Parfüms

Parfüms are scented liquids used to impart fragrance to the wearer or to surrounding objects. In German, Parfüm is singular and Parfüms is plural. Modern Parfüms typically mix aromatic ingredients with a volatile solvent, usually alcohol, and may include additives to stabilize or fix the scent.

Fragrance ingredients originate from natural sources such as essential oils, resins, and aroma compounds derived from plants or animals, as well as synthetic molecules developed by chemists. These components are combined in precise proportions to create a balanced scent profile that can unfold over time.

Fragrances are built in layers called notes: top notes are perceived immediately; heart (middle) notes form the main character; base notes provide depth and longevity. The overall impression depends on the relative volatility of the ingredients and their interactions within the blend.

Common forms, by concentration, include parfum (extrait), eau de parfum (EDP), eau de toilette (EDT), eau de cologne (EDC), and eau fraîche. Parfum types differ in the percentage of fragrance oils and thus in strength and lasting power; typical ranges span roughly 20-40% for extrait, 10-20% for EDP, 5-15% for EDT, and 2-5% for EDC.

History and regulation: Perfume making has ancient roots in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Levant, with significant development in Grasse, France, in the 17th–19th centuries. Today the industry uses both natural and synthetic ingredients, and regulated safety standards govern allergen labeling and product claims in many markets.