Is Lemon Balm natural or synthetic?

. Extraction: Steam distillation.

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Lemon Balm

CITRUS SMELLS / citrus · fresh · green

Lemon Balm

Category	CITRUS SMELLS
Subcategory	citrus · fresh · green
Origin
Volatility	Top Note
Botanical	Melissa officinalis
Appearance	Pale yellow to greenish mobile liquid
Odor Strength	Medium
Producing Countries	Asia, Europe
Pyramid	Top

Crushed lemon-scented leaves with a soft herbal undertone. Melissa, not lemon.

Scent
Terroir & Origins
The Full Story
Fun Fact
Extraction & Chemistry
In Perfumery

Scent

Lemon Balm opens with a bright citrus note, similar to freshly squeezed lemon but softer and more herbaceous, with a green, slightly minty undertone.

Scent Evolution

As it develops, the bright citrus notes become more layered and the herbaceous character more pronounced.

Signature Accords

On a blotter after a day, Lemon Balm softens, its citrus notes settling into a warm, green base.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Bright citrus with herbaceous undertones.

After a few hours

Citrus notes soften, revealing floral and earthy nuances.

After a few days

Retains a mellow, green warmth with comforting qualities.

Terroir & Expressions

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Lemon Balm, scientifically known as Melissa officinalis, is a perennial herb in the mint family used for centuries for its aroma and medicinal properties. Native to Europe and parts of Asia, it has a long history in traditional herbal remedies, particularly for calming effects. In perfumery, Lemon Balm is valued for its scent and used to enliven compositions.

Origin and Production

The plant has bright green leaves that release a lemon scent when crushed, used in both culinary and fragrance applications. Essential oil is extracted from the leaves, and the herb is cultivated in temperate climates.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

In perfumery, Lemon Balm is used in fresh, uplifting citrus blends, where it harmonizes with other notes such as bergamot, lemon, and floral materials. Used in both men's and women's fragrances, Lemon Balm combines sweetness and zest.

Did You Know?

Lemon Balm has been used since antiquity; the Greek physician Dioscorides referenced its calming properties.

This note in Première Peau. Gravitas Capitale · Nuit Elastique · Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.

Related notes: Bergamot · Bigarade · Bitter Orange · Blood Orange · Buddhas Hand · Calamansi · Candied Lemon · Chen Pi

Did You Know?

Did you know?

Lemon Balm has been used since antiquity, with references to its calming properties found in writings by Greek physician Dioscorides.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Steam distillation

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular Formula	N/A — complex essential oil (key components: citral, citronellal, geraniol)
CAS Number	8014-71-9
Botanical Name	Melissa officinalis
IFRA Status	No known restrictions
Synonyms	MELISSA · BALM MINT
Physical Properties
Odor Strength	Medium
Lasting Power	120 hour(s) at 100.00 %
Appearance	Pale yellow to greenish mobile liquid
Flash Point	> 150.00 °F. TCC ( > 65.56 °C. )
Specific Gravity	0.89000 to 0.93000 @ 25.00 °C.
Refractive Index	1.44900 to 1.47000 @ 20.00 °C.

In Perfumery

Lemon Balm is primarily used as a heart note in perfumery, giving fresh quality to fragrance compositions. Its citrusy profile works with other citrus notes, such as lemon and bergamot, as well as with floral elements like jasmine and rose. This versatility allows it to enhance both fresh and floral fragrances, creating a balance that appeals to a wide audience. The ingredient is often combined with minty or green notes to amplify its refreshing characteristics, used in summer scents.