Cardamom

Spicy · appears in 7 documented compositions

Cool, camphoraceous, green-spicy; adds lift without heat.

Library uses

7

Dominant placement

top

Avg. longevity of hosts

10.0 h

Strongest season

Autumn

Origin & sourcing

Seeds of Elettaria cardamomum, Guatemala and India; CO2 extract preferred.

What matters about it

  • Cardamom is the third most expensive spice by weight after saffron and vanilla.
  • CO2 extraction preserves the fresh eucalyptus-like top that steam distillation dulls.
  • It is the signature spice of contemporary 'fresh spicy' masculines.

How it behaves in a formula

Across this library, Cardamom appears 5 times as a top note, 1 time in the heart and 1 time in the base. Placement is the single best predictor of what you will actually smell: top-note materials are high-volatility and gone within the hour, base-note materials are fixatives that define the final and longest phase of the wear.

Compositions containing Cardamom in this library average 10.0 hours of documented longevity, and skew toward autumn and winter wear. Treat that as a tendency of the spicy family rather than a property of the material alone — dose, supporting accord and concentration all move the result.

Fragrances built with Cardamom

Santal 33 by Le Labo fragrance bottle

Le Labo

Santal 33

2011

Woody Aromatic · Unisex

Formulated by master perfumer Frank Voelkl in 2011, Santal 33 was inspired by the rugged, romantic mythos of the American West and the iconic image of a lone cowboy smoking a cigarette by an open campfire. The composition bypasses traditional sweet or citrus openings, introducing itself immediately with a dry, spicy kick of cardamom and a crisp, paper-like violet accord. At its core lies a prominent synthetic papyrus and smoky ambrox note that mimics the texture of aged parchment and treated leather. The foundation rests heavily on Australian sandalwood and cedarwood, delivering a distinct, slightly pickle-adjacent dry, milky woodiness that has become a defining modern urban signature. Its dry, papery, and intensely woody character offers an uncompromisingly modern aesthetic suited for everyday wear.

9-11 hoursSpring / Autumn / Winter
Soleil Blanc by Tom Ford fragrance bottle

Tom Ford

Soleil Blanc

2016

Amber Floral · Unisex

Launched in 2016 within Tom Ford's Private Blend collection, Soleil Blanc captures the remote, sun-drenched luxury of private island getaways and sun-baked skin. The fragrance opens with an unusual, nutty opening of warm pistachio blended with spicy cardamom and crisp bergamot. The heart blooms into a rich, solar floral bouquet of creamy tuberose, exotic ylang-ylang, and sweet jasmine. The dry-down wraps the wearer in a decadent blanket of rich coconut milk, golden amber, and smooth tonka bean. It avoids being a generic coconut sunscreen by introducing sophisticated floral and nutty nuances, making it the ultimate definition of high-end tropical elegance.

7-9 hoursSummer / Spring
Gris Charnel by Berdoues / BDK Parfums fragrance bottle

Berdoues / BDK Parfums

Gris Charnel

2019

Amber Woody · Unisex

Formulated by Mathilde Bijaoui in 2019 for BDK Parfums, Gris Charnel captures the bohemian, romantic electricity of Paris at twilight. The scent opens with a unique, creamy accord of lactonic fig and spicy cardamom blended with smoky black tea. The heart introduces powdery iris and earthy bourbon vetiver, resting on a warm, comforting base of rich sandalwood, tonka bean, and vanilla. It has achieved cult-classic status for its modern, cozy, and effortlessly stylish urban character.

8-10 hoursAutumn / Winter / Spring
Oud Wood by Tom Ford fragrance bottle

Tom Ford

Oud Wood

2007

Amber Woody · Unisex

Composed by Richard Herpin in 2007, Oud Wood introduced mainstream Western luxury perfumery to the mystical, smoky depths of agarwood without overwhelming medicinal facets. The fragrance opens with an exotic, spiced fusion of exotic rosewood, cardamom, and Chinese pepper. The smoky, complex heart features rare oud wood blended with creamy sandalwood and earthy vetiver. The smooth base softens the profile with warm amber, tonka bean, and vanilla, making it one of the most wearable, refined, and universally praised wood-centric fragrances ever made.

7-9 hoursAutumn / Winter
Ani by Nishane fragrance bottle

Nishane

Ani

2019

Amber Floral · Unisex

Created by Cecile Zarokian in 2019, Ani is named after the ancient ruined medieval city of Ani and stands as one of the greatest modern vanilla-forward niche fragrances. The scent opens with a sharp, sparkling blast of fresh ginger, green notes, and bright bergamot. The spicy heart introduces rich cardamom and tart black currant. The magnificent dry-down reveals an opulent, buttery vanilla blended with warm amber and sandalwood. It is celebrated for its romantic complexity, velvety texture, and massive performance.

12+ hoursAutumn / Winter
Layton by Parfums de Marly fragrance bottle

Parfums de Marly

Layton

2016

Amber Floral · Unisex

Created by Hamid Merati-Kashani in 2016, Layton is one of the most universally acclaimed modern designer-niche crossover fragrances, known for its irresistible blend of freshness, spice, and gourmand depth. The scent opens with a crisp, juicy burst of tart apple, lavender, and mandarin orange. The aromatic heart introduces floral notes of geranium and violet. The rich, addictive dry-down melts into a decadent base of vanilla, precious cardamom, sandalwood, and warm pepper, making it a crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

10-12 hoursAutumn / Winter / Spring
Green Leyton / Althair by Parfums de Marly fragrance bottle

Parfums de Marly

Green Leyton / Althair

2023

Amber Vanilla · Unisex

Formulated by Hamid Merati-Kashani and Ilias Ermenidis in 2023, Althair is a modern homage to ultra-luxurious bourbon vanilla, blending opulent sweetness with refined warm spices. The fragrance opens with a vibrant spiced fusion of cinnamon, cardamom, and orange blossom. The heart unveils a lush, deep concentration of high-quality bourbon vanilla and resinous elemi. The decadent dry-down melts into a rich base of sweet praline, smooth musk, and ambroxan. It is an ultra-smooth, comforting, and modern gourmand masterpiece.

11-13 hoursAutumn / Winter