Galbanum
intensely green resin, bitter and sappy, like a snapped plant stem
In 38 of 1747 fragrances here, most often worn in spring
What it is
Resin from a Persian umbellifer, one of the most powerful naturals in perfumery. A fraction of a percent colours an entire formula.
What it smells like
Intensely green and bitter, like a snapped stem or crushed leaf, with a sappy sharpness behind it. It defined the green florals of the 1970s and is too assertive to appear quietly.
Where it sits
Which layer of the pyramid it is listed in, across every fragrance here that carries it. A base note is one you smell for hours; a top note is usually gone within the first.
What it turns up with
How much more often than the catalogue average. 1.0x would be chance, so these are the things that genuinely travel with it rather than the things that are simply common.
When it is worn
Against the average fragrance here. The line marks that average, so a bar past it means this is worn in that season or setting more than most.
Houses that use it most
Counted across the fragrances here, which reflects what we cover as much as what a house makes.
Prada (5), Creed (4), Amouage (3), Dior (3), Givenchy (3), Nishane (3).
The description above is written here. The counts, pairings and seasons are measured across every fragrance on this site that lists it. We have not smelled every bottle behind those numbers.
Fragrances with galbanum
The best known of them, each with its full note pyramid and its cheaper alternatives.
Tom Ford
Tom Ford Eau De Soleil Blanc
Availability may vary
