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Hazelnut

Q: Is Hazelnut natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: 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)..

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS / nutty · warm · gourmand

Hazelnut

Category	FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS
Subcategory	nutty · warm · gourmand
Origin
Volatility	Heart Note
Botanical	Corylus avellana
Appearance	Pale yellow to golden-brown oily liquid
Odor Strength	Medium
Producing Countries	Italy, Spain, Turkey
Pyramid	Heart

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

Scent
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

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.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Rich, creamy, nutty aroma

After a few hours

Warmth deepens, nutty notes linger

After a few days

Soft, comforting presence remains

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.

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 perfumery, 'hazelnut' is a reconstructed gourmand accord — there is no commercial hazelnut absolute, though hazelnut KERNEL OIL (CAS 84696-25-3) exists as a cosmetic carrier.

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?

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).

Molecular Formula	Key aroma compound: filbertone (5-methyl-2-hepten-4-one) C₈H₁₄O
CAS Number	N/A — natural extract, no single CAS
Botanical Name	Corylus avellana
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	FILBERT · COBNUT
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	Medium
Appearance	Pale yellow to golden-brown oily liquid

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.