Cinnamon leaf

What Does It Smell Like?

Cinnamon leaf is distinctly different from the sweeter cinnamon bark you know from pastries. Imagine walking past a spice market where bundles of dried leaves release a green-tinged, peppery warmth—less sugar, more herbaceous bite. It's sharper and more "leafy" than its bark cousin, with a slightly medicinal quality reminiscent of clove or black pepper, yet still unmistakably cinnamon. There's a subtle eucalyptus-like freshness underneath, a cooling whisper beneath the heat.

Origin & History

Cinnamon leaf oil comes from Cinnamomum verum trees grown primarily in Sri Lanka and Indonesia. Whilst cinnamon bark is harvested from the tree's inner bark, cinnamon leaf oil is steam-distilled from the aromatic leaves themselves. This extraction yields a more volatile, fresher profile than the heavier bark absolute. The practice dates back centuries—ancient traders valued both bark and leaf, though the leaf was historically considered less precious, making it more accessible to perfumers seeking spicy complexity without cinnamon's heavy sweetness.

In Perfumery

Perfumers employ cinnamon leaf as a sophisticated spice accent rather than a standalone hero. It adds peppery depth and green vibrancy to compositions, lending a fresher perspective to traditional amber or oriental fragrances. Its volatility makes it excellent for top-note sparkle, whilst its herbal undertones prevent compositions from becoming cloying or overly dessert-like.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 11 Fragrances