Interested in trying out a ginger fragrance but not sure whether you’ll like its scent? No problem.
We’ve compiled an easy-to-follow guide explaining all things ginger, like where it comes from, how it’s used, what it smells like, and what other scents it pairs well with.
What Is Ginger?
Ginger, formally called Zingiber officinale, is a flowering plant native to Southeast Asia best known for its underground root. This part of the plant, called the rhizome, appears knobby and light brown, has a warm, spicy flavor, and emits its own distinct aroma.
The ginger plant is a staple in the culinary world. Though it’s most often used in Chinese, Indian, and Thai dishes, ginger has found its way onto plates all around the globe. The invigorating flavor can be consumed in its natural state or in the form of powders, oils, and juices.
At some point in your life, you’ve probably been given some ginger ale to help alleviate nausea or a tummy ache. This is because fresh ginger root has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years.
Ginger essential oil has also been used for aromatherapy. The warmth and spice in the ginger scent is believed to uplift and empower. It’s also a popular diffuser choice for people with seasonal allergy symptoms like congestion and a stuffy nose.
What Does Ginger Smell Like?
Ginger essential oil is also what’s used in perfumery to infuse fragrances with that distinct ginger aroma. But what exactly does it smell like?
The ginger scent is generally described as earthy and woody, with undertones reflective of its home underground. It also features zesty, spicy notes that are sharp and peppery, brightening up the overall scent profile.
Rounded out by some sweet scents, many perfumers qualify ginger as a gourmand fragrance. A gourmand scent is anything that smells edible including fruity aromas like grapefruit and orange blossom or sweet smells like vanilla and chocolate.
What Scents Pair Well With Ginger?
When it comes to layering fragrances, you want to make sure your top notes, middle notes, and base notes compliment one another. Here are scents that pair well with ginger notes, plus some ginger fragrances that we think you’ll enjoy.
Lemon
Lemon and ginger are two bold aromas. The tanginess of the lemon cuts through the ginger’s spice and together they make a dynamic fragrance.
If you’re interested in trying out this combo, we suggest Ace Ace Baby. This citrusy scent pairs ginger with lemonade accord, white freesia, and green apple blossom for a modern fragrance that lasts long after match point.
Vanilla
For something sweeter, try a mixture of ginger and vanilla. This creamy, comforting combo is reminiscent of delicious baked goods.
Get a whiff of this vanilla-ginger blend with Half Baked Gingerbread Smash. This gingerbread candle blends baked gingerbread with chai, frothy vanilla, and sugared leather to conjure up memories of Christmases past.
Pink Pepper
Ginger has a warm, spicy profile, while pink pepper leans fruity and floral. Pink pepper softens the smell of ginger, resulting in a sweeter aroma.
Find ginger and pink pepper in Dead Dinosaur, a gasoline fragrance featuring gasoline accord, magnolia flower, and cedarwood.
Spice It Up
Now that you’re an expert on all things ginger, we’re confident you’ll be able to pick out a new fragrance to enjoy. Once you spice up your life with some ginger perfume, you’re never going to want to go back!
Sources:
Ginger: Usefulness and Safety | NCCIH
Ginger on Human Health: A Comprehensive Systematic Review of 109 Randomized Controlled Trials | PMC
Seasonal Allergies (Allergic Rhinitis) - Fact Sheets | Yale Medicine