White Tea
A subtle, almost transparent green note with a gentle, hay-like sweetness. White tea is the most delicate of tea notes, suggesting stillness and quiet refinement.
Fragrance Pyramid
Olfactive Character
Subtle, transparent, and gently sweet. White tea is quieter than green tea, with a hay-like warmth and almost musky softness. It is the most refined and least assertive of the tea notes.
Origin & Harvest
White tea comes from the youngest buds of Camellia sinensis, minimally processed. The perfumery note is typically a synthetic reconstruction emphasising the delicate, slightly sweet, hay-like character. Some houses use small quantities of white tea extract.
Key Molecules
The accord is built from subtle green notes (cis-3-hexenol at very low levels), hay-like coumarin, and transparent musks. Hedione adds radiance. The construction is deliberately minimal, emphasising absence over presence.
Safety & Regulation
Synthetic components are well characterised and IFRA compliant. Coumarin is a listed allergen requiring declaration. No significant safety concerns at standard use levels.
In Perfumery
Popularised by Bvlgari Eau Parfumee au The Blanc. Found in refined, minimalist compositions. Pairs with white florals, light musks, and citrus. In KIDA KYO, white tea embodies our philosophy of quiet refinement.
History
White tea has been produced in China's Fujian province since the Song Dynasty (960-1279). It is the least processed and most prized of Chinese teas. Its use in perfumery reflects a desire for subtlety and understatement.
