Definition
Like lilac, lily of the valley flowers are too delicate for conventional extraction. The key synthetic molecules used to construct the muguet accord are: hydroxycitronellal (sweet, green, lily character), Lilial (Givaudan captive, fresh lily-muguet), and Lyral (IFF, now restricted by IFRA due to sensitization). Bourgeonal and Majantol are additional muguet-accord molecules (ISIPCA teaching materials, accessed 2026-05-27).
The progressive restriction of Lyral and Lilial under IFRA Standards has affected muguet-dominant compositions, requiring reformulation with alternative molecules such as Majantol and Florhydral.
In composition
Lily of the valley is a classic French white floral, strongly associated with the 1st of May in France and with bridal and springtime compositions. It appears in floral soliflores, green-floral structures, and light feminine compositions.
Niche perfumers have explored deconstructed muguet accords that emphasize the dewiness, green stems, or soapy facets of the note rather than the sweet floral character. Lilac and lily of the valley are frequently paired in springtime compositions for their complementary powdery-green characters (Fragrantica, accessed 2026-05-27).