Green

Rhubarb

Note Profile

Botanical 428 perfumes

Also Known As

Rhubarb Leaf

About

Rhubarb in perfumery is known for its sharp, tangy, and slightly sour scent that closely resembles the freshly cut stalks of the plant. It has a crisp, green, and juicy character with subtle fruity undertones, bringing both freshness and vibrancy to fragrances.

Scent Profile

Rhubarb in perfumery offers a sharp, tangy aroma with pronounced sour and green facets, closely mimicking the scent of freshly cut stalks. Its olfactory character is crisp and juicy, with subtle fruity undertones and a vegetal freshness that settles into a quieter, more abstract fruity-green tone over time. What is left at the end is a faint waxy residue from the styrallyl acetate backbone. The note imparts a lively, mouthwatering quality that remains distinctive throughout its evaporation curve.

ScentWheel

Breadthfocused

EnvelopeTop · ~1h lasting

Family Green & Aromatic, Fruity

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

What this is made of

Rhubarb names no single substance

Reconstructed

No extract; a green-tart reconstruction.

How the layers join

Origin

Natural rhubarb is rarely used due to low yield and instability; instead, the note is recreated using aroma chemicals such as rhubafuran, aldehydes, and green-fruity molecules. These compounds are blended to evoke the characteristic tartness and green freshness of the plant. The raw inspiration comes from the edible stalks of Rheum rhabarbarum, cultivated in temperate regions.

Usage in Perfumery

Perfumers typically use rhubarb as a top or heart note to introduce brightness and a tart, juicy accent. It pairs well with other fruity notes, green accords, florals, and even woods or musks to create contrast and vibrancy. Rhubarb is valued for its ability to add freshness and a modern twist to both feminine and unisex compositions.