Pear

What Does It Smell Like?

Pear smells like biting into a ripe fruit on a sun-warmed afternoon—juicy, green, and gently sweet without cloying. It's lighter and more delicate than citrus, with a crisp, slightly floral character that sits somewhere between fresh apple and honeyed stone fruit. There's a subtle green leaf quality, almost like the stem and skin of the fruit. It feels clean and innocent, perhaps reminiscent of pear juice or those waxy pear sweets from childhood, but far more sophisticated and refined when isolated as a fragrance ingredient.

Origin & History

Pear fragrance typically comes from synthetic creation rather than natural extraction, as the fruit itself yields very little usable oil. Chemists synthesise pear's character primarily through ethyl acetate and other ester compounds that mimic the fruit's aromatic profile. Some natural pear notes are derived from pear essence or distilled from the fruit. Interestingly, pear became fashionable in perfumery during the 1990s and early 2000s, featuring prominently in fresh, gourmand fragrances aimed at younger audiences—a relatively modern addition to the fragrance palette.

In Perfumery

Pear functions as a luminous top or heart note, offering brightness and an almost innocent sweetness. Perfumers deploy it to add approachability and freshness without the sharp bite of citrus. It pairs beautifully with florals like muguet, amplifying their creamy sweetness, or with amber and musk for gourmand compositions. It rarely dominates, instead serving as a charming, humanising accent.

Pairs Beautifully With

Featured In 161 Fragrances