Ginger: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Botanical source: Rhizome of Zingiber officinale.

• Extraction:

  • Fresh ginger oil → steam distillation of fresh rhizomes (brighter, citrusy).

  • Dried ginger oil → steam distillation of dried rhizomes (spicier, warmer, more resinous).

• Widely used in both fine perfumery and aromatherapy for its vibrant spicy freshness.

2. Aroma Character

• Fresh, sparkling, citrusy-spicy, warm, and slightly woody.

• Nuances:

  • Fresh-citrusy (like lemon-lime with a peppery edge).

  • Warm-spicy (zesty heat, slightly pungent).

  • Woody-earthy (subtle dry rootiness in the dry-down).

• Fresh ginger → bright, energetic, effervescent.

• Dried ginger → deeper, warmer, more resinous and spicy.

👉 Overall impression: an energizing, zesty spice with citrus brightness and warm depth.

3. Chemical Composition

• Zingiberene (sesquiterpene) → warm, woody-spicy backbone.

• Cineole (eucalyptol) → fresh, camphoraceous lift.

• Geranial & neral (citral isomers) → citrusy sparkle.

• Borneol & camphene → cool, spicy edge.

• Gingerol, shogaol (in raw vs dried ginger) → pungent, hot spiciness.

4. Perfume Applications

• Works as a top to heart note depending on form used.

• Applications:

  • Fresh-spicy fragrances → adds sparkling zest.

  • Orientals → deepens spicy warmth.

  • Aquatic & citrus perfumes → sharp, modern energy.

  • Gourmands → pairs with vanilla, chocolate, and woods.

• Blends well with:

  • Citrus oils (bergamot, lemon, mandarin).

  • Other spices (cardamom, cinnamon, clove).

  • Floral notes (jasmine, rose, ylang-ylang).

  • Woods & resins (cedar, frankincense, amber).

• Perfume examples:

  • Thierry Mugler – B*Men → fiery ginger-spice accord.

  • Jo Malone – Lime Basil & Mandarin → crisp lime-ginger freshness.

  • Tom Ford – Noir Extreme → warm ginger with cardamom & amber.

  • Hermès – Eau de Gingembre → sparkling fresh ginger soliflore.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Symbol of energy, stimulation, sensuality, and warmth.

• Aromatherapy: considered invigorating, aphrodisiac, and uplifting.

• Mood associations:

  • Energetic & sparkling → bright start, zesty boost.

  • Warm & sensual → cozy spiced warmth.

  • Exotic & adventurous → ties to oriental spice trade.

 Quick Summary Table

In essence: Ginger is a bright, citrusy-spicy note that bridges freshness and warmth, adding sparkling energy or exotic depth to perfumes depending on its form.