Perfume Glossary
Essential terms and definitions for understanding the art and science of perfumery
Absolute
A highly concentrated aromatic oil extracted from plants using solvent extraction. More concentrated than essential oils.
Accord
A harmonious blend of three or four notes that create a new, unified scent impression.
Aldehydes
Synthetic organic compounds that add sparkle and lift to fragrances. Famous in Chanel No. 5.
Ambergris
A rare substance produced by sperm whales, traditionally used as a fixative in luxury perfumes.
Anosmia
The inability to smell certain or all odors. Can be temporary or permanent.
Base Notes
The foundation of a fragrance that appears after the top and heart notes evaporate. Lasts 6-8+ hours.
Bergamot
A citrus fruit whose oil is extensively used in perfumery, especially in fresh and cologne-type fragrances.
Chypre
A fragrance family characterized by bergamot, oakmoss, patchouli, and labdanum.
Civet
An animalic note traditionally derived from the African civet cat, now mostly synthetic.
Distillation
The process of extracting essential oils from plants using steam or water.
Dry Down
The final phase of a fragrance on the skin when the base notes are most prominent.
Eau de Cologne
A light fragrance with 2-5% perfume oil concentration, originally from Cologne, Germany.
Eau de Parfum
A fragrance with 15-25% perfume oil concentration, lasting 4-5 hours.
Eau de Toilette
A fragrance with 5-15% perfume oil concentration, lasting 2-3 hours.
Enfleurage
An ancient extraction method using odorless fats to capture the fragrance of delicate flowers.
Essential Oil
Natural aromatic compounds extracted from plants through distillation or expression.
Fixative
An ingredient that stabilizes and extends the life of other fragrance components.
Fougère
A fragrance family featuring lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin, creating a fern-like scent.
Heart Notes
The middle notes of a fragrance that develop after the top notes fade, lasting 2-4 hours.
Ionones
Synthetic molecules that smell like violets, discovered in 1893.
Kyphi
An ancient Egyptian incense blend containing multiple ingredients including honey, wine, and resins.
Maceration
The process of soaking raw materials in a solvent to extract their aromatic compounds.
Musk
Originally from the musk deer, now almost exclusively synthetic. Provides warmth and longevity.
Nose
A colloquial term for a perfumer or someone with exceptional olfactory abilities.
Oud
A precious resinous wood from agarwood trees, highly valued in Middle Eastern perfumery.
Parfum
The most concentrated form of fragrance with 20-40% perfume oil, lasting 6-8 hours.
Patchouli
An earthy, woody essential oil from the patchouli plant, popular in oriental fragrances.
Projection
How far a fragrance radiates from the wearer's skin at any given moment.
Resinoid
A semi-solid extract obtained from resinous plant materials using solvents.
Sillage
The trail of scent left behind by a fragrance wearer as they move; French for 'wake.' Distinct from projection, which is radiance at any given moment.
Soliflore
A fragrance focusing on a single flower note, attempting to recreate its natural scent.
Top Notes
The initial impression of a fragrance, lasting 5-15 minutes after application.
Vetiver
A grass whose roots produce an earthy, woody essential oil used as a base note.
Ylang-Ylang
A tropical flower producing a sweet, creamy, slightly spicy essential oil.
Terpenes
A large class of organic compounds found in essential oils, responsible for many characteristic scent profiles in natural perfumery materials.
Esters
Organic compounds formed from acids and alcohols, often providing fruity, floral, or sweet notes in fragrances.
Gourmand
A fragrance family featuring edible or food-like scents such as vanilla, chocolate, caramel, or spices.
Aquatic
A modern fragrance family evoking the freshness of water, ocean, or marine environments, often using synthetic molecules like Calone.
About This Glossary
This glossary covers essential perfumery terms from ancient techniques to modern innovations. Understanding these terms will enhance your appreciation of fragrance composition, history, and the artistry behind every bottle. Whether you're a fragrance enthusiast or a budding perfumer, these definitions provide the foundation for exploring the scented world.