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What Is Tuberose? | Premiere Peau

WHITE FLOWERS  /  floral · narcotic · creamy
Tuberose
Tuberose perfume ingredient
CategoryWHITE FLOWERS
Subcategoryfloral · narcotic · creamy
OriginNatural (India, Morocco, Egypt, Mexico, Comoros Islands)
VolatilityHeart Note
BotanicalAgave amica (syn. Polianthes tuberosa)
Appearancered brown semi-solid (est)
Odor StrengthMedium

Tuberose is a fragrant white flower note known for its rich, creamy scent.

  1. Olfactory Profile
  2. Scent Evolution
  3. The Full Story
  4. Fun Fact
  5. Technical Data
  6. Sensory & Physical Data
  7. In Perfumery
  8. See Also

Olfactory Profile

Tuberose exudes a rich, creamy, and floral aroma that is both intoxicating and voluptuous. It has a luscious sweetness, reminiscent of ripe fruits, yet maintains a fresh, green undertone that keeps it from becoming cloying. The scent can evoke the feeling of a warm summer night, filled with blooming flowers, and is often compared to the sweetness of jasmine but with a more opulent character.

Scent Evolution

When you smell tuberose, you may also detect subtle nuances of honey and a hint of spice, which add complexity to its profile. This multifaceted aroma can shift depending on the composition, revealing different aspects when blended with other notes. Its powerful and enduring scent makes it a focal point in many floral arrangements, where it can dominate the olfactory landscape while harmonizing beautifully with lighter florals and rich woods.

Signature Accords

Tuberose's unique olfactory signature is often described as a blend of creaminess and freshness, making it both alluring and comforting. It is a fragrance that can transport the wearer to a lush garden under the moonlight, emphasizing its romantic and dreamy qualities.

Scent Evolution

Immediately

Immediately

After a few hours

After a few hours

After a few days

After a few days

The Full Story

Tuberose, scientifically known as Polianthes tuberosa, is a highly valued flower in the world of perfumery. Originating from Mexico, this flower has a long history of use, dating back to the Aztecs, who cultivated it for its intoxicating aroma. The tuberose is often associated with romantic and sensual themes, making it a popular choice in both contemporary and classic fragrances. Its significance in perfumery lies not only in its distinctive scent but also in its ability to evoke emotions and memories, often linked to love and passion.

Origin and Production

The cultivation of tuberose has spread beyond its native region, with countries like India and France also growing this exquisite flower. The petals are harvested at night when their fragrance is at its peak, emphasizing the flower's allure. Tuberose is often used in floral bouquets and arrangements, celebrated for its elegant appearance and potent scent. In perfumery, it is prized for its complexity, allowing perfumers to create multifaceted olfactory experiences.

Chemistry and Scent Profile

In modern perfumery, tuberose is frequently blended with other floral notes, spices, and woods to create unique compositions. Its creamy, lush scent can add depth and richness to fragrances, making it a favorite among niche fragrance houses. Tuberose can also be found in various forms, including absolute and essential oil, each offering a different aspect of its aromatic profile. The versatility of tuberose makes it suitable for both feminine and unisex scents, allowing for a wide range of interpretations.

Role in Perfumery

Overall, tuberose remains a celebrated ingredient in perfumery, embodying a sense of luxury and sophistication. Its rich history, captivating scent, and ability to create emotional connections have solidified its place as a staple in the fragrance world. Whether used alone or in harmony with other notes, tuberose continues to inspire and enchant both perfumers and fragrance enthusiasts alike.

Chemical Properties

Tuberose (CAS: 8024-05-3 (tuberose absolute), Molecular Formula: C₈H₈O₂ (Methyl benzoate, key odorant) · C₁₄H₁₂O₂ (Benzyl benzoate)). Flash Point: > 212.00 °F. TCC ( > 100.00 °C. ). Specific Gravity: 0.92000 to 0.98000 @ 25.00 °C.. Refractive Index: 1.48000 to 1.52000 @ 20.00 °C..

Did You Know?

Tuberose is not a true lily, despite its name, and is actually part of the agave family, highlighting its unique botanical lineage.

Fun Fact

Did you know?
Tuberose is not a true lily, despite its name, and is actually part of the agave family, highlighting its unique botanical lineage.

Technical Data

Molecular FormulaC₈H₈O₂ (Methyl benzoate, key odorant) · C₁₄H₁₂O₂ (Benzyl benzoate)
CAS Number8024-05-3 (tuberose absolute)
Botanical NameAgave amica (syn. Polianthes tuberosa)
ExtractionEnfleurage (cold-fat absorption) of freshly picked flowers. Tuberose is one of the few flowers whose scent production actually increases after cutting (Sawer, 1892), making it ideally suited to enfleurage: flowers are laid on purified fat (lard/tallow) on glass chassis frames and replaced daily for weeks. A hectare yields approximately 2,500 kg of flowers. Steam distillation destroys the fragile odorant molecules. Modern: solvent extraction produces a greener profile than the historical enfleurage product.
IFRA StatusNo restriction on natural tuberose absolute
SynonymsTUBEREUSE · POLIANTHES · NARDO · RAJNIGANDHA · OMIXOCHITL

Sensory & Physical Data

Odor StrengthMedium
Appearancered brown semi-solid (est)
Flash Point> 212.00 °F. TCC ( > 100.00 °C. )
Specific Gravity0.92000 to 0.98000 @ 25.00 °C.
Refractive Index1.48000 to 1.52000 @ 20.00 °C.

In Perfumery

In perfumery, tuberose is primarily used as a heart note, bringing a rich and opulent floral character to fragrances. It pairs exceptionally well with other white flowers such as jasmine and orange blossom, as well as with warmer notes like sandalwood and amber. Its versatility allows it to also complement fruity and gourmand notes, enhancing their sweetness and depth. Perfumers often utilize tuberose to create a sense of luxury and sophistication in their compositions. Its bold presence can serve as a signature element in a fragrance, making it memorable and distinctive. Tuberose can also be used in smaller quantities to provide a subtle yet impactful floral nuance, demonstrating its adaptability in various scent profiles.

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