Botanical Spotlight: Jasmine

A combination of both an artist and a scientist, a perfumer has to have in-depth insight into the fragrance creation process: and that includes being an expert in the world of botanicals.

Here at CRANBOURN^®, we pride ourselves on having this level of expertise. We take the utmost care to discover and use botanicals from around the globe to give our luxury fragrances a unique edge.

In our Botanical Spotlight series, we will delve into the scientific, cultural and olfactory roots of the key botanicals from our fragrance collections.

Distinctive white flowers recognised, at first sight, jasmine is a popular choice in the fragrance world. Jasmine is part of the family Oleaceae, genus Jasminum and species J. officinale, J. nudiflorum, and J. sambac.

A gem in the perfumery world

Jasmine is now grown all around the globe, from India and China to Morocco, France and Spain.

Part of the olive family, jasmine is a topic of much debate in the perfumery world. There are over 200 species (and some unrelated plants that also contain the name jasmine!). This means that not everything titled jasmine is of equal quality, strength or value.

Two types, Sambac Jasmine and Jasmin Grandiflorum (or Grasse Jasmine) are the main players in the world of fragrance. Chanel grows their own fields of Grasse Jasmine, and it is known for its appearance in Chanel No.5.

A diverse and versatile flower

With its scent, appearance and flavour, jasmine unsurprisingly has countless uses and functions. It is popular in tea, in food, as an accessory, in cosmetics, as a houseplant or cut flower, and in wellness.

Jasmine oil is commercially produced by a solvent extraction technique, producing a soft waxy product called Jasmine concrète. The Jasmine concrète is often further processed to create Jasmine absolute.

In perfume, jasmine is distinctive and popularly used. It is primarily a heart note with a beautiful, instantly recognisable floral scent. You can find jasmine in many of our luxury fragrances: Soirée à Marrakech™, Moments in Mauritius™, Escape to Santorini™ and Sunset in Ibiza™.

To delve deeper into the history, biology and uses of the diverse botanicals in CRANBOURN^® fragrances, explore our extensive botanicals directory.