parfums

Parfums, or perfumes, are fragrant mixtures intended to impart a pleasant scent to the body or surroundings. They are usually applied to the skin or clothing and may also be used to scent environments, fabrics, or personal care products. A perfume typically comprises aromatic compounds, a solvent such as alcohol, and sometimes water, with the aromatic mixture encompassing essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural extracts.

Fragrances are categorized by concentration, which influences both intensity and longevity. Common classes include extrait/parfum (high concentration), eau de parfum, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne. The most intensive forms are designed to last many hours, while lighter forms are shorter-lived. Perfume notes describe how a scent evolves over time: top notes are perceived immediately, middle notes emerge after the top notes fade, and base notes provide lasting depth.

Fragrance families group scents by character, such as floral, oriental, woody, fresh, and citrus. Modern perfumery relies on a combination of botanical ingredients, animal-derived substances (historically), and synthetic aroma compounds, which enable a broader range of scents and improved stability. The production process often involves extraction, distillation, and careful blending by trained perfumers.

Historically, perfume has roots in ancient civilizations and matured in Europe, notably in Grasse, France, during the 17th–19th centuries. The development of synthetic fragrances in the late 19th and 20th centuries expanded the field. Safety and regulatory frameworks govern labeling, allergen disclosures, and cosmetic use in many jurisdictions.