Petroleum

Petroleum’s scent has roots that stretch back to ancient civilizations. Early Mesopotamian and Egyptian artisans used bitumen—a natural petroleum residue—to seal tombs and as a smoky component in incense rituals, valuing its dark, resinous aroma. The modern perfume industry, however, only embraced petroleum‑derived aromatics in the late 19th century when chemists isolated benzene, toluene and xylene from crude oil. These volatile hydrocarbons offered a new, industrial facet that contrasted with traditional floral extracts. By the 1920s, avant‑garde perfumers began experimenting with “petrol” accords, adding a metallic, gasoline‑like edge to daring compositions. The trend resurfaced in the 21st century as niche houses celebrated the raw, urban character of petroleum, most notably with Byredo’s 2015 launch of “Petrol,” a fragrance built around a refined petroleum note. Today, the ingredient bridges heritage and modernity, reminding us that the scent of ancient bitumen still informs contemporary olfactory art.