The Story
Why it exists.
The beginning
Named for Indian jasmine as filtered through actress Lisa Ray's connection to her heritage, Jasmine of India arrived in 2016 as part of The 7 Virtues' growing roster of scents. Like the rest of the line, it leans into a place, an ingredient, and the people behind it. The brand sources from regions rebuilding after conflict, turning raw botanicals into compositions that carry weight beyond the bottle. Founder Barb Stegemann launched the company in 2010 with the idea that perfume could fund community projects while delivering a clean olfactory experience. Jasmine of India sits in a crowded field of jasmine-forward florals, yet it earns distinction by refusing to play it safe. Citrus on top, spice in the middle, resin and root underneath.
What makes this composition interesting is the deliberate tension between the bright, almost playful citrus opening and the grounded, resinous base. Most jasmine-dominant fragrances either go full indolic and animalic or pull toward soapy cleanliness. Jasmine of India refuses both paths. Cardamom and ginger do something unexpected in the heart, adding a dry, almost savory warmth that keeps the composition from being overwhelming. The myrrh and vetiver in the base pull the whole thing earthward, grounding what could have been a simple white floral into something with actual architecture.
The evolution
The first 30 minutes are all citrus and lift. Bergamot and orange hit bright and sharp, the kind of opening that reads as almost effervescent before the jasmine starts to surface. There's a clean, almost soapy quality here, but it doesn't last long enough to feel generic. By the one-hour mark, the heart takes over. Jasmine arrives fully, layered with orange blossom for sweetness and ginger-cardamom for warmth. The indolic quality starts to emerge, that slightly creamy, almost overripe jasmine character that makes the fragrance feel alive. This is where the composition earns its keep, warm and substantial, the kind of scent that registers across a room without announcing itself. The drydown begins around the three-hour mark. Myrrh, vetiver, cedarwood, and patchouli settle into a warm, slightly sweet, resinous base that clings close to skin.
Cultural impact
Lisa Ray Jasmine of India arrived in 2016 as part of The 7 Virtues' lineup, drawing attention to jasmine sourced from partner cooperatives. The fragrance contributed to a broader conversation about transparent ingredient sourcing in indie perfumery, alongside earlier releases in the brand's series. Its warm, spiced character gave jasmine-forward fragrances a more grounded, earthy register than the cleaner soliflores that typically dominate the category, earning it a loyal following among collectors who gravitate toward mission-tied compositions.
