Violet

These small purple blooms have lent their sweet, powdery aroma to fragrances for centuries, though most violet in perfumes today is the result of synthetic ionones.

Ionones can also be found in iris, and therefore, these two notes are often used together. As wonderful as they smell, an overdose of ionones can lead to temporary olfactory fatigue, and many fragrance wearers may notice that they can no longer smell violet or iris notes after a short exposure.

It’s important to note that violet leaf has a different smell to violet; typically green and watery. The two materials are often used in conjunction to give a modern edge to a violet accord.