Nirvanolide® smells like the warm, creamy heart of sandalwood, but cleaner and more refined. Imagine the soft, almost powdery richness of aged cedarwood blended with a subtle creaminess—like sanding sandalwood with butter rather than oil. It carries a gentle sweetness reminiscent of vanilla-tinged amber, yet remains distinctly woody rather than gourmand. There's a skin-like warmth to it, as though it's been warmed by sunlight on smooth timber.
Nirvanolide® is a synthetic woody molecule created through modern fragrance chemistry. Developed by the industry to capture the luxurious qualities of sandalwood without relying on overexploited natural sources, it was engineered to provide a sustainable alternative. This polycyclic compound mimics the sensory profile of traditional sandalwood whilst offering superior stability and performance in fragrance formulations. It represents the perfumer's answer to conservation concerns.
Nirvanolide® serves as a creamy woody anchor in modern fragrances, functioning much like a softer, more elegant sandalwood. Perfumers deploy it to build warmth and sophistication without heaviness, making it ideal for both skin fragrances and fine fragrances. It blends seamlessly with florals, musks, and amber accords, providing longevity and a velvety base that keeps compositions feeling refined and contemporary.
Time-tested combinations
Surprising harmonies