Pine Perfume

What does the word pine mean?

The pine is a majestic, emblematic tree found in many parts of the world. There are several species of pine, each with their own characteristics and properties. The name comes from the Latin "pinus", meaning "resinous tree". Indeed, pines produce an aromatic resin that is often used in perfumery for its olfactory qualities.

In the beginning…

The use of pine in perfumery dates back to ancient times. The Egyptians already used pine essential oils for mummification, and the Greeks used it in medicine for its antiseptic properties. In the Middle Ages, pine perfumes were popular in Europe to mask the unpleasant odors of cities. More recently, the scent of pine has been used in beard perfumes and male grooming products. 

Furthermore, pines have a cultural and symbolic importance in many cultures. In Greek mythology, pine was associated with the goddess of the hunt, Artemis. It was considered a symbol of strength and virility. In addition, Native Americans used pine resin for healing and purification, while the Vikings used pinewood to build their ships.  

DID YOU KNOW? Some pines can last for centuries. One of the most famous examples is the Bristlecone Pine in California, USA, which is considered one of the oldest trees in the world, with an estimated age of over 5,000 years!

Pine cultivation

Pine is native to the northern hemisphere and grows in many places, including Europe, Asia and North America. Since it needs light to grow, it is often planted in open areas, in temperate and humid climates.

Pine develops from a small seed that germinates in the soil. Once emerged, it grows slowly, developing roots and stems. Over time, the pine tree forms a sturdy trunk and branches that extend skyward. It absorbs nutrients from the soil and sunlight to feed itself and grow. As it grows, it produces green needles that help it photosynthesize and store energy. Over the years, the pine reaches maturity, forming a majestic silhouette and providing shelter for many forest creatures.

Pine is generally harvested by cutting through the bark, which allows the resin to flow. This resin is then collected and distilled to obtain the essential oil used in perfumery. This harvesting method, known as "tapping", has been practiced for centuries in pine-growing regions. Today, it is carried out in a more modern, environmentally-friendly way, using techniques that are gentler on the trees.

Different pine species

Several pine species are used in perfumery for their distinct aromatic qualities. Here are some of the pine species commonly used:

• Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris): widely used for its essential oil, rich in resinous, fresh, woody notes. It adds an invigorating, tonic touch to perfume compositions.

• Siberian pine (Pinus sibirica): This species of pine produces an essential oil with woody, earthy and slightly smoky accents. It is often used to add depth and character to fragrances.

• Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster): Its essential oil is appreciated for its balsamic, resinous and slightly sweet qualities. It adds a warm, soothing note to fragrant compositions.

• White pine (Pinus strobus): Its essential oil is known for its fresh, slightly lemony notes. It adds an invigorating, luminous facet to fragrances.

• Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa): This species of pine is prized for its essential oil's resinous, sweet, slightly vanilla notes. It adds a warm, enveloping dimension to fragrance compositions.

These different pine species are used by perfumers to create a variety of fragrances, exploiting their specific olfactory characteristics and combining them with other ingredients to obtain unique, balanced compositions.

Interesting fact!

Pine has many beneficial properties for health and well-being. Pine essential oils are often used in aromatherapy for their antiseptic and antiviral properties, helping to prevent infection and boost the immune system. They are also known for their anti-inflammatory properties, relieving muscle and joint pain.
In addition to its therapeutic properties, pine is also used in cosmetics for its purifying and revitalizing properties. Pine skincare products help to deeply cleanse and purify the skin, while leaving it feeling fresh and soft. Pine is also a common ingredient in hair care products, helping to strengthen hair, prevent hair loss and stimulate hair growth.

NOTE! Certain types of pine have developed special adaptations to survive forest fires. For example, the pine cones of the giant sequoia trees in California's Sierra Nevada only open to release their seeds after being exposed to the intense heat of the fire. This mechanism enables them to replenish the forest after a fire!

What do you know about pine in perfumery?

The process of treating and transforming pine into perfume begins with the extraction of resin from pine trees. This resin is collected from trunks or branches, often by incision. The resin is then distilled to obtain pine essential oil, which has a characteristic scent rich in woody and resinous notes. Pine essential oil can be used as an ingredient in perfumes, adding a distinctive, natural aromatic facet. It can be blended with other ingredients and diluted as required to create unique fragrances inspired by the aromas of nature.

Pine fragrance is highly appreciated in the perfume industry for its fresh, woody scent associated with nature. When you breathe in the scent of pine, you can perceive lively, invigorating notes of resin, pine needles and bark, which bring a sensation of freshness and vitality. The scent of pine can also have slightly herbaceous and balsamic nuances, adding a soothing, aromatic dimension to the composition.

The olfactory accords associated with pine can vary depending on the other ingredients with which it is combined. Here are some common combinations:

• Woody accords: Pine blends harmoniously with other woody notes such as cedar, sandalwood or vetiver, creating a resinous, earthy blend.

• Aromatic accords: In association with aromatic notes such as lavender, rosemary or thyme, pine adds a fresh, herbaceous dimension, reminiscent of walks in the open air.

• Citrus accords: Citrus fruits such as lemon, bergamot or petitgrain can bring a touch of liveliness and brightness to pine's resinous notes.

• Balsamic accords: Combining pine with balsamic notes such as vanilla, benzoin or incense creates a warmer, more enveloping composition.

• Floral accords: Certain delicate floral accords, such as rose or jasmine, can be combined with pine to create an interesting contrast between resinous freshness and floral sweetness.

These olfactory accords can be used to create a wide range of fragrances, from fresh, revitalizing compositions to warmer, more enveloping scents, highlighting the aromatic characteristics of pine.
 

Some popular pine fragrances...

• Polo by Ralph Lauren is an eau de parfum that embodies classic elegance with a refined blend of fresh, woody and spicy aromas that evoke timeless masculinity.

• L’Eau d'Issey pour Homme Summer Edition by Issey Miyake captures the refreshing spirit of summer, with aquatic and fruity accords that evoke a feeling of freshness and escape. This special edition embodies the harmonious fusion of summer vitality and the timeless elegance of the original fragrance, creating a unique and enchanting olfactory experience.

• Homme Essence Aromatique by Bottega Veneta is a sophisticated eau de toilette that harmoniously blends fresh aromatic notes, subtle woody accords and a touch of sensuality, creating an elegant and captivating olfactory experience.

• Chrome Eau by Azzaro offers a captivating combination of fresh, woody and spicy accords, creating a dynamic, elegant fragrance that embodies modern virility and daring adventure.

• Vert d'Encens by Tom Ford is an eau de parfum created in 2016, blending pine notes with incense and benzoin.

Pine X Bon Parfumeur

If you're looking for a quality pine fragrance made in France, you can consider Bon Parfumeur’s cypress perfumes. Indeed, cypress essential oils’ camphoric notes echo pine fragrances. Bon Parfumeur offers a selection of unisex perfumes that use this olfactory note:

Now that you have learned all about pine in perfumery, don't hesitate to visit our website or come and see us in store!