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Mahonia

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS  /  fresh · fruity · floral
Mahonia
Mahonia perfume ingredient
CategoryFRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS
Subcategoryfresh · fruity · floral
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalBerberis aquifolium (syn. Mahonia aquifolium)
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid
Odor StrengthMedium
Producing CountriesNorth America
PyramidHeart

Mahonia is a fruit-bearing plant known for its aromatic qualities and potential use in perfumery.

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

Scent

The aroma of Mahonia is characterized by its sweet and slightly tangy scent, like ripe berries. It carries a freshness that can be likened to the crispness of morning dew on fruit. When sniffed closely, one can detect subtle herbal undertones that supports its fruity sweetness.

Scent Evolution

In blends, Mahoni a can carries the lushness of a summer garden, with its juicy notes, improving floral accords or, giving refreshing contrast to earthy or woody elements. Its complexity allows it to shine in both bright, cheerful fragrances as well as deeper, more contemplative compositions.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

Fresh and fruity with a tangy sweetness
After a few hours

After a few hours

Subtle herbal notes emerge
After a few days

After a few days

Fades to a gentle sweetness

The Full Story

Mahonia, commonly known as Oregon grape, is a genus of flowering plants in the Berberidaceae family. Native to North America, especially the Pacific Northwest, Mahonia has been utilized for its bright berries and medicinal properties for centuries. Its deep blue-purple berries are a food source for wildlife and hold significance in traditional medicine practices. The plant's striking foliage and clusters of yellow flowers add to its appeal.

Origin and Production

In perfumery, Mahoni a is gaining attenti on for its unique aromatic profile. The berries possess a sweet yet tart scent that can carries a sense of freshness and vitality. As perfumers continue to explore the realms of natural ingredients, Mahoni a has a particular note that can complement a variety of compositions. Its rich history and connecti on to the earth make it a fascinating component in the art of fragrance creati on.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

While Mahoni a is still a relatively underutilized ingredient in mainstream perfumery, its potential is being recognized by niche fragrance houses. This evoluti on reflects a broader trend towards sustainable and natural sourcing, as perfumers seek to create scents that connects with contemporary values of authenticity and connecti on to nature. Mahoni a's unique attributes promise to inspire innovative scent profiles in the future.

Did You Know?

Mahonia's berries are aromatic and edible, often used to make jams and jellies.

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

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Mahonia's berries are aromatic and edible, often used to make jams and jellies.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Fantasy note — no commercial essential oil or absolute exists for mahonia. The scent is recreated using tart, berry-like and green synthetic accords.

Molecular FormulaComplex mixture (contains berberine, other alkaloids in plant)
CAS NumberN/A — no standard commercial essential oil
Botanical NameBerberis aquifolium (syn. Mahonia aquifolium)
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
SynonymsOregon grape
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthMedium
Lasting Power6–12 hours
AppearanceColorless to pale yellow liquid

In Perfumery

Mahonia is a heart note in perfumery, adding fruity and aromatic quality that can bridge the gap between fresher top notes and deeper base notes. It works alongside floral notes, enhancing the brightness of a fragrance, while also complementing woody or resinous elements to create a balanced scent. The versatility of Mahonia allows it to be used in a variety of fragrance families, from fruity florals to earthy and herbal compositions.

From the raw to the worn

This is what it becomes.