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Barberry

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS  /  fruity · fresh · aromatic
Barberry
Barberry perfume ingredient
CategoryFRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS
Subcategoryfruity · fresh · aromatic
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalBerberis vulgaris
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesIran, Central Asia, Europe, North Africa
PyramidHeart

Sour, jewel-red berries with a cranberry-like tartness. Berberis — astringent and bright.

  1. Scent
  2. The Full Story
  3. Fun Fact
  4. Extraction & Chemistry
  5. In Perfumery

Scent

Barberry has a vivid, tart aroma, like cranberries or sour cherries. Its scent is bright and bracing, with a hint of sweetness that balances its acidity. This combination gives barberry a refreshing quality.

Scent Evolution

When experienced in a fragrance, barberry can carry the sensation of biting into a juicyberry, releasing a burst of flavor that is both tangy and slightly sweet. The aroma is crisp and lively. The overall effect is uplifting.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Bright, tart, and invigorating, reminiscent of fresh berries.
After a few hours

After a few hours

The tartness softens, revealing a sweeter, more rounded fruitiness.
After a few days

After a few days

On a blotter, it maintains a vibrant fruitiness with a lingering tart finish.

The Full Story

Barberry, scientifically known as Berberis vulgaris, is a deciduous shrub native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The shrub produces small, tartred berriesthat have been used in culinary and medicinal applications for centuries. In traditional medicine, barberry has been known for potential health benefits, including its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Theberriesare often used in jams, jellies, and as a flavoring in various dishes.

Origin and Production

in perfumery, barberry is known for its unique aromatic profile. The berries have a bright, fruity scent that can add an interesting twist to fragrance compositions. While not as frequent as some other fru its in perfumery, barberry has a refreshing and tangy note that can strengthens a fragrance's complexity. Its bright col or and sharp flavor have made it a symbol of vitality and health in various cultures, further showing its significance.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

The sourcing of barberry berries is typically done through careful harvesting from the wild or cultivated plants. The berries are often dried and processed to preserve their flavor and aromatic qualities. As interest in natural ingredients grows, barberry is gaining recognition among perfumers seeking to incorporate authentic and particular elements into their creations. Its profile allows it to stand out in fru it-based fragrances.

Did You Know?

Barberry has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, often known for potential health benefits and rich flavor.

This note in Première Peau. Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Barberry has been used in traditional medicine for centuries, often known for potential health benefits and rich flavor.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Dried and processed berries

Molecular FormulaComplex mixture; key alkaloid: berberine (C₂₀H₁₈NO₄⁺)
CAS Number84649-92-3
Botanical NameBerberis vulgaris
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsEUROPEAN BARBERRY · SOUR BARBERRY
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Flash Point> 200.00 °F. TCC ( > 93.33 °C. ) (est)

In Perfumery

In perfumery, barberry is a heart note, adding a bright and fruity element to compositions. It works with other fru its, citrus notes, and even floral elements, allowing for a blend that enhances freshness. As a heart note, barberry can help bridge the transition between top and base notes, ensuring a smooth olfactory experience.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.