Violet Leaf Absolute — Viola odorata | The Perfumer's Green | Origin Egypt

Part of our Professional Perfumers Range — curated for the discerning natural perfumer seeking exceptional depth and rarity.

Violet Leaf Absolute — The Green that Perfumers Dream Of

Ask any experienced natural perfumer to name the single most indispensable green material in their palette and a significant number will say violet leaf absolute without hesitation. This is not violet flower — that delicate, powdery-sweet floral is an entirely different material. Violet leaf absolute is the extracted essence of the leaves of Viola odorata, the sweet violet — a dark green, slightly viscous but mobile liquid that possesses one of the most distinctive and immediately recognisable scent profiles in all of natural perfumery: a cold, watery, intensely green quality — leafy, mossy, slightly earthy, with a cucumber-like freshness and an almost metallic precision that cuts through the heaviest composition and lifts it into something alive.

Scent Profile

The opening is immediate, cold, and startlingly green — a watery, leafy freshness with a characteristic cucumber-violet quality that is unique to this material and impossible to replicate synthetically with any conviction. There is an earthy, mossy undertone beneath the green freshness that gives the material depth. A subtle floral quality — the ghost of the violet flower, never fully present but always implied — develops in the heart. The drydown is earthy, slightly woody, and remarkably tenacious — on a smelling strip it holds its character for many hours.

Perfumery Applications

Violet leaf absolute is the great naturaliser of classical perfumery — its primary function is to add a quality of dewy, outdoor freshness to compositions that might otherwise feel constructed or synthetic. In chypres it is essential — the green counterpoint to citrus and mossy base materials. In rose compositions it is the classic pairing. In white florals it prevents the composition from becoming cloying. In masculine aromatics it adds an outdoor, natural character that synthetic green materials never convincingly achieve. Arctander recommended it particularly with rose, jasmine, and ylang ylang.

Blending Suggestions

Classic partners include rose absolute, jasmine, neroli, bergamot, galbanum, oakmoss, labdanum, orris, geranium, clary sage, cedarwood, sandalwood, vetiver, and marine accords. The pairing with rose absolute is particularly celebrated. Equally rewarding with boronia absolute.

Technical Details

• Botanical Name: Viola odorata L.
• Common Names: Sweet Violet Leaf / Violet Leaf
• Botanical Family: Violaceae
• CAS Number: 90147-36-7
• EINECS Number: 290-427-0
• Origin: Egypt
• Plant Part: Leaves
• Extraction Method: Solvent extraction (absolute)
• Classification: Middle to base note
• Appearance: Dark green, slightly viscous but pourable liquid — warm gently if thickened
• Odour Family: Green / Watery / Earthy / Mossy / Cucumber
• Natural: Yes — 100% pure natural absolute
• Note: Stock is limited — we recommend ordering promptly to avoid disappointment

Packaging

1ml sample supplied in a 5ml clear flint glass bottle. 5ml and 10ml supplied in amber glass bottles — all with inbuilt droppers and tamper evident caps.

Safety Information

For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes and sensitive areas. Not suitable for use on babies, children, pets or broken skin. Avoid use during pregnancy or whilst nursing. Always dilute properly and perform a patch test before first use.

Sample Policy

We recommend purchasing a 1ml sample first before committing to larger quantities. Please note that no refunds can be offered on opened items.

Photo images are for illustrative purposes only.