- Origin
- an accord composed by the perfumer
- Raw materials
- aldehydes, “mineral” and “cold” molecules
- Extraction
- synthesis
- Olfactory group
- fresh, mineral
- Position in the pyramid
- top note and heart
- Synthetic substitutes
- aldehydes, rose oxide, nitriles
Metallic notes are an abstract accord that conveys the feel of cold metal: smooth steel, coins in your palm, keys. Metal itself barely smells — the metallic smell arises when it touches the skin, and perfumers recreate exactly this impression.
How it smells: cold, clean and sharp: cool minerality, a light “electric” spark, a faintly sour and ozonic shade. Metallic notes sound modern, futuristic and a little detached.
The “smell of metal” on skin actually comes from substances formed when sweat comes into contact with iron. Perfumers convey this sensation with aldehydes, mineral molecules and even some floral notes with a metallic facet, such as geranium.
What it pairs with: with iris — a cold “metallic powder”, with rose — a modern cool rose, with ozonic notes — “air after a storm”, with pepper and ginger — sharp abstract fragrances, with musk and amber — a futuristic “skin”.
Good to know: the smell of blood seems metallic to us because of the same compounds: the iron in haemoglobin, in contact with skin fats, forms molecules with this characteristic shade.
