Jasmine is one of the few florals known just as much for its smell as its beautiful appearance. Even if you are unfamiliar with the plant, you’ve likely smelled it in perfume or the air on a summer night. But what does jasmine smell like?
Read on to learn everything you need about romantic and intoxicating jasmine, its scent, formulations, and benefits.
What Is Jasmine?
Jasmine (Jasminum) is a flowering plant in the olive family. There are more than 200 species found in tropical and warm temperate regions. The most common type is Jasminum officinale, also known as Common or Poet’s jasmine.
You can find the lovely jasmine plant in teas, essential oils, growing naturally, and in perfumes. As it blooms in the warmer months, the fragrance is an ideal summer scent and blends effortlessly with other aromas.
It is an evergreen vine or shrub that grows up to 20 feet tall. The plant has long, slender branches and small, white flowers with five petals. Jasmine’s flowers are highly fragrant, with a sweet, floral scent.
What Does Jasmine Smell Like?
Scent is a subjective sense, but the most common descriptors of jasmine are sweet, floral, and exotic.
Many people compare its fragrance to roses, although some think it has a more complex and decadent aroma. The delicate honeysuckle has a similar bouquet to jasmine - but it’s more subdued.
Jasmine has a very potent scent and can be detected even during dormancy. These mysterious flowers primarily release their aroma at night.
Jasmine Scent Benefits
Jasmine has several benefits in its floral or essential oil form. Many enthusiasts find its scent can reduce anxiety and stress and boost your mood.
Some research has even shown that the scent of jasmine can boost cognitive performance, especially when consumed in tea. In one study, participants who inhaled jasmine oil before taking a test scored higher than those who did not.
Jasmine oil is routinely used in aromatherapy because it’s believed to improve sleep quality and even ease labor pain.
Regardless of its use, jasmine’s swoon-worthy scent captures the hearts of many, and admirers find the fragrance pleasant even without the alleged benefits!
The Use of Jasmine in Perfumery
Jasmine is one of the most popular ingredients in perfume. It’s become known as the king of flowers for its consistent appearance in some of the best-selling fragrances available, such as:
- Mon Guerlain by Guerlain
- Gucci Bloom by Gucci
- Flowerhead by Byredo
The main reason why jasmine works so well in perfume is its potent yet versatile aroma.
Jasmine has a strong floral smell that can stand on its own or smoothly combine with other scents to create a unique fragrance, ranging from spicy to woodsy and innocently sweet.
Final Thoughts
Jasmine is so much more than a delightful scent. Whether you sip on a cup of jasmine tea, sprinkle essential oil around your home for aromatherapy, or purchase a luxury perfume from this dazzling flower, it’s one of the most beloved florals available.
If you are looking for a unique and exotic fragrance, jasmine may be the perfect scent for you!
Selena Marc is a fragrance enthusiast, freelance writer, and dog mom living in Houston, Texas. When she's not writing about her favorite new perfumes, you can find her enjoying yoga or a morning hike.
