Creamy / Powdery

Even though a smell can’t really have a texture, such is the power of our olfactory memory that we associate certain scents with tactile attributes like powdery, creamy or smooth.

Whether they’re cosmetic, hygienic, or medicinal, powders and creams have been scented for thousands of years. Almost everyone is familiar with the smell of baby powder, but most would not realise that it’s a complex fragrance which can involve the notes of vanilla, tonka, heliotrope, rose, violet, jasmine, musks, civet, etc.

Certain notes like iris, rose, violet, heliotrope and mimosa are all associated with powdery fragrances. An iris note is traditionally achieved with a ‘butter’ made from the dried rhizomes, and iris can also have a creamy aspect. Coconut, almond and sandalwood are other materials which can give this effect.