How Chanel Paris Makes the Iconic Coco Chanel No. 5 Perfume
Chanel No. 5 is one of the most famous and best-loved fragrances in the world. But what makes this legendary perfume so luxurious? I decided to do some research to learn how to make Chanel No. 5, the iconic fragrance that holds secrets revealed about its origin story and production process.
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The Secret Ingredient in Perfume that Brings Back Memories
I’ve always felt that there is something very personal about choosing perfume. It’s amazing the effect a scent can have on our mind and senses. A spritz of a favored fragrance, like Chanel No. 5 perfume, can evoke fond memories and make us smile. Did you know that it’s the frankincense in perfumes that prompts your mind to think of the past? Levels of other ingredients in perfume also determine the strength of the scent’s “trail,” i.e., how long the fragrance lingers after you. The production of fragrances, especially one as timeless as Coco Chanel No. 5, has always interested me.
It’s fascinating how a single fragrance can be equally as loved as it is loathed. Unlike fashion items, where we use our eyes, hands, and body shape to determine whether or not we like a garment, with perfume we solely rely on our olfaction system. Our ability to smell is all we rely on to tell us how much we like or dislike a single spritz of perfume. Chanel Paris understood this perfectly when creating their fragrances, especially the renowned Chanel perfume No. 5.
How to Make Chanel No. 5
Perfume production starts in the late spring at Joseph Mul's fields near Pegomas, France. This is where jasmine and rose petals are collected to form Chanel No. 5's legendary scent. The roses used to make Chanel No. 5 are Rosa Centifolia flowers, which in English means "hundred petals." The Rosa Centifolia is a unique species of rose. Unlike typical roses, which have a more uniformed look, this one has a frilly, cabbage-like appearance, with many leaves. Additionally, they boast a clear, honeyed sweet scent that is essential for producing Coco Chanel's legendary fragrance!
Experts claim that the scent of the Chanel roses is very significant! Locals and harvesters from the area say that a Rosa Centifolia rose can be identified by its scent alone. There’s also a particular method of picking the roses too. This initial stage in the process sounds fairly simple, but each step involves attention to detail and skill. To pick a Pegomas rose, you must have one finger over the rose, one finger underneath, and then twist.
After the roses have been harvested, their oils have to be extracted quickly before they begin to ferment. Simply holding a rose in your hand for too long will alter the way the rose smells and could potentially change the quality of the end result. If the roses are left to ferment, the original sweet scent can turn into a less attractive peppery aroma if the oils are not extracted in time.
Now it is time for the "la fleur au flacon," meaning the flower into the bottle. Once the petals have been harvested, they are offloaded into a huge metal vat. Inside the vat, the petals turn into a waxy, solid state. Two thousand liters of hexane are then added to the vat. Hexane is a clear liquid solvent and is heated to 68 degrees within the sealed vat. Once the temperature has reached 68° Celsius, the vat is reopened. By this point, the roses are no longer pink but brown. The Chanel flower petal ratio is: 1,000 Pegomas jasmine flowers to every 12 Pegomas roses.
A few extraction processes later, the perfume is ready and poured into 30ml bottles, labeled: "Chanel No. 5."
Buy your very own bottle of Chanel No.5 here
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Chanel Paris: The Best Perfume and Timeless Fashion
Chanel No. 5 is more than a fragrance; it’s a symbol of elegance and history. Coco Chanel once said, "Fashion fades, only style remains the same." Her philosophy applies to Chanel No. 5, the timeless perfume that epitomizes sophistication and love for luxury scents. Beauty bloggers often call it "the best perfume," and for good reason—it has stood the test of time.
With its origin story rooted in meticulous craftsmanship and a legacy of style, Chanel No. 5 remains a favorite for those who love perfume. Whether you're inspired by Coco Chanel quotes or the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume itself, there’s no denying that this fragrance is a masterpiece of the fashion and beauty world.
