Narcissus Absolute

Botanical origin: Narcissus spp.

Part used: Flowers

Obtainment: Extraction using volatile solvents from fresh flowers, followed by concentration of the aromatic extract.

Olfactory description

Narcissus absolute is one of the most complex and distinctive floral raw materials in fine perfumery. Its aromatic profile combines luminous floral facets with green, animalic, and powdery nuances that give it a unique personality.

The opening presents fresh and slightly fruity floral notes that may resemble certain aspects of jasmine or white flowers. However, this initial impression quickly evolves into a much deeper and more complex character.

In the heart, the characteristic green, leathery, and animalic facets of narcissus appear. These notes provide texture, depth, and an organic sensation difficult to find in other flowers. As it evolves, the material develops a powdery, clean, and softly balsamic base that lingers on the skin for hours.

Its ability to combine floral delicacy and animalic depth has made narcissus one of the most cherished raw materials by perfumers for generations.

Main aromatic facets

- White floral.

- Green.

- Fruity.

- Soft leather.

- Animalic.

- Powdery.

- Honeyed.

- Herbaceous.

- Balsamic.

Aromatic evolution

- Top notes: fresh, fruity, and luminous floral.

- Heart notes: green, soft leather, and animalic facets.

- Base notes: powdery, clean, and persistently floral.

Applications in perfumery

A particularly valuable raw material for adding complexity, naturalness, and depth to floral and oriental compositions.

It is especially useful in:

- Floral perfumes.

- Classic Chypres.

- Sophisticated Fougères.

- Animalic compositions.

- Vintage perfumery.

- Niche perfumery.

It combines particularly well with:

- Jasmine.

- Rose.

- Osmanthus.

- Iris.

- Violet.

- Oakmoss.

- Vetiver.

- Incense.

- Ambergris.

- Oud.

Even in very low concentrations, it can significantly alter a composition, providing richness and a sense of naturalness that is difficult to replicate with other materials.

Technical observations

- Color: dark amber to olive green.

- Consistency: viscous.

- Aromatic intensity: very high.

- Diffusion: medium-high.

- Tenacity: very high.

Due to its aromatic potency, it is usually used in small doses within perfume formulations.

Interest for the perfumer

Narcissus absolute is considered one of the great floral raw materials of classical perfumery. Its unique combination of floral, green, and animalic notes allows it to act both as a main ingredient and as a modifier for complex accords.

It adds particular interest to compositions where a less conventional flower than rose or jasmine is sought, capable of introducing depth, texture, and a distinctive character without losing elegance.

High perfumery material

The production of narcissus absolute requires large quantities of flowers and a delicate extraction process, which explains its scarcity and high value in the aromatic raw material market.

Its extraordinary complexity and its ability to transform a formula with minimal amounts have made it one of the most appreciated ingredients in fine and niche perfumery.