Ingredient Library
The Olfactory Atlas
Access the complete index of perfumery ingredients. Filter by chemical profile, origin, or olfactory family to understand fragrance composition.
315
Notes
12
Groups
Bitter Almond
Description
Bitter almond, derived from the seeds of the Prunus amygdalus species, is a sharp, nutty note in perfumery. Known for its slightly bitter, almond-like aroma, it adds a complex, slightly sweet, and slightly spicy character to fragrances. It is often used in oriental, gourmand, and floral compositions to provide depth, warmth, and a touch of sweetness with an intriguing bitter edge.
Odor Profile
Bitter almond has a warm, nutty aroma with slightly sweet, floral, and almond-like undertones. Its scent is rich and somewhat spicy, with a faint, almond-like bitterness and a hint of marzipan. The overall profile is creamy, slightly bitter, and slightly powdery, offering a complex, slightly intoxicating quality. Bitter almond adds an exotic, luxurious depth to fragrances, enhancing their richness and complexity while providing a subtle, yet distinctive nutty sweetness.