What does angelica root smell like in perfume? Angelica root smells earthy, musky and green, with a peppery, slightly sweet depth. It is one of the few plants that contains a natural musk molecule.
| Botanical name | Angelica archangelica |
|---|---|
| Plant part | Roots |
| Origin | Belgium, France and Hungary |
| Extraction | Steam distillation |
| Note | Base |
| Scent family | Herbs & Green |
| Odour | Earthy, musky and green, with a peppery, slightly sweet depth |
| Perfume uses | Woody, musky and green blends |
| Key molecules | α-pinene, β-phellandrene, pentadecanolide (a natural musk) |
| Odour impact | High |
| Odour life on a strip | Long: a day or more |
| Found in | Oud Octavo |
Used within IFRA limits. Impact and odour life are our own studio guide, judged on a smelling strip.
What Is Angelica Root?
Angelica, Angelica archangelica, is a tall herb whose name comes from the legend that an archangel revealed its virtues. Its roots are distilled to give a rich, musky oil.
What Does Angelica Root Smell Like?
Here is how strongly each facet of angelica root comes through, from our own smelling-strip notes.
Earthy
Damp, rooty soil.
Musky
A soft, skin-like musk.
Green
A fresh, herbal note.
Peppery
A dry, spicy edge.
How Perfumers Use Angelica Root
Perfumers use angelica root to add depth, a natural musk and an earthy freshness. It pairs well with woods, spices and citrus.
A natural musk
Angelica root contains pentadecanolide, a musk molecule, which gives it a soft, skin-like warmth found in few other plants.
Smell Angelica Root in Prosody London Perfumes
For angelica root at its most expressive, try Oud Octavo. Angelica root adds an earthy, musky depth to an oud base with cypress and vetiver.
Oud OctavoWhat Blends Well With Angelica Root?
Questions About Angelica Root
Does angelica smell musky?
Yes, it contains a natural musk molecule.
Is angelica strong?
Yes, it is used in small amounts.
What pairs with angelica?
Woods, spices, citrus and resins.
Explore all of our natural perfume ingredients.
