How does osmanthus absolute compare with jasmine absolute, neroli, and ylang-ylang?
Compared with jasmine absolute and neroli, osmanthus absolute is fruitier (peach-apricot) and more honeyed, with a distinctive leathery-woody undertone; compared with ylang-ylang it is more floral-fruity and less narcotic-sweet.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Material | Character | Best for | Price level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Osmanthus absolute | Apricot-peach floral, honeyed, leathery | Fruity-floral, oriental | High |
| Jasmine absolute | Deep white-floral, indolic, sweet | Classic floral heart | High |
| Neroli | Bright orange-blossom, green | Citrus-floral top | Mid-high |
| Ylang-ylang | Exotic sweet, narcotic, creamy | Floral-woody bases | Mid |
- Osmanthus' lactone-rich peach facet is unique among these absolutes
- Neroli is brighter and greener; osmanthus is deeper and more honeyed
- In blends, osmanthus can replace part of jasmine to add fruit and leather nuance
Contact us for a comparison sample kit of osmanthus, jasmine, and neroli absolutes.
This article was published on 2026-09-07, and last updated on 2026-09-07. The article will be continuously updated.