Fresh · Natural material · Top notes, Heart notes
Basil
Basil is the scent of the leaves of Ocimum basilicum, a herb called selasih in Indonesia and closely related to kemangi, the local lemon basil. It smells green, fresh and slightly peppery, with an anise-like sweetness. In perfume, basil usually sits in the top notes and gives a bright herbal opening.
· Written by the FRAG team
What does basil smell like?
Basil smells green and fresh like a just-picked leaf, with a peppery side and a hint of clove. A sweet, anise-like note flashes by at the start. If you have ever crushed a kemangi leaf, you already know part of the basil scent, although kemangi leans more towards lime.
On skin, basil is freshest in the first minutes, then softens into a warm, slightly woody herbal note.
Where basil comes from, and how it relates to kemangi
Ocimum basilicum comes from tropical Asia and is now grown in many countries. Perfume basil oil is steam-distilled from the fresh leaves, stems and flowers. Producers include India, Vietnam, France, Egypt, Comoros and Madagascar. Fine perfumery usually uses a basil type rich in linalool, which smells softer and slightly floral.
In Indonesia, Ocimum basilicum is one of the plants called selasih. Kemangi is a hybrid of selasih and Ocimum americanum, with a lime-like scent from its citral. Basil on a perfume note list is closer to selasih than to kemangi.
Basil in a perfume
Basil usually sits in the top notes, sometimes reaching the heart. It gives a green, fresh and slightly peppery opening and is common in aromatic, fougère and citrus perfumes. Basil also makes citrus feel sharper and less sweet.
Common partners are bergamot, lime and neroli, plus lavender and mint as fellow herbs. In warmer perfumes, basil often meets black pepper and woods.
When to wear basil
Green, fresh basil is pleasant after a morning shower, before work or before heading outdoors. A basil and citrus perfume is a light choice for hot weather. For the evening, look for basil paired with black pepper and woods.
