The Most Expensive Notes In Perfumery

IRIS

Iris oil is the most expensive perfumery component. It is obtained from the roots, not the flowers, and this rather lengthy process can take up to 7 years or more. The rarest varieties of iris Pallida and Florentina are most valued by perfumers for their incomparably delicate aroma. 1 kilogram of iris oil can cost up to £35.000.

Parfums De Marly Athalia

Hermes Hermessence Iris Ukiyoe

Ex Nihilo Iris Porcelana

Haute Fragrance Company Black Orris

 

AMBERGRIS (GREY AMBER) 

This natural substance is produced in the digestive system of sperm whales. Ambergris gets into the sea naturally, but it takes decades for it to turn into a luxurious perfumery raw material. Exposed to saltwater, sunlight, and oxygen, gray amber develops its enchanting aroma - slightly salty-marine, soft and mineral. One kilogram of high-quality ambergris costs around £25.000.

Francis Kurkdjian Baccarat Rouge 540

Le Labo Another 13

Creed Himalaya

Xeroff Amber Star

 

SAFFRON

Saffron is the most expensive spice in the world, often referred to as the "gold" in both culinary and perfumery arts. The high cost becomes clear when you learn how saffron is obtained. It requires stigmas to be collected by hand without damaging the flower. They are then dried, ground, and distilled. To obtain one kilogram of finished raw material, the stigmas of more than 2000 flowers are required! The price for 1 kilogram of saffron can reach up to £6.000.

Intino Parfums Privés Oud For Greatness

Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede

Byredo Black Saffron

Afnan Mirsaal Of Trust

 

AGARWOOD

Agarwood, also known as oud, is a wild-growing tree whose wood doesn't possess a distinct scent, and only after being infected by a specific fungus, oud begins to produce fragrant resin to protect the tree from the disease. It's this resin that yields the highly valuable perfumery material, cultivated by growing the trees in specialized plantations. Obtaining agarwood oil requires a significant amount of wood — from 20 kg of wood, only about 10-12 mg of oil can be extracted. Therefore, 1 kilogram of agarwood oil costs around £12.500.

Tom Ford Oud Wood

Giorgio Armani Prive Oud Royal

Hermetica Darkoud

Mancera Aoud Vanille

 

MUSK

Natural musk is the sexual secretion of the male musk deer. Its extraction is now prohibited in many countries around the world. Synthetic alternatives have replaced natural musk, providing a sensual and alluring aroma. Musk is also an excellent fixative for other components, giving fragrances greater longevity. At the time when natural musk was still commercially available, it cost around £32.000 per kilogram!

Nasomatto Silver Musk

Narciso Rodriguez Pure Musc For Her

Initio Parfums Prives Musk Therapy

Zarkoperfume The Muse

Attar Collection Musk Kashmir

 

JASMINE GRANDIFLORUM

This is a large-flowered and highly aromatic jasmine (also known as the Spanish jasmine or Royal jasmine) that is highly valued by perfumers. It is grown in India, China, Italy, and Egypt. The flowers are hand-picked and carefully processed, a precious absolute is obtained from them. Only 1 kilogram of absolute is obtained from one ton of flowers. It's no wonder that it costs around £10.500.

Montale Jasmin Full

Mugler Alien

Chopard Jasmin Moghol

Amouage Ashore