Elegant and delicate, iris is among the most widely used (and most loved) perfume notes in both men's and women's fragrances. Powdery and rich, the iris note appears in many iconic perfumes, the most famous of which is Chanel No. 5. The musky, refined scent of iris has earthy and velvety nuances. Its sophisticated nature adds depth to masculine fragrances and femininity to feminine ones.

Interesting facts

Did you know that "iris" means "rainbow", and that the iris flower is named after the Greek goddess Iris? In Greek mythology, Iris is the messenger of the gods, a beautiful goddess who rides the rainbow, travelling at the speed of the wind across the whole world, deep into the sea and even into the underworld. Often called the goddess of the sky and the sea, Iris is depicted either as a rainbow or as a young woman with wings who carries messages between the gods and mortals. An interesting fact about the iris note is that it has traditionally been used as a fixative, both in perfumes and in the alcoholic drink gin! Its use for its aromatic qualities grew alongside the wider popularity of niche perfumery. Today it is best known as a base note, but we see it used more and more often as a heart and even a top note in the newest perfumes!

Extraction and production

Having almost nothing in common with the iris flower, the iris perfume note is extracted from the roots of the iris, producing iris butter (orris oil). The natural production of iris oil is very time-consuming and can be very expensive, which leads to the high price of the naturally extracted iris note. First, the iris roots are stored in the ground for up to 5 years (or more), and then they are dried for at least 3 years before the ground material is steam distilled. Only 2% of the dried iris roots become iris oil, and its price can reach €100,000 per kg. Today, of course, there are synthetic alternatives on the perfume market that are considerably cheaper and widely used in modern perfumery to achieve different shades of the natural iris note.

Benefits of iris root in beauty care:

• It has powerful cleansing properties and helps fight skin impurities and microbes on its surface.
• It moisturises the skin and helps with dryness and itching;
• It gives the skin a fresh look and glow, and helps it keep its hydration and elasticity;
• It has an anti-ageing effect on the skin;
• It is ideal for acne-prone skin.

Benefits of iris root for health:

• Purifies the blood (haemoglobin);
• Stimulates the proper activity of the glands in the body;
• Improves the functioning of the excretory system and the digestive tract;
• An excellent antiseptic, very useful for burns, cuts and scars;
• Helps minimise inflammation and swelling (especially in the bronchial area);
• In traditional herbal medicine it is given to babies during teething so that their teeth grow healthy and strong;
• In many cultures it is used in the fight against cancer;
• Supports the proper functioning of the nervous system, improves concentration and raises the body's energy levels;
• Increases appetite and improves digestion, while regulating the acid-alkaline balance in the body;
• A popular and effective weight-loss aid;
• Often used to treat rheumatism;
• Prevents various heart diseases (in particular, ischaemic disease and hypertension).

On the magical properties of iris root

Some people believe that powdered iris root has magical powers... Also known as Queen Elizabeth root, powdered iris root is apparently also used in spell-making. If you believe in magic, here are the areas in which it is said to help:

• Love adventures
• Romance
• Marriage
• Passion

Considered better (and more powerful) than any other amulet or magical ingredient, powdered iris root is said to bring men under the spell of women's charms... We cannot claim that powdered iris root has any real magical powers, but the high-quality iris perfume note used in the original designer perfumes you will find on our website will certainly help you win any man's heart with its divine scent!

Perfumes with the iris note on our website

In our online store you will find a rich variety of women's and men's perfumes with the iris note. Here are some of them: Azzaro Pour Homme EDT for men Azzaro Twin EDT for women Benetton Hot EDT for women Boss Woman EDP for women Boucheron Place Vendome EDT for women Boucheron Pour Femme EDT for women Boucheron Pour Homme EDT for men Burberry Body EDP for women Burberry Brit Rhythm EDT for women Burberry The Beat EDP for women Burberry Weekend EDP for women Bvlgari Aqva Pour Homme EDT for men Bvlgari Man In Black EDP for men Bvlgari Omnia Amethyste EDT for women Bvlgari Omnia Crystalline L'Eau De Parfum EDP for women Bvlgari Pour Femme EDP for women Bvlgari Pour Homme EDT for men Bvlgari Pour Homme Extreme EDT for men Calvin Klein Reveal EDP for women Cerruti 1881 Pour Femme EDT for women Chloe Love Eau Intense EDP for women Davidoff Cool Water EDT for men Davidoff Echo EDP for women Dior Homme EDT for men Dolce&Gabbana Light Blue Dreaming in Portofino EDT for women Elizabeth Arden 5th Avenue EDP for women Emporio Armani He EDT for men Emporio Armani She EDP for women Escada Magnetism EDP for women Givenchy Organza EDP for women Givenchy Play EDP for women Givenchy Play EDT for men Guerlain La Petite Robe Noire EDP for women Hermes 24 Faubourg EDT for women Hugo Boss Hugo Woman Eau de Parfum EDP for women Jean Paul Gaultier Classique EDT for women Lalique Living EDP for women S.T. Dupont Essence Pure EDT for men Tom Ford Grey Vetiver EDP for men Trussardi Black Extreme EDT for men