Cinnamon

Cinnamon is the inner bark of the Ceylon cinnamon tree, part of the Lauraceae family. Cinnamon has been known since antiquity. At that time it was used in the embalming process. Cinnamon originates mainly from the tropical regions of Asia. Today, it is also produced in Sri Lanka, the Seychelles, and Madagascar. Cinnamon is the oldest known spice. It has attractive yellow and brown colors and a strongly perfumed scent. Cinnamon is sold in powder or in sticks. It is found in food, perfume, and the pharmaceutical industry. Cinnamon is now an integral part of our lives.

Cinnamon, from perfumes to spellbinding notes

Perfumes composed of cinnamon evoke bark, the essence of wood. Its scent is intoxicating, refined, and spellbinding. This is why cinnamon is widely used in oriental perfumes. Among the best-known perfumes, the legendary Opium by Yves Saint-Laurent. This very sensual perfume features cinnamon paired with chili pepper, pepper, and vanilla. In the top notes one discovers ylang-ylang, jasmine, rose, and carnation. The result is incredibly warm. This perfume is a genuine invitation to travel and exoticism. It is one of Yves Saint-Laurent's greatest successes. If there is another perfumer who does justice to warm, spicy scents, it is Serge Lutens. Passionate about the East, Serge Lutens has composed perfumes with delicious flavors. Cinnamon is not found only in oriental perfumes. Paired with other olfactory families, it continues to amaze.

The surprising pairings of cinnamon

Cinnamon pairs very well with the woody family. Alongside cinnamon's warm and powerful side, Virginia cedar, musk, patchouli, or sandalwood come together in blend. This lends the perfume a bit more personality and reinforces its character. This is the case with Black XS by Paco Rabanne. Cinnamon notes are blended with lemon, sage, and patchouli. The result is a perfume vibrant with charm and virility—a very strong signature. Cinnamon also pairs with citrus fruits, orange or lemon. These bring a touch of freshness among the warm notes. In L by Lolita Lempicka, cinnamon is blended with bitter orange, along with warm wood, immortelle, and vanilla. An unlikely pairing that yields a chic oriental, or perhaps a restrained gourmand.

Considered the oldest known spice, cinnamon inspires dreams as it transports one to warm, delightful lands. Everything about it evokes beauty, femininity, and perfume. Perfume creators have understood this well and do not hesitate to use—and overuse—cinnamon. In perfumery, the advantage of this brown-yellow spice is that it pairs very well with other fragrances. With its warm notes, cinnamon brings sensuality, gourmand character, and personality. Today, cinnamon is found in some of the greatest perfumes, ones that, over time, never go out of style.