Perfumes

Perfume is a scented liquid used to impart a pleasant fragrance to the body, clothing, or surroundings. It typically consists of fragrance ingredients suspended in a solvent, usually ethanol, and may include water and fixatives. The term can refer to the overall product or to a specific concentration of fragrance oils.

Fragrance ingredients come from natural sources such as essential oils, resins, and absolutes, as well as synthetic aroma compounds. In perfumery, scents are often described in terms of top notes, which are perceived first; middle or heart notes, which form the core; and base notes, which provide lasting depth.

Concentration categories reflect how much fragrance oil is present. Parfum, or extrait, has the highest concentration, followed by eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne. There is also eau fraiche. These differences influence both the strength of the scent and its longevity on the skin.

Creation and evaluation involve a perfumer blending accords to achieve a desired character. The process may include aging and testing on actual skin, since individual chemistry can affect the scent. Substances are often chosen to balance brightness, fullness, and longevity, and regulatory guidelines may limit certain ingredients for safety.

History and context place modern perfumery in a long tradition that includes ancient civilizations and the emergence of European houses in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today perfumes are widely used as personal fragrances and in home or cosmetic products, with ongoing developments in new materials and scent profiling.

Safety and storage considerations include potential allergies or irritation for sensitive individuals. Many regions require labeling of allergens and adherence to safety standards. Proper storage in a cool, dark place helps preserve fragrance quality.