Most people imagine iris as soft, powdery, and makeup-like. But the real story is much more interesting. The prized ingredient used in perfumery isn’t actually the flower—it’s the rhizome (underground stem) of the iris plant. After harvesting, the rhizomes are dried and aged for 3–5 years before they develop their characteristic aroma. Freshly harvested orris has very little scent at all. Once matured, it reveals an incredibly complex profile: 🌿 Dry woody facets 🌶️ A subtle spicy, carrot-like nuance 🪵 Earthy roots 🧈 Creamy, buttery richness 💄 Powdery violet tones That buttery character comes from a family of molecules called irones, which are responsible for the luxurious scent that has made iris one of the most treasured materials in perfumery. Because true orris butter is one of the most expensive natural perfume materials in the world, perfumers often build iris accords using a combination of natural materials and aroma molecules to capture its many facets. Depending on the formula, an iris accord can lean elegant and powdery, dry and woody, earthy and rooty, or even surprisingly spicy. Our Iris Accord explores that richer side of iris—the one that highlights its woody, earthy, buttery, and root-like character rather than just powder. What’s your favorite style of iris?