Around the world, saffron is known for being a precious spice, particularly in countries like Iran and India where saffron is a vital part of the culture. It’s even called “red gold” since its one of the most expensive spices out there. That’s because it’s so difficult to harvest—it takes 75,000 saffron flowers to make one pound of saffron spice because only a very small part of a flower can be used. It’s also only able to be harvested by hand, so it makes sense that the spice would be pricey.
When its used in cooking, saffron gives food a distinctly golden hue and a mild, faintly sweet earthiness. In perfume, the spice is a total game-changer. It has a subtle, distinctive smell that’s able to transform any scent into something luxe and special. Saffron smells sweet, bright, and tangy.
It’s no wonder that saffron has begun to inch its way into some of the most high-end fragrances on the market (luxury brands like Tom Ford, Maison Francis Kurkdjian, and Byredo have found a way to weave the opulent spice into their scent blends). Any scent with saffron in it has an added layer of complexity that renders it practically irresistible. Keep reading for our favorite perfumes that are laced with the spice.
Key notes: May rose, saffron, black pepper, Turkish rose, Bulgarian rose, coffee, patchouli, incense, sandalwood, amber. Tom Ford’s newest perfume is irresistible. Leave it to Tom Ford to completely reinvent the rose by weaving in surprising elements like saffron, coffee, and patchouli. The result is a perfectly balanced floral that can easily be worn day or night.
Key notes: jasmine, saffron, cedar, ambergris. Baccarat Rouge 540 has become one of the most popular scents out there thanks to TikTok and word of mouth. Hints of amber and woods help keep this scent subdued, while saffron and jasmine add a bit of sparkle.
Key notes: saffron, nutmeg, leather. This spicy scent from Zara pays homage to the city of Dubai. Saffron, nutmeg, and leather blend together beautifully for a warm, unique scent.
Key notes: pomelo, saffron, juniper berry, black violet, accord cuir, cristal rose, blonde woods, raspberry, vetiver. For Byredo’s founder, Ben Gorham, saffron was rooted in his Indian upbringing, as it’s a very important part of the culture in India. He wove the precious spice with effervescent notes like pomelo, raspberry, and vetiver for a
Key notes: Kashmiri saffron, frangipani,gardenia, yellow lotus attar, damask rose, SriLankan sandalwood, vetiver. Like Byredo’s Black Saffron, D.S. & Durga’s D.S. also pays tribute to India. Each note is the perfect celebration of the vibrant country.
Key notes: black violet, saffron, juniper berry. This subtle fragrance is the kind of scent you’d wear if you want people to think you just naturally smell good. It’s perfectly balanced and clings close to the skin.
Key notes: saffron, orange flower, lavender. A hint of saffron transforms this floral-forward fragrance into something more complex. It’s perfect for anyone who wants a sultrier floral.
Key notes: saffron, coriander, myrrh, coffee absolute, narcissus, vanilla, suede. If there’s one thing Tom Ford knows how to do, it’s blend together unexpected notes and turn them into a perfectly balanced scent. Saffron and coriander add a spicy edge to sweeter notes like coffee and vanilla.
Key notes: pink pepper, cardamom, orange flower, saffron, jasmine sambac, mimosa, iris, patchouli, copaiba. As the penultimate scent in Aesop’s Othertopias collection, Gloam bridges the gap between dreams and reality. Pink pepper, cardamom, and saffron turn this earthy, floral scent into something headier.
Key notes: lemon, saffron, violet, magnolia, bamboo, sandalwood, amber. This bright, citrus-leaning scent will transport you to a coastal house on a long weekend. It’s the ultimate
