Hajuvesi

Hajuvesi is the Finnish term for perfume, a scented liquid applied to the body to create a personal scent. In everyday use it covers a broad range of fragrance products, from lighter eau de toilette to richer perfumes. The product is typically a solution of essential oils or aroma compounds dissolved in ethanol and water, sometimes with a fixative to help the scent last longer.

Concentration and categories: Perfume or parfum (parfum/extrait) has the highest fragrance oil content, typically around 20–40%. Eau de parfum (EDP) about 12–20%, Eau de toilette (EDT) about 5–15%, Eau de Cologne (EDC) about 2–5%, and Eau Fraiche about 1–3%. In Finnish retail, hajuvesi is sometimes used broadly to refer to any fragrance product, while more specific terms may distinguish different concentrations.

Notes and application: Fragrances develop through top, middle, and base notes. They are usually applied to pulse points such as wrists and the neck. To minimize irritation, avoid applying to irritated skin, refrain from rubbing the wrists together after application, and store the bottle away from heat and sunlight. Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to certain ingredients, so patch testing and careful labeling are advised.

History: Perfume has ancient roots and was widely used in antiquity and the Middle Ages. Modern perfumery developed in Europe, with alcohol-based formulations becoming common and mass-market brands emerging from the 18th century onward. In Finland, hajuvesi is a familiar consumer product used for daily scent and for special occasions.