Mahonial® smells like polished wood furniture in a sun-warmed room—think of freshly sanded mahogany or rosewood with a subtle sweetness underneath. It carries the dry, almost peppery warmth of aged timber, but with a creamy smoothness that prevents it from becoming austere. There's a whisper of spice and a faint floral undertone, reminiscent of cedarwood's dignity combined with the subtle sweetness of sandalwood. It's sophisticated without being sharp—imagine running your hand along warm wood and catching the faintest hint of vanilla and pepper.
Mahonial® is a woody aromatic molecule created synthetically by the fragrance ingredient supplier International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF). Rather than being distilled from actual mahogany wood (which is rarely used in perfumery), this is a designer molecule engineered to capture the olfactory essence of mahogany and other precious hardwoods. It was developed to provide perfumers with a consistent, sustainable alternative to rare timber oils whilst offering superior performance in fragrance compositions—longer lasting and more nuanced than natural wood extracts.
Mahonial® functions as a sophisticated base note and woody anchor. Perfumers deploy it to add depth, elegance, and longevity without the heaviness of traditional woody notes. It bridges the gap between gourmand warmth and structural woody support, making fragrances feel both refined and subtly sensual. Often paired with spices, musks, or ambroxan for enhancement.
Contemporary compositions
Surprising harmonies
Lattafa
Liquides Imaginaires
Trussardi
Versace
Liquides Imaginaires
The Merchant Of Venice
Zara