What is clove?
Originally from Indonesia, cloves, from the Syzygium aromaticum plant, are one of the most widely used spices in cooking, flavoring recipes from all over the world thanks to their intense taste and distinctive aroma.
In addition to being used as a spice, cloves are also used in all kinds of natural remedies and even in the manufacture of perfumes.
In perfumery, clove is not used as a culinary spice, but as a high-impact spicy note, capable of adding depth and character to a composition.
What does clove smell like?
As we have already mentioned, clove is a spice extracted from the Syzygium aromaticumIt has an olfactory profile that we can define as:
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Spicy
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Warm
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Slightly sweet
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Woody
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With a balsamic base
It also has a slightly spicy and enveloping facet that provides an immediate feeling of warmth.
Properties of clove in perfumery
In the composition of a perfume, clove is often used to Enhance:
- Intensity: It adds power to the top notes or heart of the perfume.
- Depth: It adds a dark and sophisticated nuance that prevents the fragrance from being "flat."
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Longevity: Its components help prolong the spicy sensation on the skin.

In which fragrance families is it used?
Due to the characteristics mentioned earlier, clove is often used in:
- Oriental fragrances
- Woody fragrances
- Spicy florals and gourmand fragrances
- Some vintage-style perfumes
In addition, clove combines well with notes of cinnamon, amber, rose, patchouli, sandalwood, and vanilla.
Who does it work for?
Better?Since it's neither a light nor a fresh note, clove is usually liked by those looking for a perfume with character and enveloping, warm fragrances that make a statement. It's certainly not a common note in minimalist or aquatic perfumes.
Is it a masculine or feminine note?
Historically, it has been more prevalent in classic men's perfumes and intense oriental fragrances, but today it's a completely unisex note, especially in niche or contemporary spicy compositions.
It all depends on the balance with other notes.
Clove in our perfumes
Within the divain. catalog, clove appears in compositions where the aim is to provide:
- Spicy character
- Oriental depth
- Warm, enveloping sensation
It is usually integrated into woody, spicy, and intense oriental fragrances, reinforcing the perfume's structure and providing greater presence on the skin. We suggest some of our favorites
divain-579
With a blend of sweet aromasincluding notes of clove, Damask rose, oud wood, and praline,divain-579is a unisex perfume full of passion and maturity. A perfect fragrance for a summer night.
divain-525
Soft, delicate, and fresh. These are the qualities of divain-525,a fragrance composed of oriental notes such as ginger, cinnamon, saffron, cardamom, and clove. A perfect perfume for a romantic cozy night in with a blanket and a movie during winter.
divain-556
Belonging to the olfactory familyOriental Spicy, this fragrance for women is a great choice if you're looking for an intense and unique scent. divain-556 has irresistible notes of clove, cumin, and mandarin.
Is it a safe note?
In modern perfumery, the use of clove and eugenol is regulated under international standards (such as IFRA), which guarantees that its concentration is safe for cosmetic use.
As with any perfume, if you have sensitive skin, a patch test is recommended.
Does clove make a perfume last longer?
Clove is not a primary fixative, but its spicy molecules help reinforce the sense of depth and can prolong the warm sensation on the skin.
Is clove an intense or subtle note?
It's a note Intense. In small doses, it adds sophistication; in higher concentrations, it can dominate the composition.
Is clove used in niche perfumes?
Yes, it's very common in niche perfumery and in modern reinterpretations of classic spicy perfumes.
Does clove appear in fresh perfumes?
Rarely. It's more common in warm, oriental, or woody perfumes, not in citrus or aquatic fragrances.
What's the difference between clove and cinnamon in a perfume?
Clove is darker and more balsamic; cinnamon is sweeter and warmer. Both contribute spice, but they create different sensations.
Can clove be too strong?
It depends on the formula. In well-balanced perfumes, it adds character without being overpowering.
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