Pumpkin has a warm, sweet, slightly creamy aroma, recalling freshly baked pumpkin pie, with nutmeg and cinnamon over the buttery notes of the pumpkin itself, and an earthy undertone.
Scent Evolution
In a fragrance, pumpkin can also carry the scent of roasted seeds, combining sweet and savory elements.
Evolution over time
Immediately
Immediately
sweet and warm
After a few hours
After a few hours
earthy undertones become more pronounced
After a few days
After a few days
remains comforting and slightly nutty
The Full Story
Pumpkin has culinary and cultural significance in North America, particularly in autumn. It originated in Mesoamerica and has been cultivated for thousands of years. In perfumery it is a relatively recent note, often paired with warm spices.
Origin and Production
Pumpkin is harvested from late summer to early fall at peak ripeness, with aromatic material taken from the flesh and seeds. It contributes a warm, gourmand character.
Chemistry and Scent Profile
In perfumery, pumpkin bridges fruity and gourmand notes. Its sweet, earthy nuances combine with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, contributing warmth to autumnal scents. Pumpkin is often used in seasonal fragrances.
Did You Know?
Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are edible, nutrient-rich and common in cooking.
This note in Première Peau. Rose Monotone. Sample all seven extraits in the Discovery Set.
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
Molecular Formula
N/A — complex natural mixture
CAS Number
8016-49-7
Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
IFRA Status
No known restrictions
Synonyms
squash, gourd
Physical Properties
Odor Strength
Low
Lasting Power
48 hours
Appearance
Dark green to reddish-brown viscous oil (seed oil)
Specific Gravity
0.918 to 0.926 @ 20 °C
Refractive Index
1.466 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.