Sesame is a warm, nutty note inspired by the seeds of Sesamum indicum. In perfume it smells toasty, creamy and slightly sweet, with a roasted, milky nuance, and it is usually created by the perfumer as a gourmand accord to add warmth and comfort.

What does Sesame smell like?

Sesame's character depends on whether the seeds are raw or toasted. Raw sesame is soft, nutty and slightly milky, while toasted sesame is deeper and roasted, with a smoky, savoury edge from pyrazines formed during roasting. In perfume, sesame usually suggests a creamy, nutty warmth that sits between almond, hazelnut and rice.

How perfumers create Sesame

Sesame oil is used in cosmetics and cooking, but it is almost odourless when refined and not a standard perfumery material, so the note is typically built as an accord. Roasted and nutty pyrazines, lactones for creaminess, and soft sweet materials such as vanillin or tonka recreate the impression of toasted seeds.

• Fragrance family: Gourmand
• Type: Accord (created by the perfumer)
• Key aroma molecules: Pyrazines, lactones

Sesame in perfume history

Sesame is one of the oldest oilseed crops, cultivated in India and the Near East for thousands of years. As a perfume note it has very little history and belongs to the modern gourmand trend.

Sesame in modern perfumery

Sesame appears mainly in niche gourmands and skin scents, and in fragrances inspired by East Asian cuisine and sweets. It adds a subtle nutty warmth that feels less sugary than praline or caramel.

How Sesame wears and what it pairs with

Sesame is a heart-to-base note with a soft, lingering warmth. It pairs well with rice, milk, fig, sandalwood, vanilla, tonka bean, musk and black tea.