Marjoram

What does marjoram smell like in perfume? Marjoram smells warm, herbal and gently spicy, softer and sweeter than oregano. It adds a comforting, aromatic warmth to the heart of a fragrance.

Botanical nameOriganum majorana
Plant partLeaves and flowering tops
OriginEgypt, Spain and Morocco
ExtractionSteam distillation
NoteHeart
Scent familyHerbs & Green
OdourWarm, herbal and gently spicy, with a sweet, woody softness
Perfume usesAromatic, herbal and citrus-floral blends
Key moleculesTerpinen-4-ol, sabinene hydrate, γ-terpinene
Odour impact Medium
Odour life on a strip Medium: most of a day
Found inNeroli Nuance

Used within IFRA limits. Impact and odour life are our own studio guide, judged on a smelling strip.

What Is Marjoram?

Sweet marjoram, Origanum majorana, is a Mediterranean herb related to oregano. Its leaves are distilled to give a warm, softly spicy oil.

What Does Marjoram Smell Like?

Here is how strongly each facet of marjoram comes through, from our own smelling-strip notes.

Herbal

Warm, aromatic leaves.

Spicy

A gentle, peppery warmth.

Woody

A soft, dry note.

Sweet

A mellow sweetness.

How Perfumers Use Marjoram

Perfumers use marjoram to add an aromatic warmth to florals and citrus. It gives a natural, Mediterranean character and softens brighter notes.

A herb of happiness

In ancient Greece, marjoram was a symbol of happiness and was woven into wreaths for newlyweds.

Smell Marjoram in Prosody London Perfumes

For marjoram at its most expressive, try Neroli Nuance. Marjoram adds an aromatic warmth to a floral heart of jasmine sambac and orange blossom.

What Blends Well With Marjoram?

Questions About Marjoram

Is marjoram the same as oregano?

They are related, but marjoram is softer and sweeter.

Does marjoram last long?

It sits in the heart of a fragrance.

What pairs with marjoram?

Citrus, orange blossom, lavender and woods.

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