What does Cyclamen smell like?
Cyclamen smells like a cut flower just dropped into a vase. It is fresh and a little green, with a faint rosy tint. There is also a watery, almost metallic side, like tap water running down a stem. The real flower has little scent, which leaves perfumers plenty of freedom. In a fragrance the note stays clear and linear. It adds no sensuality but cleans up a formula. On skin it fades within two hours.
Origin and production
Cyclamen is a small tuberous plant from the Mediterranean basin. Wild species bloom in woodland, often in autumn. No commercial essence is extracted from it. The note is built from synthetic floral aldehydes, including cyclamen aldehyde, named after the flower. Other fresh, watery molecules complete the accord depending on the house.
How perfumers use it
Cyclamen plays the transparent flower in fresh hearts. It sits well with marine notes, lily of the valley and citrus. Azzaro Chrome (1996) uses it at the heart of a very clean citrus aromatic. Ralph Lauren Polo Sport (1994) follows the same idea. Byredo twists it in Bal d'Afrique (2009) between neroli and vetiver. Louis Vuitton Matière Noire (2016) slips it next to blackcurrant and jasmine.
How to wear it
Cyclamen is a daytime note for spring and summer. Three sprays of Chrome won't bother anyone. It does not make an evening scent.