Narcissus jonquilla absolute (CAS 8023-75-4) — Floral Heart to base Note Fragrance Ingredient

Floral · Sweet

Narcissus jonquilla absolute

CAS 8023-75-4

Origin
natural
Note
Heart to base
IFRA
Use with awareness
Data as of: Apr 2026

What Is Narcissus jonquilla absolute?

Narcissus jonquilla absolute is a luxurious floral extract derived from jonquil flowers, a type of daffodil. You’ll encounter its rich scent in high-end perfumes and niche fragrances. This ingredient matters because it captures the intoxicating, honeyed floralcy of spring blooms in a way few other materials can. Its complex aroma profile makes it a prized but expensive component in perfumery.

Safety Profile

USE WITH AWARENESS
Generally safeUse with awarenessProfessional use
Safe at typical usage levels
Potential skin sensitizer – check IFRA guidelines
CAS
8023-75-4
Formula
Mixture
MW
Variable
Odor Family
Floral · Sweet
Layer 1 · Enthusiast

What Does Narcissus jonquilla absolute Smell Like?

Narcissus jonquilla absolute unfolds like a spring morning – an initial burst of green stemminess quickly gives way to an opulent floral heart. Imagine honey dripping over orange blossoms, with a narcotic intensity that’s both sweet and slightly animalic. The dry-down reveals earthy undertones reminiscent of damp soil after rain, with a lingering powdery-resinous character that lasts for hours. Unlike common jasmine or rose absolutes, jonquil carries a distinctive narcotic warmth with subtle indolic facets that add depth without becoming overpowering.

Scent Profile

In Famous Fragrances

Fragrance associations may not reflect actual formulations.

Diorissimo(Dior, 1956)

The classic lily-of-the-valley fragrance uses narcissus absolute to create its legendary spring floralcy, adding honeyed depth to the crisp muguet notes.

Narcisse Noir(Caron, 1911)

This iconic fragrance showcases narcissus in all its narcotic glory, blending it with orange blossom and vanilla for a voluptuous floral-oriental.

Layer 2

Chemistry, Properties & Perfumer Guide

The Chemistry

Narcissus absolute is a complex mixture containing hundreds of compounds including benzyl acetate, linalool, and indole. The characteristic scent comes from trace amounts of jonquillein and other unique terpenoids. Extraction typically involves solvent extraction of the flowers followed by alcohol washing to remove waxes. The absolute contains both volatile top notes and heavier base components that contribute to its exceptional longevity.

Physical & Chemical Properties

AppearanceDark orange-brown viscous liquid
SolubilitySoluble in alcohol, fixed oils; insoluble in water

Perfumer Guide

Note Position
Heart to base
Volatility
Moderate (2-6 hours)
Blending
Excellent with florals, spices
ApplicationTypical %RangeNotes
Fine Fragrance0.1-0.5%Up to 1%Used sparingly due to cost and intensity
Soap0.01-0.05%Up to 0.1%Very low usage due to discoloration

Classic Accords

Tip: Use in trace amounts to lift floral compositions – a drop can transform a mundane bouquet into something extraordinary.

Alternatives & Comparisons

1
Narcissus synthetic base CAS N/A

Reconstruction using phenylacetic acid, indole and floral notes for cost-sensitive applications where the real absolute is prohibitive.

Layer 3

Safety, Regulatory & Sustainability

⚠ Regulatory Disclaimer

General reference only. Consult current IFRA Standards Library before formulating.

IFRA Status

No specific restrictions under current IFRA standards (Amendment 49).

EU Allergen Declaration

Contains benzyl benzoate which requires declaration above 0.001% in leave-on products.

GHS Classification

H317 May cause allergic skin reaction

RIFM Assessment

RIFM has evaluated narcissus absolute as safe for use in fragrances at current levels.

Sustainability

Narcissus absolute is labor-intensive to produce, requiring thousands of hand-picked flowers per kilogram. Sustainable sourcing initiatives focus on wild harvesting controls and supporting small producers. Some perfumers are developing molecular reconstructions to reduce environmental impact while maintaining the scent profile.

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References

  1. Arctander, S. (1960). Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin.

Data: PubChem (NIH), PubMed, RIFM, IFRA. Last reviewed: Apr 2026.

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