A "concrète" in perfumery is a semi-solid, waxy fragrance concentrate obtained through the solvent extraction of fresh plant materials. Fragrance plants such as blossoms or leaves are treated with a volatile solvent that dissolves both the essential oils and waxy, fat-soluble accompanying substances. After the solvent has evaporated, a highly fragrant, usually paste-like mass remains: the concrète.
Typical examples are orange blossom concrète with its intensely floral, slightly green sweetness, and rose concrète, which captures the full, warm fragrance of the blossom in a very natural way.
