Green notes: the scent of luxurious serenity

Imagine standing on a freshly mowed, lush green lawn or taking an early morning walk through a meadow drenched in dew.
You close your eyes and breathe in that intoxicating “green” scent – fresh, harmonious, and pure. That’s exactly what the green fragrance family is all about – the essence of nature bottled up, just waiting to be released.

A fragrant rebellion: the birth of the green family

The green fragrance family emerged in the 1940s as a response to the dominance of heavy, sweet, and powdery scents on the perfume market. It was the house of Balmain that launched Vent Vert – the first truly green fragrance that shook the world of perfumery. Its revolutionary character came from the use of galbanum – a resin obtained from the Ferula galbaniflua plant, native to Iran, Turkey, and Central Asia. Galbanum has a sharp, resinous scent and forms the very foundation of the green fragrance family.

As perfumery evolved, new synthetic molecules like cis-3-hexenol (the scent of freshly cut grass) and violet leaf entered the scene. These notes perfectly capture the raw green essence of stems, young buds, and herbs. Over time, perfumers began blending green notes with citrus, floral, and woody accords, creating light, modern compositions – many of them unisex – that blossomed in the 1970s and ‘80s. This golden age gave us iconic green classics like Chanel No. 19, Estée Lauder Aliage, and YSL Y (not to be confused with the 2017 men’s version).

In the ‘90s, green-based perfumes slowly faded into the background. The market’s focus shifted to aquatic and sweeter fruity-floral scents. By the early 2000s, gourmand perfumes took center stage, making green aromas feel too minimalistic and austere in comparison. But as interest in nature, wellness, and niche perfumery has grown in recent years, green scents have made a refreshing comeback – seen as authentic, clean, and delightfully unpretentious.

What makes a fragrance ‘green’?

Besides galbanum, cut grass, and violet leaves, other key players in the green fragrance family include mate, green tea, rhubarb, and blackcurrant leaves. While herbs like basil, mint, and sage are technically considered aromatic, they beautifully enhance the green tone of a scent.

Green notes are typically found at the top of a perfume composition, giving the scent a vibrant, natural, and energizing opening.

But green isn’t only about simplicity and freshness. When paired with other fragrance families, green compositions can take on entirely new personalities. Mixed with patchouli or oakmoss, they become deeper and more mysterious. Combined with spices, they can even feel sensual and warm.

When and why to wear green

Green-based perfumes are incredibly versatile (though much depends on the supporting notes). They’re perfect for everyday wear: for school, university, work, or even a workout. They give off a clean, crisp aura and don’t overwhelm those around you.

They’re especially great when you need a mental reset - like a walk through the forest, they soothe and restore balance. Spring and summer are the ideal seasons for green scents to truly shine, making them a perfect fresh companion for outdoor activities and warm days.

Who are green fragrances for?

Green scents tend to appeal to those who appreciate simplicity and purity - both in their style and in their way of life. There’s something contemplative and even reserved about green notes, which is why they often resonate with individualists and introverts.

They’re not typically mainstream favorites - in a market ruled by florals, fruits, and citrus - but that’s precisely why they flourish in niche perfumery, where their unique blend of clarity and complexity is allowed to stand out.

A deep breath in a noisy world

The green fragrance family is like a deep breath in the middle of the chaos - pure, fresh, and authentic. Though it once fell into the shadows of louder trends, it’s now making a powerful return, proving that nature can be just as captivating as luxury.

Green perfumes aren’t just about smelling fresh - they’re about balance, personality, and finding space between the notes.

Maybe… they’re exactly what you’ve been looking for?