Star anise (Illicium verum), a distinctive spice recognized for its iconic star-shaped fruit, carries an aroma as intriguing as its appearance. Native to the lush evergreen forests of southern China and northeastern Vietnam, this fragrant spice has been a staple in kitchens and apothecaries for centuries.
In perfumery and personal care, star anise oil adds complexity and warmth, making it a beloved choice for creating unique fragrance blends. But the appeal of this spice extends far beyond its scent. Used for generations in traditional Chinese medicine, star anise is a powerhouse of bioactive compounds known for their antifungal, antiviral, and antibacterial properties, which contribute to both its medicinal and aromatic appeal.
In this article, we explore the alluring aroma of star anise and how this distinctive fragrance weaves its way into some of LAFCO’s most beloved products. Discover the layers of its scent and the benefits it brings—both for the senses and for your well-being…
What Does Star Anise Smell Like?
The scent of star anise is unmistakably bold, captivating the senses with its intense, spicy sweetness. Its aroma is often compared to that of black licorice, but it offers a more complex and layered experience.
At first sniff, the licorice-like sharpness takes center stage, but as the scent evolves, it reveals softer, warming undertones that feel almost balsamic. These woody, sweet-spice notes give star anise a comforting depth, reminiscent of the aromatic spice markets of the East.
A fragrance as dynamic as star anise is often described in layers…
- Spicy – a vibrant, warming quality that awakens the senses.
- Slightly Sweet – a touch of sweetness that balances the sharper notes.
- Licorice-like – the signature scent that draws parallels to fennel, tarragon, and aniseed.
- Intense – a bold, unmistakable fragrance that lingers.
- Warm – hints of cozy, earthy tones that evoke warmth.
- Balsamic – a resinous, almost woodsy undertone that adds sophistication.
- Woody – grounding the fragrance with an earthy, natural depth.
The distinctive scent of star anise comes from the presence of anethole, a compound also found in fennel and aniseed, which explains the shared licorice-like scent profile across these plants.
To capture this intense aroma, star anise essential oil is extracted from fresh or partially dried seed pods using steam distillation. This method gently draws out the oil without losing the integrity of its fragrance. The result is a nearly colorless essential oil with a potent, spicy aroma.
Despite its delicate appearance, the scent of star anise oil is anything but subtle—its powerful notes make it a standout ingredient in both perfumery and aromatherapy.
15 Complementary Fragrances
While star anise boasts a bold and intense aroma, it is surprisingly versatile and blends well with a wide array of fragrances. Its spicy, sweet, and slightly woody character makes it a natural partner for both warm and fresh notes, enhancing and balancing complex scent profiles. Whether used to add warmth to citrus blends or spice to woody compositions, star anise holds its own in a variety of fragrance families.
Here are 15 fragrances that pair exceptionally well with star anise, along with why they work so harmoniously…
- Basil – A slightly sweet and peppery aroma that complements the spicy undertones of star anise.
- Cardamom – A spicy-sweet fragrance that mirrors the warm, comforting side of star anise.
- Cedarwood – Its dry, woody nature grounds the sweetness of star anise, creating a well-rounded scent.
- Cinnamon – A natural companion for spice blends, cinnamon amplifies the warmth and depth of star anise.
- Fennel – Sharing the same anethole compound, fennel creates a cohesive, licorice-like blend with star anise.
- Ginger – Its warm, spicy, and slightly zesty aroma brings brightness to star anise’s richness.
- Lavender – A classic calming floral, lavender brings balance by softening the intensity of star anise with its fresh, soothing nature.
- Mandarin – Sweet and bright, mandarin adds a juicy citrus top note that contrasts beautifully with star anise’s spice.
- Neroli – Floral and citrusy, neroli lifts the heavier notes of star anise, adding a light, elegant freshness.
- Orange – Like mandarin, orange introduces a zesty brightness that refreshes the spiciness of star anise.
- Peppermint – The cool, invigorating nature of peppermint provides a refreshing contrast to the warmth of star anise.
- Pine – Crisp and resinous, pine highlights the balsamic, woody aspects of star anise, creating a forest-like scent.
- Rosewood – Smooth and sweet, rosewood’s floral-woody aroma enhances the warmth and spice of star anise.
- Sandalwood – Creamy and grounding, sandalwood deepens the rich, woody notes of star anise, creating a sophisticated blend.
- Thyme – A sharp, herbal note that cuts through the intensity of star anise, offering a balanced, aromatic finish.
Star anise shines in fragrance blends that can handle a touch of spice, especially when paired with citrus or herbal elements. These lighter, fresher notes help soften the boldness of star anise, ensuring it doesn’t overpower the composition.
Enjoy Star Anise in Two Signature LAFCO Fragrances
In perfumery and aromatherapy, star anise is often used as a top or middle note, delivering a burst of spicy warmth that blends seamlessly with herbal and woody scents. Its unique fragrance profile adds complexity to any blend, enhancing both warm and fresh compositions.
At LAFCO, star anise plays a key role in two standout fragrances that evoke comfort and sophistication…
Sage & Walnut
This warming, gourmand fragrance masterfully combines the aromatic spice of star anise with the earthy richness of walnut and juniper sage. As it unfolds, the fragrance reveals layers of sandalwood, cedar, cade oil, and guaiac wood, offering a grounded, woodsy foundation.
Hints of sweet orange, floral lavender, and herbal peppermint dance through the composition, creating an enchanting interplay between warmth and freshness. Star anise brings a subtle spice to the blend, giving it an unexpected yet welcome complexity.
Celery Thyme
Crisp, refreshing, and distinctly herbal, Celery Thyme is a fragrance that delights the senses with its vibrant top notes of cucumber and fresh apple. As the scent settles, it evolves into a beautifully layered herbal fragrance with a spicy green finish, thanks to the inclusion of star anise.
This fragrance also features an intriguing mix of celery, thyme, and purple basil, creating a unique sensory experience that feels both energizing and grounding.
Though star anise may not be the most commonly highlighted note in LAFCO’s offerings, its versatility makes it a perfect partner for many seasonal blends. Its warm, spicy, and slightly woody qualities are ideal for fall and holiday fragrances, adding a comforting touch to your favorite scents.
Layering Fragrances for a Custom Experience
One of the joys of fragrance is creating personalized combinations that reflect your mood or the season. Here are three LAFCO blends that pair wonderfully with Sage & Walnut or Celery Thyme for a richer, more complex fragrance experience…
Pumpkin Seed & Sandalwood
A delightful new addition to the LAFCO lineup, this gourmand fragrance offers a cozy, autumnal mix of classic pumpkin with herbaceous fennel, spicy black pepper, and warming cinnamon and clove. Layering it with Sage & Walnut enhances the warmth, adding a spicy depth that makes for a perfect fall blend.
Spiced Pomander
A quintessential fragrance for the colder months, Spiced Pomander combines warm cinnamon, bitter orange, and spicy clove to create a festive, inviting aroma. Pair it with Celery Thyme for an unexpected twist that marries crispness with comforting spice, bridging the gap between fall and winter.
Feu de Bois
For those who love the comfort of a smoky, woody scent, Feu de Bois is a classic LAFCO fragrance. Featuring rich notes of amber, smoky patchouli, and spicy myrrh, this fragrance envelops you in warmth. When layered with Sage & Walnut, the woody and spicy elements are amplified, creating a fragrance that’s both grounding and luxurious.
Create Your Own Fragrance Experience
For the ultimate in customization, LAFCO offers its limited-edition Sage & Walnut and Feu de Bois Signature Candle Duo, a perfect pairing for those who enjoy layering fragrances. Whether you’re treating yourself or gifting to a loved one, this duo provides a unique way to experience LAFCO’s signature scents in tandem. You can also explore the LAFCO Gift Builder, where you can create your own custom candle duos and add a personalized gift message. It’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season or any special occasion with the gift of scent.