Forest Fragrances – Bringing Mother Nature Into Your Home

The smells of the forest are primeval and they have mirrored the meaning of life, death and renewal since the dawn of time.

The air teems with a myriad of aromas that range from jungle flora and animal life to rain, damp moss, leaves, wet tree trunks, pine needles, wild flowers, frost and soft woods.

They are comforting smells, for they never fail to conjure family memories long buried in childhood campfires, walks through shady woods, the first feel of rain against a cheek and the pattering sound of its fall on nearby greenery.

What Are The Smells Of The Forest?

Olfactory explanations as to how these diverse smells are caused and why they are so prevalent in forest climes require a bit of detail.

Generally speaking, forest fragrances derive from four major categories which include: pine and pine resins; earth; under rocks and plants.

Our expert perfumers deftly combine these elements in their  wide range of fragrance refill formulations. More on each follow below.

Pine and Pine Resins

The tall conifer tree, its prickly pine needles and small pine cones are laden with terpene compounds.

This causes the air to become sharp, crisp and pungent and  combine with the richer, darker aromas of sap and resins.

The Smell of Earth

Prevailing climate greatly affects the dynamic nature of planet Earth’s manifold aromas.

Hiking on a hot summer day along the fringes of a forest, the scent of rotting tree trunks fill the air and the ground often smells like clay and dust.

There are also elements of freshness and muskiness, and that wonderful fragrance known as petrichor that fills the air after rain falls on dry soil.

It derives from bacteria in the  soil that produce a compound known as geosmin.

Plants

There are far too many plants that contribute to the aromas that defines the forest biome to mention here, but some of the more prominent ones include: rich, spicy and warm, wild ginger, the sweet After Death plant that os so like vanilla, heady fruity and sugary honeysuckle and haunting, intense jasmine.

Under Rocks

The musty, earthy aroma of worms that live under the soil derives from scent of their skin.

How Do Forest Smells Impact Well Being?

The association of health and happiness with the power of nature is particularly potent because forest smells are a multi-sensory experience.

On a grander scale, the scents of the forest play an important role in the formation of memories.

Aromas such as falling rain, damp grass and smoke billowing from an open campfire are all catalysts for mental associations.

A recent study published in the journal, Ambio, confirmed that natural smells greatly affect the way people feel.

Research from the University of Kent in England also examined the power of fresh forest scents and discovered that ”earthy smells affected multiple domains of well being with physical well being particularly in relation tor relaxation, comfort and rejuvenation.”

How Are Forest Fragrances Used In Perfumery?

In the last few years, forest-inspired fragrances have become a major trend in perfume selections for the home.

In the words of one perfumer: “The trend has reached the perfume world because its is based on a desire to reconnect with nature. The idea of spending time communing with Mother Nature to reflect, experience and breathe in her majesty relieves tension and allows us to transcend our own lives to reveal new connections with ourselves and others. The emotions, visualizations, and sensations that fragrance provides can deliver a new kind of well-being—one that is able to replicate the outdoors as we move through our fast-paced, everyday lives…”

Our Perfumer's Earthy Woody Forest Fragrances

The following is a partial list of some delightfully-favored forest fragrance oil blends.

Our Original Santal

Intoxicating and seductive, this bold formulation conjures images and smells of the deep, dark forest and the warm allure of an open fire.

Elements of buttery, smooth Australian sandalwood, intensely woody cardamom, potent, smoky papyrus, fruity iris and earthy, musky ambrox define the heart of this intense fragrance that weaves an olfactory tale of elusive love unfilled.

An earthy dry down of erotic musk completes this intriguing scent.

Winter Pine

A fragrance designed for the colder months of the year, this unforgettable scent evokes memories of the holiday season with its bright melange of vivid aromas.

This winter scent offers an olfactory holiday experience, blending fresh, woody tones. It begins with head notes of dewy morning mist, apple, pear, and icy glass.

Transitioning, a woody heart emerges with piney fir needle, sweet conifer, and minty eucalyptus.

The dry down features waxy pine needles, creamy sandalwood, and honeyed amber, completing this festive fragrance journey.