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What Is Pumpkin? | Première Peau

FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS  /  warm · spicy · fruity
Pumpkin
Pumpkin perfume ingredient
CategoryFRUITS, VEGETABLES AND NUTS
Subcategorywarm · spicy · fruity
Origin
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalCucurbita pepo
AppearanceDark green to reddish-brown viscous oil (seed oil)
Odor StrengthLow
Producing CountriesNorth America
PyramidHeart

Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient in perfumery, known for its warm, sweet, and slightly spicy aroma.

  1. Scent
  2. Terroir & Origins
  3. The Full Story
  4. Fun Fact
  5. Extraction & Chemistry
  6. In Perfumery
  7. See Also

Scent

The scent of pumpkin is warm, characterized by its sweet, slightly creamy aroma. Imagine the comforting smell of freshly baked pumpkin pie, with hints of nutmeg and cinnamon weaving through the rich, buttery notes of the pumpkin itself. This warmth is enhanced by an earthy undertone, like sun-soaked fields in the fall.

Scent Evolution

When experienced in a fragrance, pumpkin can also evoke the scent of roasted seeds. This combination of sweet and savory elements creates a comforting and nostalgic olfactory experience, transporting the wearer to cozy autumn gatherings and festive celebrations.

Evolution over time

Immediately

Immediately

After a few hours

After a few hours

After a few days

After a few days

Terroir & Post-Harvest Process

Indicative 2025 wholesale prices.

The Full Story

Pumpkin has a rich history, known for culinary and cultural significance, especially in North America during the autumn season. With origins tracing back to ancient Mesoamerica, this bright fruit has been cultivated for thousands of years. In perfumery, pumpkin is gaining recognition as a unique note, adding a comforting and nostalgic quality to fragrances, like harvest festivals and warm spices.

Origin and Production

Sourcing pumpkin for perfumery primarily involves selecting the best varieties that yield aromatic compounds. The fruit is typically harvested in late summer to early fall when it reaches its peak ripeness. The aromatic properties are extracted from the flesh and seeds, infusing fragrances with a warm, gourmand character that evokes feelings of coziness.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

In perfumery, pumpkin is an intriguing bridge between fruity and gourmand notes. Its sweet and earthy nuances combine smoothly with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, enhancing the warmth and comfort associated with autumnal scents. As a result, pumpkin is often featured in seasonal fragrances that aim to evoke a sense of nostalgia and warmth.

Did You Know?

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are edible and are rich in nutrients and often used in culinary dishes around the world.

Did You Know?

Did you know?
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are edible and are rich in nutrients and often used in culinary dishes around the world.

Extraction & Chemistry

Extraction method: Cold-pressing of seeds, distillation of the flesh

↑ See Terroir & Origins for origin-specific methods.

Molecular FormulaN/A — complex natural mixture
CAS Number8016-49-7
Botanical NameCucurbita pepo
IFRA StatusNo known restrictions
Synonymssquash, gourd
Physical Properties
Odor StrengthLow
Lasting Power48 hours
AppearanceDark green to reddish-brown viscous oil (seed oil)
Specific Gravity0.918 to 0.926 @ 20 °C
Refractive Index1.466 to 1.474 @ 20 °C

In Perfumery

In perfumery, pumpkin acts primarily as a heart note, adding to the overall warmth and sweetness of a fragrance. It works alongside spices such as cinnamon and clove, as well as other gourmand notes like vanilla and caramel. Its earthy undertones can complement floral scents, creating a balanced and layered composition.

See Also

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