Cyclamen

What Does It Smell Like?

Cyclamen smells like a delicate, slightly peppery floral with an almost metallic, mineral whisper beneath. Imagine fresh petals crushed between your palms—there's a green, slightly bitter undertone reminiscent of crushed stems and leaves. It's softer than a rose, more ethereal than a peony, with a subtle spiciness that catches you by surprise, like discovering pepper hidden amongst a bouquet of spring flowers. There's also an indefinable freshness, almost ozonic, that keeps it from feeling too sweet or heavy.

Origin & History

Cyclamen is primarily a synthetic creation, as the flower itself is difficult to extract naturally and the yield is minimal. The first cyclamen fragrance molecules were synthesised by perfumers seeking to capture the flower's elegant profile without relying on enfleurage or solvent extraction. Derived from the actual cyclamen flower (genus Cyclamen), native to Mediterranean regions, modern cyclamen notes are largely reconstructed in the laboratory. Perfumers engineer molecules that mirror the flower's complex green-floral character, making it a triumph of aromatic chemistry rather than classical extraction.

In Perfumery

Cyclamen functions as a sophisticated, luminous middle note—a heart-building ingredient rather than a lead voice. Perfumers value it for adding refined elegance and a slightly unusual green-peppery twist to floral compositions. It bridges delicate and distinctive, lending complexity without commanding attention. Often paired with woods or musks, it elevates florals from predictable to intriguing, adding an intellectual, almost artistic dimension.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 96 Fragrances