MUGWORT

Mugwort is a distinctive, aromatic-green note in perfumery that exudes herbal sharpness, earthy depth, and a subtle smoky bitterness. Derived from the Artemisia family, its scent bridges fresh herbal brightness with dark, resinous undertones, evoking wild meadows, crushed leaves, and cool forest air. Mugwort’s aroma is complex and slightly camphoraceous, with nuances of sage, cedar, and dry moss, making it a powerful modifier that adds mystery, texture, and natural realism to fougère, chypre, and woody compositions.

History & Production: Used since antiquity in folk medicine, incense, and ritual purification, mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) has long been associated with clarity and protection. In perfumery, the essential oil is obtained through steam distillation of its leaves and flowering tops, yielding a material rich in thujone, camphor, and borneol—molecules responsible for its cool, herbal complexity. Mugwort’s olfactory family includes other Artemisia species such as wormwood and tarragon, but it is less bitter and more woody-green, making it an elegant accent in contemporary blends. When paired with lavender, vetiver, or oakmoss, Mugwort adds a shadowy, aromatic sophistication—the scent of green earth beneath a twilight sky.