Character
How it smells
Summer captured in a bottle.
Benjamin Green invented the iconic sunscreen scent in 1944 using just cocoa butter, coconut oil, and jasmine.
Origin
United States
The suntan lotion scent emerged from an unexpected source: the quest for safer sun exposure. In 1944, pharmacist Benjamin Green created Coppertone's signature sunscreen formula, deliberately crafting its distinctive cocoa butter, coconut oil, and jasmine blend to make the product appeal to consumers. Before this, tans were associated with manual labor; suntans became fashionable after Coco Chanel accidentally sparked the trend in 1923.
The scent evolved from a functional product fragrance into a standalone olfactory experience, eventually appearing in fine fragrances like Serge Deshaye's interpretations. Today, the note symbolizes leisure, escape, and the romance of warm-weather escape.
Good to know
Questions, answered
The essentials on Suntan Lotion in perfumery: how it smells, where it comes from, and how it behaves on skin.
What does Suntan Lotion smell like?
It smells like warm coconut, creamy cocoa butter, and subtle floral jasmine. The accord captures sun-heated skin with tropical richness and nostalgic summer warmth.
Is Suntan Lotion a natural ingredient?
No. Suntan Lotion is a synthetic aromatic accord composed of multiple aroma chemicals that together replicate the characteristic scent of sunscreen products.
When was the suntan lotion scent invented?
Benjamin Green created the iconic sunscreen scent in 1944 when developing Coppertone. He specifically chose cocoa butter, coconut oil, and jasmine to make the product appealing.
Why is Suntan Lotion used in perfumery?
The note evokes summer freedom, beach vacations, and tropical escape. Perfumers use it to create nostalgic, warm-weather fragrances or add a creamy, sun-kissed quality to compositions.
What materials create the coconut note in Suntan Lotion accord?
Delta-decalactone and gamma-nonalactone are primary coconut-character materials. These gamma-lactone compounds provide the sweet, creamy coconut nuances central to the accord.
Does Suntan Lotion contain jasmine?
Jasmine contributes subtle floral depth. Perfumers often use hedione or synthetic indole to replicate jasmine's character without the cost of natural jasmine absolute.
What famous fragrances feature Suntan Lotion notes?
Several summer seasonal fragrances and beach-themed collections incorporate this note. The accord appears across niche and designer brands targeting warm-weather wear.
How does Suntan Lotion perform in fragrance compositions?
The note works as a heart or base component, adding warmth and creamy depth. It blends well with marine notes, vanilla, sandalwood, and tropical florals.
