark, and subtle leather. It evolves to reveal slightly smoky, mineral, and green undertones as it dries down. The scent is complex, grounding, and persistent, contributing a naturalistic richness to compositions.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeBase · ~36h lasting

Family Woody & Earthy

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

What this is made of

Oakmoss extract

A natural extract

CAS 68917-10-2

Oakmoss extract (IFRA NCS), Evernia prunastri. Note that low-atranol grades now dominate under allergen restriction, and smell measurably different from pre-restriction oakmoss.

Declarable allergen: Named in EU Annex III as Evernia prunastri extract products must list this name above a set concentration
Restricted: An IFRA Standard limits how much of this a perfumer can use the limit applies to the perfumer, not the wearer

These are facts about the substance, not about any perfume with this note.

Why that matters

A perfume that names Oakmoss can use a different extract, a reformulated version, or a synthetic reconstruction. It can also hold less than the amount that requires a declaration. We cannot tell which applies. These rows cover only the substances we hold a link for.

How the layers join

Origin

Oakmoss is a lichen primarily harvested from the trunks and branches of oak trees in Central and Southern Europe. The raw material is typically extracted using solvents to produce an absolute, which is then further processed to comply with safety regulations in perfumery.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use oakmoss mainly as a base note, especially in chypre and fougère accords, where it imparts depth and longevity. It blends well with citrus, floral, and woody notes, anchoring compositions and enhancing complexity. Regulatory restrictions have led to the use of modified or reconstituted oakmoss in modern formulas.