Cinnamon: Fragrance Profile

1. Overview

• Comes from the bark or leaves of Cinnamomum species.

• Main sources:

  • Ceylon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum) – “true cinnamon,” warm, sweet, delicate.

  • Cassia Cinnamon (Cinnamomum cassia) – spicier, stronger, more pungent.

• Extracted by steam distillation → essential oil.

• One of the most ancient and prized spices in both perfumery and ritual.

2. Aroma Character

• Warm, spicy, sweet, balsamic.

• Bark oil → sweeter, richer, gourmand warmth.

• Leaf oil → spicier, more pungent, clove-like (due to eugenol).

• Evokes comfort, heat, sensuality, exoticism.

  Overall impression: fiery-sweet spice with cozy or seductive character.

3. Chemical Composition

• Cinnamaldehyde → dominant, warm, spicy-sweet bark aroma.

• Eugenol (more in leaf oil) → spicy, clove-like depth.

• Coumarin (trace) → soft, sweet undertone.

4. Perfume Applications

• A classic spice note in perfumery.

• Usually used in small amounts (can be overwhelming).

• Common in:

  • Orientals/ambers → paired with vanilla, tonka, benzoin, resins.

  • Gourmands → apple pie, hot drinks, desserts.

  • Spicy leathers & woods → with clove, nutmeg, patchouli, cedar.

• Works well with:

  • Citrus (orange, mandarin, bergamot) → spiced freshness.

  • Resins (benzoin, frankincense, myrrh) → warmth & mysticism.

  • Sweet notes (vanilla, honey, caramel, tonka) → gourmand comfort.

• Iconic perfumes:

  • Opium (YSL) → spicy oriental richness.

  • Spicebomb (Viktor & Rolf) → explosive cinnamon warmth.

  • Amouage Jubilation XXV → incense + cinnamon opulence.

5. Mood & Symbolism

• Symbolizes passion, warmth, sensuality, protection, and luxury.

• In perfumery, cinnamon conveys:

  • Cozy comfort (gourmands).

  • Exotic spice & mystery (orientals).

  • Fiery seduction (intense spicy blends).

Quick Summary Table

In essence: Cinnamon is a sweet-hot spice note, balancing comfort and seduction, central to oriental and gourmand perfumery.