mate
Fresh Family
Mate offers a unique, herbaceous freshness, reminiscent of green tea with a slightly bitter and earthy undertone.
Intensity
moderate
Longevity
moderate
Popularity
1 fragrances
Family
Fresh
About mate
Mate, derived from the leaves of the South American yerba mate plant, presents a distinctive olfactory profile that is both refreshing and complex. Its aroma is often compared to that of green tea, but with a richer, more herbaceous character that includes subtle smoky, bitter, and earthy nuances. This makes mate a fascinating fresh note in perfumery, capable of adding depth and an intriguing vegetal quality to fragrance compositions. In perfumes, mate can serve as a bridge between citrus or floral top notes and deeper, woodsy base notes, lending a natural, invigorating freshness that persists throughout the scent's evolution on the skin. Its versatility allows it to be used in a wide range of fragrance families, from fresh and aquatic to more robust, earthy creations.
Natural Sources
- •Steam distillation of dried leaves
- •CO2 extraction for a more concentrated essence
Synthetic Alternatives
Xanthines (like caffeine), Polyphenols, Saponins
Perfumer's Tips
Mate is best used sparingly to introduce a subtle, refreshing bitterness that can enhance the complexity of a fragrance. It pairs exceptionally well with citrus notes to brighten them, with woods to add freshness, or with florals to ground them with an earthy base. Its unique profile means it should be balanced carefully to avoid overpowering lighter notes.