Is Hazelnut natural or synthetic?

A fantasy or concept note, not a single material.

Hazelnut

AccordFRUITS, VEGETABLES & NUTSnutty · warm · gourmand

HeartPyramid

3/5Strength

—Tenacity

3Origins

Editorial noteWe own no rights to this material, its name or its trademark. This entry is independent editorial journalism, published under freedom of expression.

Specimen

Corylus avellana

Fantasy/Concept

Definition

Hazelnut is a rich, nutty ingredient used in perfumery, adding warmth and depth.

EARTHY SWEET GOURMAND WARM FRESH CREAMY NUTTY ROASTED

FILBERT COBNUT

Instruments

Pyramid

TTop

HHeart

BBase

3/5Strength

Medium

odour strength

Producing countries

Italy Spain Turkey

Scent

The aroma of hazelnut is characterized by its rich, creamy, and slightly sweet profile. It has a roasted quality that is, like freshly toasted nuts. This nutty scent recalls the comforting aroma of baked goods, particularly when combined with vanilla or chocolate notes, improving inviting character.

Scent Evolution

When inhaled, hazelnut reveals subtle earthy undertones that ground its sweetness, balancing the overall olfactory experience. The scent can also remind one of warm, nutty coffee brews.

In PREMIEREPEAU

DISCOVERY SET7 × 2 ml →INSULINE SAFRINEExtrait →

The Full Story

Hazelnut (Corylus avellana, Betulaceae) is the nut of the hazel tree, native to Europe and Western Asia. The raw nut has only mild aroma; the recognisable 'hazelnut' smell — nutty, roasted, faintly caramel — is a Maillard product generated by roasting.

This note in PREMIEREPEAU. Insuline Safrine. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Chemistry

The defining roasted-hazelnut compound is filbertone (5-methyl-(E)-hept-2-en-4-one, CAS 81925-81-7) [A] — a powerful ketone at parts-per-billion. The roasted profile also carries 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (the universal roasted-nut Maillard signature), γ-decalactone for creaminess, ethyl maltol for sugar warmth.

In a fragrance

Hazelnut sits in gourmand-base territory, pairing naturally with vanilla, coffee, cocoa, sandalwood and tonka. It is the cousin of macadamia, pecan and almond reconstructions — all building on roasted-nut pyrazines, lactones, and ethyl maltol over a slightly different fatty-acid backbone.

Sources & Notes

[A] PubChem CID 5363195 — filbertone, CAS 81925-81-7. The defining roasted-hazelnut ketone.

Did You Know?

Hazelnuts are delicious and have also been used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method

European hazelnut absolute (CAS 84012-21-5) exists as a real perfumery material. Hazelnut oil is also obtained by cold pressing. The nutty note is often recreated or reinforced with filbertone (CAS 81925-81-7).

Formula: Key aroma compound: filbertone (5-methyl-2-hepten-4-one) C₈H₁₄O
CAS: N/A — natural extract, no single CAS
Botanical: Corylus avellana
Appearance: Pale yellow to golden-brown oily liquid
Odour strength: Medium
Synonyms: FILBERT COBNUT

IFRA status

No restriction

No known restrictions

Physical properties

Note: No single essential oil. Key aroma compound filbertone gives characteristic hazelnut scent. Roasted hazelnut also contains pyrazines

In Perfumery

In perfumery, hazelnut is primarily used as a heart note, giving smooth and creamy texture that enhances the overall fragrance. It works alongside other warm notes such as vanilla, tonka bean, and caramel, making it a staple in gourmand compositions. Hazelnut can complement floral or fruity notes, adding an unexpected twist that enriches the scent profile.

Role in the formula

01modifier

02signature note

03freshness

Available as

synthetic accord fantasy note