Olfactive Glossary & Standards.

A term used to describe a blend of aromatic chemicals that blend into a particular note E.G., floral, green, rose and used in a formula as an ingredient.

Also known as Oud, this has been used as a perfumery ingredient for thousands of years. Today, it is one of the most expensive fragrance materials. In its crude form it is a resin that forms on the bark of a tree that has been infected by a virus. The tree is found in the far east and Assam.

These are organic compounds found in various natural elements – though modern perfumer uses synthetic versions.

This is a document provided by a fragrance manufacturer which declares all allergens present in the fragrance and at what level they are present in the fragrance at.

Allergens are fragrance chemicals that are found in most essential oils and in single chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction.

Associated with warmth and sensuality. It is often accompanied with exotic flowers and spices.

Ambergris is also known as whale vomit and is more expensive than oud. It has a unique odour and historically this material was used as a fixative however modern perfumery now uses a synthetic version.

This refers to herbal, grassy scents. They contain combinations of sage, rosemary, cumin, lavender and other plants.

This refers to sweet, rich and thick notes.

The notes give depth to the aroma and create a lasting impression.

This stands for Chemical Abstracts Service which is a unique identifying number for chemicals and essential oils.

This phrase refers to the fragrance family characterised by an accord composed of citrus top notes, a middle centered on cistus labdanum, and a mossy-animalic set of basenotes derived from oakmoss.

This description is used for fragrances that are in the character of Lemon, Lime, Grapefruit, Mandarin and Orange.

A fragrance that has been popular for many years. As an example, Chanel Number 5 which was first launched in the early 1920’s.

This type of fragrance is the earliest type of commercial fragrance which were based on essential oils blended with alcohol.

Oils which are extracted from plants, wood, leaves, roots, grasses and fruit. The extraction can be by steam, cold-pressed or solvent.

Fragrances predominantly reminiscent of flowers such as Rose, Honeysuckle and Jasmin.

Fougere means 'fern-like' in French and describes one of the main fragrance families.

A fragrance family is a classification system that the industry uses to place scents into olfactory groups.

Also known as a fragrance triangle, this is a simple way of describing a fragrance by highlighting the notes throughout the aroma.

Odours similar to sweet honey and chocolate which are good enough to eat. One of the most successful gourmand fragrances was Angel by Mugler.

Fragrances reminiscent of freshly cut grass and snapped leaves in spring.

A Fragrance which has a hypnotic effect.

IFRA stands for the International Fragrance Association. Issued by the fragrance manufacturer, this certificate advises levels you can safely use the fragrance up to in a number of different product categories.

The Latin names for chemicals and essential oils.

IFRA is the global representative body for the fragrance industry. It seeks to represent the collective interest of the industry and promote the safe use of fragrances.

When 2-4 fragrances blend together to create a unique fragrance.

The scent varies from floral to woody. They are used to mask other unpleasant smells.

This is the heart of the aroma and tends to form the foundation of the fragrance.

Originally the musky note was provided by glandular secretions from animals such as the musk deer. Today there are a range of powerful synthetic musks available.

A fragrance created using only essential oils.

A Fragrance that is exclusive and unique. It often has its own story behind it and stands out from all the classic brands.

The term which refers to the sense of smell or the act or process of smelling.

Ozonic fragrances replicate the smells associated with the sea and the sea air.

Historically the term was used to describe a mixture of dried, natural plant materials. For example, lavender heads, orange peel and flower petals.

Scent that come from notes from powdery elements such as iris, musk and vanilla.

RIFM uses deep and specialist expertise to continually review ingredients, based on potential health or environmental effects as well as real-world insights on people’s use of fragranced products.

Fragrances which have characters that include clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and pepper.

Fragrances created in a lab, often from petroleum and natural gas.

The first impression of the aroma. This tends to be made up of the more volatile chemicals in the formulation.

A word used to describe a fine fragrance that has influenced similar fragrances in other product categories. An example would be Davidoff Cool Water which influenced similar variations in household, air care and automobile products.

This is a subgroup within the floral group which have the most narcotic scent. It’s lush, opulent and intoxicating. It creates intense femininity in fragrances.

This refers to earthy, sensual scents which tend to be in the base notes of many men’s fragrances.