Cranberry: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) is not commonly distilled into an essential oil.

• The note is typically recreated synthetically or through fruit extracts/tinctures.

• Popular in fruity-floral perfumes, gourmand blends, and youthful fragrances for its tart brightness.

2. Aroma Character

• Tart, juicy, red-berry-like, sweet-sour, fresh, slightly bitter.

• Similar to red currant but with more acidity and dryness.

• Adds a crisp, sparkling fruitiness to compositions.

👉 Overall impression: bright, tart-sweet berry freshness with a playful edge.

3. Chemical Composition (Reconstructed)

Cranberry scent is built using fruit esters and aldehydes, such as:

• Ethyl butyrate, ethyl acetate → fruity, juicy freshness.

• Hexyl acetate, isoamyl acetate → sweet, apple-pear tones.

• Berry-like aldehydes (C-12 MNA, C-14 peach aldehyde) → give tart fruit nuance.

• Trace musk & lactones → roundness.

4. Perfume Applications

• Used as a top to mid note in fruity-florals and gourmands.

• Common pairings:

  • Other fruits (apple, pear, raspberry, pomegranate, blackcurrant) → sparkling cocktails.

  • Floral notes (rose, peony, violet) → tart lift in fruity florals.

  • Vanilla, caramel, praline → sweet-tart gourmand effects.

  • Woods & musks → clean modern fruity base.

• Perfume examples:

  • Escada Cherry in the Air (fruity-berry playful accord).

  • Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Cranberry → tart, uplifting freshness.

  • Bath & Body Works Winter Cranberry → festive cranberry-berry blends.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Represents festivity, youth, brightness, and energy.

• In perfumery:

  • Cheerful & playful → fruity cocktails.

  • Tart & crisp → refreshing lift.

  • Modern feminine → paired with clean musks.

 Quick Summary Table

In essence: Cranberry is a sparkling tart berry note, adding juicy brightness and playful freshness, especially in modern fruity-floral and gourmand fragrances.