Vanilla, cinnamon or even pumpkin, used in perfumes, have long been known to have aphrodisiac virtues on the senses. It turns out that this is also the case with hedione, whose effects on the brain were recently uncovered by German scientists at the Ruhr University in Bochum. Incorporated into perfume compositions, this molecule stimulates areas of the brain linked to pleasure and libido. Hédoné was also, in Greek mythology, the goddess of voluptuousness and sensuality.
Hedione is actually the most intense and freshest part of jasmine. Propelled by Eau Sauvage by Dior in 1966, it has been a highly exploited ingredient by perfumers ever since. Its scent has the effect of a lively and dazzling icy breath, and not only amplifies the freshness of a composition but also prolongs its hold. An airy touch, which gives perfumes that je ne sais quoi that makes all the difference.
Psychedelic Love by Initio
Well inspired by the discovery of German scientists, the Initio brand has imagined a whole collection of perfumes articulated around hedione. Among them, Psychedelic Love combines its fresh notes with two other highly aphrodisiac ingredients, rose and vanilla.
Hot Couture by Givenchy
Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful perfumes in the world. A delicious combination of ingenious raspberry and a very soft, very pure musk, patinated with a bewitching black pepper/vetiver duo. In this composition, hedione supports the sparkling facets and prolongs the wake until evening without flinching.
Eau d’Orange Verte by Hermès
A fragrance that smells of freedom, fresh air, carelessness and holiday love. Eau d’Orange Verte d’Hermès, composed of an overdose of citrus fruits and crushed mint leaves, with an icy effect supported by hedione, has remained one of the house’s most cult creations since its creation in 1979.
Aqua Vitae Cologne Forte by Maison Francis Kurkdjian
This fragrance is a splash of freshness, a breath of fresh air. Thanks to the airy accents of hedione, of course, here reinforced by sunny notes of lemon and Sicilian mandarin. Limpid and desirable like a big glass of lemonade under the beating sun.
Rochas Water
Filled with the olfactory riches of the Mediterranean, this perfume is as refreshing and sensual as a perfect dip in the sea. Thanks to a trio of sparkling citrus fruits at the top, lemon, bergamot and mandarin. Everything is enveloped in a veil of basil/verbena green and an armful of white flowers, illuminated with hedione.
Dual Water by Diptyque
A very modern and very chic version of vanilla, unlike the gourmet compositions with which it is often associated. Here, vanilla, tastier than ever, is exploited in its driest facets electrified by the lively notes of hedione, and by an accord of cold spices emblematic of Diptyque.
Flower by Kenzo
A joyous hint of violet, voluptuous drops of hawthorn, a carnal rose. All twisted with a vitalizing breath of hedione and coated in a base of vanilla that no one can resist.
This article was originally published on Vogue France
