Fragrance is any substance or mixture of substances that emits a characteristic aroma. This includes both natural fragrances derived from flowers, plants and other food sources, and also the synthetically manufactured fragrance chemicals often found in scented household products. Modern perfumes and colognes are typically composed of several fragrance ingredients, most of which are listed on the label simply as “fragrance”. Many people are allergic to perfume and can experience skin sensitization and dermatitis. Selecting a lower concentration of perfume, such as an eau de parfum or cologne, can help minimize these reactions.
Perfume is used to convey a desired mood or image through the use of carefully blended and layered fragrances. A perfumer combines top, middle and base notes to create the final fragrance, and the combination of these can be a key factor in whether a perfume will be perceived as pleasant or unpleasant.
A classic example of a perfume’s middle note is vanilla. This is a highly versatile compound that blends well with nearly all other notes and can either lighten or deepen the overall composition and scent of the perfume. Another middle note that is a favorite of perfumers is rose. It can be heady and intense or soft and powdery depending on the type of rose and the other scents enveloping it.
During the 17th century, perfume rose to popularity in Europe. Thanks to the patronage of the French royalty and nobility, the fragrance industry in Grasse (now considered the world capital of perfume) was established.