Glossary.

Absolute

A highly concentrated fragrant mixture extracted from natural materials. As opposed to essential oils, water or steam are not used in the extraction.

Accord

Term borrowed from the musical concept of chords, a harmonious blend of multiple fragrance notes that creates a distinct aroma character.

Akigalawood

is a unique ingredient in perfumery, developed by Givaudan. It's a captive molecule derived from patchouli oil through enzymatic processes, creating a spicy-woody scent profile with hints of pepper and agarwood. It's known for its ability to blend with other fragrances, transforming their character.

Aldehydes

Class of aroma molecules characterised by their similar structure used to create a fresh, sparking effect on scent

Aromatic

A fragrance category featuring herbal and fresh notes such as lavender, sage, and basil. 

Base Notes

The warmest notes used in perfumery, providing depth, longevity, and richness. These notes develop over time and linger on the skin.

Benzoin

A fragrant resin taken from different types of Styrax trees, with a sweet, balsamic scent. Used in the base notes to enhance the longevity of a fragrance.

Bergamot

A bitter, inedible citrus fruit, grown in Southern Italy, it is a key note in Earl Grey Tea.

Chypre 

A scent category characterised by earthy, mossy, and woody notes, often featuring bergamot, oakmoss, labdanum and patchouli. 

Decant

In the world of perfumery, "decant" refers to the process of transferring perfume from its original bottle into a smaller container, often a sample or travel-sized atomizer. This practice allows users to explore fragrances without purchasing full-size bottles, or to carry smaller amounts for travel or touch-ups throughout the day.

Dry Down

The final stage of a fragrance's evolution, characterized by the lingering scent left on the skin after the top and middle (heart) notes have dissipated.

Eau de Cologne

A traditionally citrus-based fragrance with a lower concentration of aromatic compounds, offering a refreshing and invigorating scent.

Eau de Parfum

A fragrance product composed of perfume concentrate, alcohol, water, and other additives. Usually more concentrated than Eau de Toilette.

Eau de Toilette

A fragrance product composed of perfume concentrate, alcohol, water, and other additives. Usually sprayable on skin.

Extrait/Extract

Extrait de parfum, also known as pure perfume or perfume extract, is the most concentrated form of fragrance, containing the highest percentage of perfume oil (typically 20-40%). This high concentration results in a richer, more intense, and longer-lasting scent compared to other fragrance types like Eau de Parfum or Eau de Toilette.

Fougère

A fougère fragrance, pronounced [foo-ZHAIR-], is a classic fragrance family known for its fresh, green, and slightly sweet aroma, often described as having woody and herbal undertones. While classic fougères are often associated with a barbershop or masculine scent, many modern variations include other notes like spices, herbs, and even fruits to create unique and contemporary interpretations.

The core of a fougère fragrance usually includes: Lavender, Oakmoss, Coumarin.

Other variations of fougère variations may also include such common notes as Bergamot, Geranium, Vetiver.

Frankincense

A resin derived from the Boswellia tree (also known as Olibanum) 

Givaudan

Is a fragrance manufacturer that develops scents for a wide range of products, including perfumes, household goods, and personal care products. They are known for creating iconic perfumes like Opium by YSL, Angel by Mugler, and Le Male by Jean-Paul Gaultier, as well as more recent hits like Versace Eros and Carolina Herrera Good Girl. Additionally, Givaudan provides scents for hygiene products and cosmetic ingredients. 

Gourmand

A fragrance category inspired by edible aromas, featuring sweet, rich, and indulgent notes such as vanilla, caramel, and chocolate.

Heart Notes

Also known as middle or the body of the fragrance, these emerge once the top notes dissipate, forming the core of the fragrance's composition.

Neroli

An oil from the blossoms of the bitter orange tree.

Notes

Individual scent components that contribute to a fragrance's overall aroma. Classified into top, middle (heart), and base notes based on their volatility and evaporation rate.

Nose

A skilled perfumer responsible for creating fragrances by blending various aromatic ingredients to achieve a desired scent profile.

Labdanum

A sticky resin gathered from the Mediterranean Rock Rose.

Layering

The practice of combining multiple fragrances or scented products to create a personalized scent experience, enhancing complexity and longevity.

Mimosa

Producing cloud like yellow flowers, with notes that are powdery, sweet and green.

Musk

An animalic ingredient in perfumery, musk deer have long been protected and a synthetic variation is used.

Olfactory Family

Classification of fragrances based on their dominant scent characteristics. Common families include citrus, floral, woody and amber.

Osmanthus

A flowering plant native to Asia, known for its small, fragrant flowers, with sweet, fruity-floral apricot-like undertones.

Orris

The roots of Iris tubers.

Oud

The Arabic name for Agarwood, a tree native to South East Asia.

Palmarosa

A grass native to India, with a rose and citrus scent.

Patchouli

A herb related to the mint family, with a deep, earthy, woody scent. 

Petitgrain

An essential oil with a green, woody smell from the bark and leaves of citrus trees.

Sandalwood

A revered tree originating from India, classified as a soft wood due to the creamy, soft, notes it imparts on a composition. 

Sillage

The trail or aura of fragrance left behind by a person wearing perfume, often described as the scent's projection.

Stephanotis

A flowering variety of jasmine, native to Madagascar. The flower was traditionally used in bridal bouquets.

Tonka

A seed with a comforting nutty, vanilla-like aroma. 

Top Notes

The initial impression of a fragrance, perceived immediately upon application. Often light and volatile, these notes evaporate quickly.

Vetiver

A fragrant grass native to India 

Volatility

The rate at which a fragrance compound changes from liquid to vapor. Highly volatile compounds evaporate quickly, resulting in a fleeting scent, while less volatile compounds evaporate slowly, lingering for a longer duration. 

Ylang Ylang

An evergreen tree growing in Asia and Australia, producing star shaped yellow flowers, that are distilled for their fragrant oil.