fragrances

Fragrances are complex blends of volatile chemical compounds designed to emit a pleasant odor. They can derive from natural sources—such as essential oils from flowers, leaves, or resins—or be built from synthetic molecules that mimic or enhance natural scents. Fragrances are used in perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning products, and air fresheners.

In perfumery, fragrance composition commonly follows a note pyramid: top notes are perceived first and fade quickly; middle or heart notes emerge after the top notes dissipate; base notes provide lasting depth. Quality formulations balance harmony, projection, sillage, and longevity.

Fragrance families categorize scents by overall character: floral, citrus, oriental, woody, and fresh (green, aquatic, or clean). Within each family, designers blend ingredients to achieve specific moods, from bright and energetic to warm and resinous.

Creation involves selecting ingredients, calculating proportions, blending, and aging to allow harmonization. Materials may be natural extracts or synthetics. Regulations in many regions require labeling certain fragrance allergens and restrict use of some substances for safety.

Common product types reflect alcohol content and longevity: parfum (or extrait) typically lasts longest; eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne indicate decreasing concentrations. Fragrances are also used in non-personal products such as soaps, detergents, and candles.