Fragrance is a combination of more than 3,500 chemicals that gives many personal care and cleaning products their scent. But manufacturers don’t have to disclose what goes into their “fragrance.” Some of these chemicals are linked to a range of health problems, including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies and sensitivities.
Many perfumes are derived from plants, flowers and woods and are carefully blended to create unique scent profiles that can evoke emotions, memories and sensory experiences. However, some fragrances are synthetically manufactured and contain chemical ingredients not found in nature.
Fragrance oils are concentrated mixtures of aromatic compounds that add scent to perfumes and other cosmetic products. They are typically a mix of top, middle and base notes that work together to create a long-lasting complex scent.
Top notes are the first scents to emerge from a perfume and evaporate quickly, usually within 5-30 minutes of application. They often have a light fresh smell and include citrus (lemon, orange), light fruits (berries) and herbs (sage, lavender).
Middle notes form the heart of a perfume and develop into a more substantial smell that lasts longer than the top notes. They can include floral (rose, jasmine) or a blend of several flower scents known as a floriental bouquet.
Base notes are the final scents to emerge from a perfume and provide a deep, lasting smell that often combines with the middle notes. They can include tobacco, amber or musk and give the perfume depth and solidity.