Find Your Scent: What Does Rosemary Smell Like

You’ve likely tossed rosemary into marinating chicken or used it to help your hair grow when it needs an extra boost. Outside the culinary world and putting its impressive health benefits aside, rosemary is also a superstar ingredient when it comes to making fragrances. 

This guide will break down everything you need to know about this distinctive scent, what it pairs well with, and our favorite Snif fragrance that features this iconic scent. 

What Is Rosemary?

Rosemary is considered one of the most low-maintenance plants (ideal for those of us still working on our green thumbs). Native to the Mediterranean region, the word rosemary comes from the Latin words “dew” and “sea” because it was said that all it needs to grow is a little bit of humidity and the sea breeze. 

Since the 15th century, the rosemary plant has been processed to make rosemary essential oil. This essential oil is beloved in the world of perfumery (and if you ask us, it still is), haircare, skincare, and aromatherapy. 

What Does Rosemary Smell Like?

The smell of rosemary has been called uplifting and energizing — in other words, it’s the kind of scent that will coax you out of bed in the morning. 

This section will break down two of the defining characteristics of the aroma of rosemary. 

Herbaceous

When you first get a whiff of fresh rosemary, it may smell slightly minty. That’s because it’s a herbaceous fragrance. Light, fresh, and bright, this family of fragrances (which include basil, fennel, and oregano, to name a few) are known for being simultaneously refreshing and earthy.

Aromatic

Rosemary is also an aromatic scent, especially when it’s dried. This is why it’s often compared to eucalyptus and lavender. 

What Scents Pair Well With Rosemary?

It’s now time to dive into two scents that are frontrunners for the title of best complement to rosemary: sage and jasmine. 

Sage

Sage, another one of the aromatic herbs, has a sweet and earthy smell. More warm and woody than rosemary, these two blended together create an ideal fragrance pairing. 

Jasmine

Rich, sweet, and floral, jasmine brings some brightness to the slightly spicy scent of rosemary. That said, both fragrances share a mutual freshness that is only heightened when they’re mixed together. 

What Is a Rosemary Scent To Try?

If all this talk of rosemary has you ready to try a fragrance that features it, look no further than Pacifico. This fresh, beachy scent features rosemary along with sage, salted jasmine, water lily, plum, California oak, and manzanita. 

Inspired by a road trip up the California coast, Pacifico will have you feeling breezy and carefree in no time. 

Not Just for Your Herb Garden

When you think of rosemary now, we hope you’ll think beyond the garnish for your next cocktail. Rosemary, with its herbaceous and aromatic vibe, makes it the perfect addition to any fragrance that’s looking to be both earthy and invigorating at the same time. 

Sources:

Therapeutic effects of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its active constituents on nervous system disorders | NIH

Growth Market: How Rosemary Oil Can Help Your Hair | Cleveland Clinic

Rosemary Information | Mount Sinai - New York

Stimulating effect of aromatherapy massage with jasmine oil | NIH