What does jasmine in perfume smell like?

Jasmine is a flower, and its scent is most simply described as floral. But there’s much more to it than that. Jasmine has a sweet and rich smell, and some people notice notes of grass or greenery in it. It’s very different from rose and lavender, which are two common floral scents. If you haven’t encountered jasmine and are looking for another flower to compare the scent to, gardenia is often said to resemble jasmine.

Is jasmine perfume an aphrodisiac?

Some scents are thought to help set the mood, and jasmine is definitely one of them. It’s considered a top scent as far as aphrodisiac scents go, and has actually been proven to improve mood. Jill Didonato writes for Byrdie that “In Hindu and Muslim traditions, jasmine is known as the ‘perfume of love.’” At the very least, you may very well find yourself in a better mood after smelling it, which can in turn help set the mood for love.

How do I choose a jasmine perfume?

Ideally, you’ll want to smell perfumes in person to choose one. It’s worth noting that perfumes can smell different in the bottle than they do on your skin and from person to person, because everyone’s body chemistry is different. So, even if you like a friend’s jasmine perfume, that doesn’t mean it will smell the same on you. "We can all smell similarly but not exactly the same, as our skin type, pH balance, hormones, and odors are all different," perfumer Maya Njie tells Byrdie. You can even try layering perfumes if you like a jasmine perfume but want a more unique take on it.

The 12 Best Jasmine Perfumes of 2023

Jasmine is one of the most prevalent flowers in modern fragrances. The tiny white bloom seems unassuming at a glance, but it actually boasts a sensual, sweet perfume, hence why it’s used so frequently. And whether you consider yourself a devout floral fragrance user or not, chances are it plays an integral role in some of your favorites. So in celebration of the small-but-mighty flower, we’re rounding up 14 of the best jasmine perfumes on the market. We’ve included classic floral options, offbeat niche scents, designer drops, and drugstore picks that prove fragrance doesn’t need to cost the world.

So keep scrolling for jasmine-focused scents to suit all different perfume personalities.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Byredo Flowerhead Eau de Parfum at Amazon

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Best Budget:

Demeter Jasmine at Amazon

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Best Classic:

Gucci Bloom

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Best Spicy:

Amouage Ashore at Amouage.com

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Best Sweet:

Christian Dior Jasmin Des Anges at Dior.com

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Best Everyday:

Jo Malone White Jasmine & Mint Cologne at Amazon

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Best Modern Floral:

Le Labo Jasmin 17 eau de parfum at Nordstrom

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Best Sophisticated:

Aerin Ikat Jasmine at Sephora

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Best Nighttime:

Diptyque Olene Eau de Toilette at Amazon

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Best Niche:

DS & Durga Jazmin Yucatan at Amazon

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In This Article

Our Picks
Final Verdict
What to Look For
FAQ
Why Trust Byrdie?

View On Amazon View On Neiman Marcus View On Saks Fifth Avenue

What We Like

Nice musky, sweet smell
Uplifting
Not weak in potency

What We Don't Like

Pricey

Flowerhead is a bold blend of jasmine, Sicilian lemon, and lingonberry that feels unique but still carries mass olfactive appeal. It’s musky and sweet, but the addition of citrus gives it a zingy twist. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone who doesn’t love it (us included).

Price at time of publish: $200

Scent: Floral | Notes: Jasmine, Sicilian lemon, and lingonberry | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon

What We Like

One pure ingredient
Minimalistic appeal
Little goes a long way

What We Don't Like

Smell is overwhelming to some

This single-note scent is simple but amazing. It harnesses all the sweet, seductive qualities of pure jasmine but still feels light and wearable. While we think it’s great as is, you can create a fragrance that’s uniquely you by layering it with other Demeter colognes.

Scent: Jasmine | Notes: Jasmine | Size: 4.0 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Courtesy of Sephora

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What We Like

Clean and fresh
Not overpowering
Sophisticated appeal

What We Don't Like

Doesn't hold a long scent

Gucci Bloom was actually the first fragrance created under the creative direction of Alessandro Michele, and it shows. Designed to transport its wearer to a wild, dream-like garden setting, it features notes of Rangoon creeper, jasmine bud, and tuberose for a true floral you’ll want to wear forever. The baby pink lacquered vessel is a nice touch, too.

Price at time of publish: $118 for 1.6 oz

Scent: White floral | Notes: Rangoon creeper, jasmine bud, and tuberose | Size: 1.0 oz., 1.6 oz., or 3.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amouage.com

What We Like

Unisex
Conjures up beach images
Nice packaging and design

What We Don't Like

Smells synthetic to some

Ashore is the olfactive interpretation of high summer where the desert meets the coastline. It opens up with spicy notes of pink pepper, turmeric, and cardamom, but as it dries down a heart of jasmine sambac, rose and sandalwood makes itself known. It’s undeniably floral at the core but has a warm, spicy quality about it sure to get you compliments.

Scent: White floral | Notes: Pink pepper, cardamom, turmeric, jasmine, ambergris, and sandalwood | Size: 1.7 oz. or 3.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Dior.com

What We Like

Creamy, fruity appeal
Summery flair
Lingers pleasantly

What We Don't Like

May be too delicate smell for some

If the height of summer in Southern France had a signature scent, it would absolutely be Jasmin Des Anges from Christian Dior. Inspired by the famous stretch of coastline, it features rich notes of jasmine and honeyed apricot giving it a creamy, fruity quality.

Price at time of publish: $310

Scent: Floral | Notes: Apricot and jasmine | Size: 4.25 oz. or 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Jomalone.com

What We Like

Cool, fresh, and light appeal
Can be layered
Has an eccentric flair

What We Don't Like

More minty than jasmine smell to some

Few fragrance houses have nailed white florals quite like Jo Malone, and this delicious mix of mint, heirloom jasmine, and maté is no exception. It’s fresh and luminous like an English garden at dawn where the dewdrops still cling to tiny white flowers. The zingy mint cuts through the sweetness, too, keeping things crisp instead of cloying.

Price at time of publish: $155

Scent: Mint and jasmine | Notes: Lily, orange flower, and rose | Size: 4.25 oz. or 8.5 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Nordstrom

What We Like

Alternative to old-fashioned traditional floral signatures
Uniquely musky yet feminine flair
Distinctive and unforgettable

What We Don't Like

Designed as a contemporary counterpart for traditional white floral scents, Le Labo’s Jasmin 17 is equal parts feminine and sensual. It’s a short, memorable mix of jasmine, musk, sandalwood, and vanilla, giving it a rich, skin-like finish as it wears. This is a scent that will linger on your sweater.

Price at time of publish: $90

Scent: Floral | Notes: Bitter orange, jasmine sambac, neroli, orange blossom, sandalwood, amber, musk, and vanilla | Size: 1.7 oz. or 3.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Sephora

What We Like

Travel-friendly options
Velvety body and soft freshness
Intriguing and exotic

What We Don't Like

Only lasts a few hours

Aerin’s Jasmin-centered redolence actually features two different forms of the flower: jasmine sambac and jasmine Egypt infusion. The two strong white perfumes are enhanced by the inclusion of tuberose and honeysuckle, making for a fragrance that’s sophisticated and rich but somewhat understated.

Price at time of publish: $200

Scent: Floral | Notes: Tuberose fleur, jasmine Egypt infusion, and honeysucklea | Size: 0.27 oz., 1.7 oz., or 3.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Neiman Marcus

What We Like

Sweet appeal
Doesn't smell synthetic
Lasts all day on clothes

What We Don't Like

May smell powdery on skin over time

Diptyque rarely miss a beat, and Olene is quite possibly one of the most delicious white florals we’ve ever had the pleasure of smelling. Inspired by the Venetian Gardens, it pairs sweet jasmine with soft wisteria and bright, juicy honeysuckle for a scent that’s rich and memorable.

Price at time of publish: $124

Scent: Floral | Notes: Wisteria, honeysuckle, jasmine, and narcissus | Size: 3.4 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View On Amazon View On Nordstrom View On Walmart

What We Like

Captivating, complex aroma
Takes an experimental approach to fragrance
Long-lasting

What We Don't Like

Jasmine not an obvious note

If you want your fragrance to feel like a permanent vacation, look no further than the latest offering from DS & Durga. Jazmin Yucatan is juicy and fresh, made up of off-beaut notes like water, passionflower, snake plant, jasmine, and clove. We can’t get off the grid and explore the Yucatan peninsula, but we can close our eyes and pretend through this scent alone.

Price at time of publish: $280 for 3.4 oz

Scent: Floral | Notes: Water, passionflower, snake plant, jasmine, and clove | Size: 1.7 oz. | Cruelty-Free: Yes | Byrdie Clean: Yes

View on Ulta View On Amazon View On Sephora

What We Like

Very feminine
Timeless and sophisticated touch
Draws many compliments

What We Don't Like

Bottle designed to lay flat

Fun fact: Idôle actually boasts the world’s thinnest fragrance bottle, but that has no effect whatsoever on the large-scale scent inside. Sophisticated and modern, it’s a safe choice for all those who appreciate a subtle floral, thanks to the inclusion of jasmine, rose essence, and chypre accord.

Price at time of publish: $102 for 1.7 oz

Scent: Floral | Notes: Bergamot, juicy pear, pink peppercorn, jasmine, rose essence, and chypre accord | Size: 0.8 oz., 1.7 oz., or 3.3 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Walmart

View On Amazon View On Sephora View On Ulta

What We Like

Smells like a fun burst of flowers
Luxurious diamond grenade-shaped bottle
Not overpowering

What We Don't Like

Pricey

True floral fragrance fans will be well-versed in the classic that is Flowerbomb. One of the most iconic scents ever, it’s a sweet, feminine blend of jasmine, rose, patchouli, and vanilla. It’s a fragrance that’s memorable and distinctive, so it makes a great signature.

Price at time of publish: $170

Scent: Floral | Notes: Jasmine, cattleyas, freesia, rose, patchouli, and vanilla | Size: 1.0 oz., 1.7 oz., 3.4 oz., or 5.1 oz. | Cruelty-Free: No | Byrdie Clean: Yes

Final Verdict

Fragrance is no doubt a personal choice, but as far as jasmine-forward scents go, team Byrdie can’t stop spritzing Byredo Flowerhead (view at Selfridges & Co), DS & Durga Jazmin Yucatan (view at Nordstrom), and Le Labo Jasmin 17 eau de parfum (view at Nordstrom). We love Flowerhead for taking a true floral and giving it an edge, Jazmin Yucatan for bottling up the scent of a tropical holiday, and Jasmin 17 for being the sweet, sensual, anti-floral floral of our dreams.

What to Look for in a Jasmine-Centered Fragrance

What Scents Are You Drawn to?

Jasmine is obviously a floral note in fragrance, but that doesn’t mean it’s found exclusively in the “floral” fragrance category. According to Nick Smart, Director of Libertine Parfumerie and CEO of Agence de Parfum, jasmine adds a “vibrant, crémant/sparkling note to fragrances”. But it’s important to consider the different types of jasmine, as they offer different olfactive qualities: “Egyptian jasmine and Madagascan jasmine add a green, vegetal under notes to the aforementioned, and Indian sambac creamier, sweeter waxier notes, not unlike Gardenia,” explains Smart.

If you’re after a start point or trying to purchase a fragrance online, Smart has shared his three favorite jasmine scents for you to consider: Trudon Elae and Amouage Ashore.

How to Properly Test a Fragrance

The best way to trial a fragrance is to actually wear it for a day and see how it develops on your skin (pandemic permitting). Smart suggests choosing a few front runners, spraying one on each wrist and a third on the inner elbow. Smart explains you should allow at least 30 minutes for the notes to open up, and in this timeframe, you’ll realize what works and what doesn't.

FAQ

What does jasmine in perfume smell like?

Jasmine is a flower, and its scent is most simply described as floral. But there’s much more to it than that. Jasmine has a sweet and rich smell, and some people notice notes of grass or greenery in it. It’s very different from rose and lavender, which are two common floral scents. If you haven’t encountered jasmine and are looking for another flower to compare the scent to, gardenia is often said to resemble jasmine.
Is jasmine perfume an aphrodisiac?

Some scents are thought to help set the mood, and jasmine is definitely one of them. It’s considered a top scent as far as aphrodisiac scents go, and has actually been proven to improve mood. Jill Didonato writes for Byrdie that “In Hindu and Muslim traditions, jasmine is known as the ‘perfume of love.’” At the very least, you may very well find yourself in a better mood after smelling it, which can in turn help set the mood for love.
How do I choose a jasmine perfume?

Ideally, you’ll want to smell perfumes in person to choose one. It’s worth noting that perfumes can smell different in the bottle than they do on your skin and from person to person, because everyone’s body chemistry is different. So, even if you like a friend’s jasmine perfume, that doesn’t mean it will smell the same on you. "We can all smell similarly but not exactly the same, as our skin type, pH balance, hormones, and odors are all different," perfumer Maya Njie tells Byrdie. You can even try layering perfumes if you like a jasmine perfume but want a more unique take on it.

Why Trust Byrdie?

When it comes to the team Byrdie fragrance wardrobe, the limit does not exist. Essentially it’s Emily Algar's job to constantly spritz fragrance, so she's pretty confident when it comes to a standout floral note like jasmine. She has also enlisted the help of a fragrance expert to help break down the how and what of this particular flower.

According to our Diversity Pledge, 15% of products in our newly-published market roundups will feature Black-owned and/or Black-founded brands. At the time of publishing, we were not able to find any jasmine perfumes from a Black-owned and/or Black-founded business. If you know of one we should consider, please email us at contact@byrdie.com and we will evaluate the product ASAP.

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