Salt deserves its spotlight in perfumery for its unique and daring qualities. The rebel note adds a kick to sweetness, conjures oceanic vibes, and brings a cool edge to fragrances. Salt is a 'fantasy' note in perfumes, injecting tang into marine, woody, and even gourmand scents. Like a pinch of salt elevates caramel and chocolate, it contrasts beautifully with sweet notes like fruits, various gourmand accords, and cream, creating a show-stopping twist.
Salty notes, reminiscent of the ocean, tap into our taste buds. As Aliénor Massenet of Symrise points out, it's challenging to separate saltiness from ocean imagery as it's deeply rooted in taste, not just smell. Moreover, perceptions of saltiness vary across cultures. Seaweed extract, ambergris, and various types of vegetation are among the notes and accords perfumers use to capture the essence of salt in their creations, reflecting this cultural diversity.
