Everything You Need to Know About Frangipani, The Popular Perfume Ingredient

Each season, we can undoubtedly look forward to a new crop of fragrances to help make transitioning into the new season a little more fun, no matter your scent preferences. As of late, we've heard a bunch about a fragrance ingredient called frangipani. Ahead, we explore where this popular fragrance ingredient comes from and what it smells like.

What Is Frangipani?

Frangipani is a fragrant flowering tree, also known as plumeria. The oil of the colorful flower, also known as the Hawaiian Lei flower, has been used in perfumery since the 16th century, usually as a top or heart note. The flowers from a frangipani tree are either white, yellow, pink, or multi-color.

Where It's Found

The frangipani tree (Plumeria Rubra) is native to warm tropical areas of the Pacific Islands, Caribbean, South America, and Mexico.

What It Smells Like

The oil of the frangipani flower has a sophisticated, lush, rich floral fragrance. The flowers have been widely hybridized for cultivation, and there are many varieties available—each with its unique scent. Frangipani flowers may smell like roses, gardenias, pineapple, plum, citrus, ripe banana, grapes, coconut, ginger, candy, or spices.

Other Uses of Frangipani

Frangipani is a common ingredient in many fragranced soaps, candles, massage oils, and potpourris. The flowers of the plant are also considered sacred in certain tropical nations such as Bali and India, where they are used in religious ceremonies.