The scent of melon is predominantly sweet and juicy, with a watery, fresh quality. It can also show green undertones.
Scent Evolution
As the fragrance evolves, the melon's sweetness becomes more pronounced, with subtle candy-like nuances. The initial fresh burst softens into a rounded sweetness that lingers on the skin.
Signature Accords
On a blotter after 24 hours, the melon note fades but leaves hints of its original freshness, becoming more muted and sweet. It blends readily with other notes.
Soft, muted sweetness reminiscent of a fruity dessert.
The Full Story
Melon, chiefly Cucumis melo, has sweet, juicy flesh. It was cultivated thousands of years ago in Africa and Asia and has since diversified into many varieties. In perfumery it contributes a fresh, watery note.
Origin and Production
Melon is chosen for its sweet, fresh character, but because the natural fruit is delicate it is usually reconstructed synthetically in perfumery. Melon notes impart a light, airy quality.
Chemistry and Scent Profile
In addition to its refreshing scent, melon is valued in contemporary perfumery for its versatility. It works with floral notes like jasmine and rose, as well as with other fruits such as peach and citrus. Melon can also be layered with green notes for a crisp, bracing effect, or blended with warm, spicy notes to add complexity. Its light, fruity freshness makes it useful in summer fragrances and unisex compositions.
Chemical Properties
Melon (Molecular Formula: C10 H18 O2). Boiling Point: 115.00 °C. @ 21.00 mm Hg. Flash Point: 196.00 °F. TCC ( 91.11 °C. ). Specific Gravity: 0.88000 to 0.95000 @ 25.00 °C. Refractive Index: 1.44000 to 1.47000 @ 20.00 °C. Vapor Pressure: 0.146000 mmHg @ 25.00 °C. (est).
Did You Know?
This note in Première Peau. Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.
Did You Know?
Did you know?
Did you know that melons belong to the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers and pumpkins? This makes them more than just a fruit, but rather a member of a diverse botanical family.
Extraction & Chemistry
Extraction method: Synthetic or natural extraction methods depending on the specific use
N/A — complex fruit accord (key odorant: cis-6-nonenal CAS 2277-19-2)
Botanical Name
Cucumis melo
IFRA Status
No known restrictions
Synonyms
CANTALOUPE · HONEYDEW · MUSKMELON
Physical Properties
Odor Strength
Medium
Lasting Power
16 hours at 100.00%
Appearance
colorless to amber yellow clear liquid
Boiling Point
115.00 °C. @ 21.00 mm Hg
Flash Point
196.00 °F. TCC ( 91.11 °C. )
Specific Gravity
0.88000 to 0.95000 @ 25.00 °C.
Refractive Index
1.44000 to 1.47000 @ 20.00 °C.
In Perfumery
Melon is primarily used as a top note in perfumery, delivering an immediate burst of freshness and sweetness. Its light nature allows it to pair smoothly with a variety of other ingredients, including floral, fruity, and green notes. It is an excellent bridge in blends, reinforcing the structure of the fragrance while maintaining a refreshing quality. Perfumers often utilize mel on to carries a sense of lightness and vitality, used in summer fragrances and casual scents.