Edelweiss

Edelweiss (Leontopodium nivale) is the small, woolly, star-shaped white flower of the high Alps and an emblem of Switzerland and Austria. It grows on rocky limestone slopes, often above 1,800 metres, and its silvery felt-like petals protect it from cold, wind and strong ultraviolet light.

Edelweiss has very little natural scent, and no commercial essential oil is distilled from it. In perfumery it is therefore an evocative accord rather than an extract. Perfumers suggest it with soft, clean floral materials, light musks, hay-like and slightly powdery facets, and airy mineral notes that recall cold mountain air. The effect is quiet and fresh rather than heady.

The flower is also valued in skincare, where edelweiss extract is used for its antioxidant properties, which helps explain its link with purity and clean freshness in fragrance. In a composition it usually sits in the heart, softening sharper top notes such as mint, citrus or ginger and bridging them to musky or woody bases.

Fragrances with an edelweiss note tend to feel crisp, calm and outdoorsy, well suited to warm days, the office and anyone who prefers subtle, clean scents. At Redolia Perfumery this page gathers every fragrance in our catalogue that features edelweiss.