Floral

Orchid

Note Profile

Botanical 1,004 perfumes

Also Known As

Black Orchid, blue orchid, Chinese Orchid, Malaysian Orchid, Orchids, Red Orchid, Tiger Orchid, Velvet Orchid Accord, White Orchid

About

Exotic, delicate floral with powdery and vanilla facets

Scent Profile

Orchid in perfumery offers a delicate floral aroma with subtle powdery and creamy vanilla undertones. Its scent is often described as soft, slightly sweet, and airy, with nuances that can evoke both freshness and warmth. The note may evolve to reveal faint hints of spice or fruit, depending on the orchid species and the composition.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeHeart · ~5h lasting

Family Floral

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

What this is made of

Orchid names no single substance

Reconstructed

Orchid is not a perfumery material at all - the only scented commercial orchid product is vanilla. The note is a reconstruction and a marketing word.

How the layers join

Origin

True orchid essential oil is not commercially available due to the flower's low yield and fragility. The orchid note is typically recreated using a blend of synthetic molecules and natural materials such as vanilla, heliotropin, and soft musks to mimic its characteristic scent.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers use orchid primarily as a heart note to impart an exotic, refined floral quality. It blends well with other florals, soft woods, and gourmand notes, and is often featured in modern floral, oriental, and gourmand compositions to add depth and sophistication.