Heidi Norton
Blood-scented perfumes do exist, and they are often described as having a metallic smell. Scientists at Linkoping University in Sweden have identified the key component of the smell of blood as trans-4,5-Epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, a bloody aldehyde. To create a blood-scented perfume, one might consider using this compound or similar ones such as trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-octenal, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-nonenal, or trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-undecenal. Additionally, substances such as nitriles, unsaturated aldehydes, and ketones can contribute to a metallic smell. Some natural sources of metallic scents include geranium oil, rose oxide, and lavender. One can find pre-made blood-scented perfumes on Etsy or from brands like Redwood Alchemy, Blood Concept, and Fantôme.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Key compound | trans-4,5-Epoxy-(E)-2-decenal |
| Other compounds with similar smell | trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-octenal, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-nonenal, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-undecenal |
| Metallic scents | Rose oxide, geranium oil, lavender, Dihydromyrcenol, Allyl amyl glycolate |
| Other ingredients | Salt, musk, citrus rind, soap, butyls, ozonics |
| Commercial perfumes | Blood Accord by Redwood Alchemy, BPAL Sanguinem Menstruum, Nui Cobalt Blood Curse, Serge Lutens Vitriol d'Oeillet, Etat Libre d'Orange Vierges et Toreors, Vampire Blood, Dracula Perfume Oil, Bloodmoon Dripping Wax, Bloodlust, Devil Pomegranate, Astarion perfume |
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What You'll Learn
Include metallic notes
To make a perfume that smells like blood, you can include metallic notes. The key component of the smell of blood is trans-4,5-Epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, which has a "bloody aldehyde" character.
Rose oxide is a metallic-smelling compound that is present in both geranium and rose. Geranium, in particular, is noted for its metallic scent, and it is used extensively in men's fragrances. Another compound that can add a metallic note is dihydromyrcenol, which is often listed as lavender, citrus, or something else. Nitriles are another group of substances that smell metallic and are used in some perfumes.
Some perfumes that include metallic notes are Hugo Boss's Hugo Red, which combines metallic notes with rhubarb, and Serge Lutens' Vierge de Fer, which features metallic notes as the sole base note. Yves Saint Laurent's Rive Gauche perfume also features metallic top notes, which is considered rare.
In addition to these specific compounds and perfumes, metallic notes can be combined with various other scent families to create unique fragrances. For example, metallic notes can be paired with woody scents to add freshness or with floral notes for a clean, contemporary edge. They can also be blended with spicy and oriental notes for a modern twist or with citrus or fruity notes for a crisp, invigorating sensation.
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Use rose oxide
Rose oxide is a synthetic fragrance compound developed by Bedoukian Research Inc. It is primarily used in rose and geranium-type accords. It imparts a weak yet complex floral-metallic scent, dominated by sharp green notes and a distinctive iron-like nuance.
Rose oxide is often associated with the smell of dried blood or oxidised metal. It introduces realism, sharpness, and edge to floral blends. The material is a mixture of stereoisomers, with distinct olfactory variations among them.
Rose oxide is a minor component of the rose smell. Geranium contains an even bigger quantity of rose oxide, which is why geranium oil smells metallic. Rose oxide is also found in the musk beetle. It is used by many perfumers, including Mark Buxton, who uses it in Comme des Garçons 3.
To create a blood-like perfume, rose oxide can be used as a starting point. It has a metallic and waxy scent, and some salt can help with the savoury aspect. Aldehydes can add some bite. Many aldehydes and green notes can be metallic in the right dilution.
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Add ozonics
To make a perfume that smells like blood, you can start by adding a tiny amount of ozonics. Ozonics are chemical compounds that are often used to create a sense of freshness and cleanliness in perfumes. They can help to enhance the overall scent and make it more appealing.
When adding ozonics to a blood-scented perfume, it is important to use only a small amount as too much can overpower the other notes. The exact amount to use will depend on the concentration of the ozonics and the desired strength of the perfume. It is always a good idea to start with a small amount and adjust as needed.
In addition to ozonics, you may want to consider adding other notes to enhance the scent. For example, rose oxide is commonly used in blood-scented perfumes as it has a metallic character that can help to create the desired effect. Geranium oil, which contains a high quantity of rose oxide, can also be used to enhance the metallic aspect.
Other substances that can contribute to a metallic scent include aldehydes and ketones. Aldehydes, such as C-12 MNA, can add a sharp, bitter edge to the perfume, while ketones like oct-1-en-3-one have an earthy, metallic smell. Playing around with different combinations of these substances can help you create a unique and appealing blood-scented perfume.
Finally, don't forget to consider the dilution of your perfume. The smell of blood is primarily given by the compound trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, which is sensitive to dilution. This compound is also challenging to obtain and expensive, so you may need to experiment with other similar compounds, such as trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-octenal or trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-nonenal, which are more readily available and cost-effective. By carefully crafting your perfume's scent profile and dilution ratio, you can create a unique and intriguing blood-scented fragrance.
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Try a blood perfume from an independent brand
If you're looking for a perfume that smells like blood, you might want to try an independent brand. One option is Redwood Alchemy's The Blood Accord, which one person described as "photorealistic". You can find a sample on Ajevie. Another option is Sucreabeille, which has been praised for its blood collection. Wild Hybrid's The Bloody Chamber collection also features a couple of blood scents.
If you're looking for a blood-like fragrance that isn't necessarily a true blood scent, you might want to try BPAL's Sanguinem Menstruum, which is described as having "the copper tang of blood musk, swept by a cloud of dying bees and red poppies of madness". Alternatively, Nui Cobalt's Blood Curse features Sicilian figs, oak-aged Bordeaux, Tunisian incense, blackcurrant preserves, Louisiana pralines, tart dried cherry, a spritz of red grapefruit and smooth sanguine musk.
For something more conceptual, the French house Etat Libre D’Orange released Sécrétions Magnifiques in 2006, which was inspired by blood, semen, saliva, and sweat. It was never intended to be a commercial perfume but became a cult item.
You might also be interested in the work of Italian olfactory artist Filippo Sorcinelli, who designed a fragrance called But Not Today, which features blood as a top note. His fragrances are intended to express complex and often dark emotions, such as fear and anxiety.
Another brand to try is Blood Concept, which has 22 perfumes in its fragrance base. The brand was created in Milan and its perfumes are said to identify us through our strength, olfactory power, and personality.
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Source the key compound
The key compound that gives blood its distinctive smell is trans-4,5-Epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, a "bloody aldehyde". This compound is highly volatile and can be detected in extremely low concentrations (0.07-0.3 ppt). While it is challenging to source and expensive, it forms the basis of any blood-scented perfume.
Rose oxide is a metallic-smelling compound that is present in rose and geranium oil. It can be used to add a metallic character to the perfume, which is often associated with the smell of blood. Geranium oil, in particular, has a higher concentration of rose oxide and can provide a more intense metallic note.
Other metallic-smelling compounds include nitriles, which are stable and inert and commonly used in household products like bleaches and aggressive acids. These can be considered for adding a metallic aspect to the perfume.
Aldehydes are another group of compounds that can contribute to the metallic character of the fragrance. C-12 MNA, for example, has a sharp, metallic smell. Additionally, ozonics can be considered for their ability to evoke a metallic scent.
Salt accords are also worth exploring, as they can add a savory, metallic element to the fragrance. However, they may need to be combined with other ingredients to avoid smelling too much like soap. Musk is another important component in creating a blood accord, providing a rich, deep aspect to the scent.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell of blood has been identified by scientists at Linkoping University in Sweden as trans-4,5-Epoxy-(E)-2-decenal, a "bloody aldehyde". To make a perfume that smells like blood, you can try using this compound, or similar compounds such as trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-octenal, trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-nonenal, or trans-4,5-epoxy-(E)-2-undecenal. You can also add metallic scents like rose oxide, which is found in geranium oil, and green notes like aldehydes.
Civet, castoreum, and other bodily fluids can be used to create a realistic blood scent. You can also try using unsaturated aldehydes like (E)-2-Decenal, (E)-2-Dodecenal, and (E)-2-Tetradecenal, which are found in nature and give cilantro its distinctive smell.
Yes, there are several pre-made perfumes that are said to smell like blood. These include:
- Blood Accord by Redwood Alchemy
- Vassago from Fantôme
- Blood Concept fragrances (A, AB, B, and O)
- Bloodmoon Dripping Wax, Rose, Old Coffins Rollerball Perfume Oil from Etsy
- BLOODLUST // Dragon's Blood Resin, Amber, White Jasmine, Vanilla Musk, Sweet Woods from Etsy
