Perfume is a feel-good stimulant that can calm you down, make you feel more confident and even boost your mood. It is known to evoke certain associations, and even help you remember things you actually want to recall.
Most perfumes are composed of several different chemicals and natural oils that may be derived from a variety of sources including plants, animals and synthetic materials. They are often blended according to a formula that has been predetermined by a master in the industry, who is also called a perfumer or nose. The final product may contain hundreds of ingredients. [1]
Many perfumes are classified by a dominant odour and they can be divided into three categories: the top notes (also referred to as the head note) which is the fresh, volatile and short-lived scent that is perceived immediately after application; the middle or modifier notes which are the core of the fragrance and provides depth; and the base or end notes which provide the body of the fragrance and its longevity.
Some of the more delicate perfumes rely on a blend of aromatic plant oils, while others are heavily scented with animal products like castor oil derived from beavers, musk extracted from a gland in male antelopes and ambergris sourced from the stomach cavities of sperm whales. Generally speaking, perfumes are deemed to be more feminine whereas colognes are considered to be masculine.
While most cosmetic products are required to list specific ingredients on their packaging, fragrances are exempt as their composition is considered a trade secret. Therefore, they are typically labelled with the word “parfum” or “aroma” (EU) and “fragrance” or “flavor” (US).