Summer-inspired perfumes call for aromatics that reflect the season’s brightness, warmth, and ease. The list below includes natural materials that can inspire you to create summer-themed perfumes, or simply enjoy them by diffusing at home (viscous absolutes are not suitable for some diffusers). Sweet florals and creamy, honeyed, or powdery tones add softness and depth. This selection of 20 botanicals highlights key aromatics used to build perfumes that feel luminous, balmy, and evocative of summer.
Build a natural perfume around any of the materials below, whether precious and rare, or use more common and traditional ones as key notes. Depending on the extraction method, most of the aromatics presented here are middle notes, especially absolutes.
All are suitable for natural perfumery, though only some are commonly used in aromatherapy. Whenever possible, choose absolutes or CO₂ extracts for smoother, more complete scent profiles. Always check the maximum dermal limits for each material before topical use.
This is not a complete list, but a seasonal guide intended to spark inspiration and exploration.