Fragrance, or cologne (the Latin word “per fumum”) is an essential element of most personal care products. It is added to soaps, body washes, lotions and shampoos to encourage good hygiene and enhance a product’s smell.
A fragrance is a complex mixture of a variety of raw materials that can be either natural or synthetic. Some perfumes use natural essences from plants, flowers and foods while others are synthetically manufactured in laboratories.
The scent of a fragrance can be divided into top, middle and base notes. The top notes are the ones you smell immediately after applying the scent. The middle notes are the ones that come through after a while, and the base notes are the ones that last the longest once the fragrance dries down on your skin.
Top Notes:
The first impression, or head notes, of a fragrance are composed of small light molecules that have a strong fresh scent but quickly evaporate. Common top notes include citrus, light fruits and herbs [3,5].
Middle Notes:
The middle notes are the most important scents in a fragrance. They bring body and depth to a scent and are often perceived 30 minutes after application. Examples of middle notes include lily, rose, and jasmine.
Base Notes:
The base notes are the scents that come through after a while, and are often perceived 30 minutes after application. Compounds of this class are usually rich and “deep” and appear close to the departure of the middle notes. Examples of base notes include tobacco, amber and musk.