While rose might be crowned the queen of florals, jasmine is the quiet powerhouse of the perfume world. You’ll find it at the heart of some of the most iconic scents we call cult — Chanel Coco Mademoiselle, YSL Libre, and Dior J’adore – lending them their elegance, depth, and that unmistakable something that keeps you coming back for one more spritz.
Part of jasmine’s allure is its versatility. With hundreds of species, it can be fresh and green, creamy and opulent, or sultry and musky. It’s the ultimate in ‘quiet luxury’, instantly elevating even the most affordable scents (think: Sol De Janeiro 68). And it’s not just about the aroma – jasmine has been used in aromatherapy for centuries for its ability to both uplift and soothe.
It’s also a note steeped in craftsmanship. “The yield from the flowers themselves is very low, and the labour involved in harvesting and collecting the volume required for extraction is immense,” explains Nick Gilbert, founder of fragrance development lab Olfiction. “The scent of jasmine is voluptuous, creamy and petal-ly – depending on how it’s treated in a fragrance, it can impart dense floralcy or effervescent transparency.”
Louise Rigley, Senior Global Brand Manager at GHOST, agrees: “It takes thousands of hand‑picked blossoms to produce just a small quantity of oil. Even in more accessible fragrances, jasmine carries that aura of craftsmanship and prestige. It instantly elevates a scent, creating softness, sensuality and sophistication that people intuitively connect with quality.”
Its popularity, both experts agree, comes down to how adaptable it is. Jasmine blends seamlessly with fruits, woods, musks, and gourmand notes, lending itself to fresh, airy fragrances just as easily as it does to deep, evening‑ready blends. It’s a note people recognise, remember, and connect with emotionally – which is exactly why it appears in so many perfumes we fall in love with.
Meet the experts
- Nick Gilbert, founder of fragrance development lab Olfiction, whose expertise lies in the art and science of scent creation.
- Louise Rigley, Senior Global Brand Manager at GHOST and Designer Parfums, who offers an insider’s perspective on jasmine’s role in crafting unforgettable fragrances.
How we tested the best jasmine perfumes
When it comes to jasmine perfumes, the heart (or middle) notes are where the magic happens. As our experts Gilbert and Rigley explained, these notes shape the character and longevity of the scent, going beyond the fleeting top notes to reveal the true essence of jasmine.
With this in mind, we tested each fragrance on skin over several hours and different days, paying close attention to how the jasmine evolved – from the initial spritz to the final dry down. We also considered how jasmine interacted with other notes, like woods, fruits, and musks, to capture the full sensory experience.
Alongside our own wear tests, we took on board insights from perfumers and brand experts about the craftsmanship and versatility behind jasmine – helping us appreciate not just how these scents smell, but why they work so well. The result is a curated selection of jasmine perfumes that balance quality, wearability, and that unmistakable floral allure you can’t resist.
Ready to elevate your fragrance game? Don’t miss our guides to the best long-lasting perfumes, best rose perfumes and the best winter perfumes.
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