Scent glossary
Aldehyde, an imitation or scent manufactured
synthetically from natural scents, for which there is no equivalent
in nature. The first aldehyde scent was Chanel Nº 5, which is still
the world’s most sold perfume.
Ambergris, a balsamic, erotic scent which was
previously acquired from metabolic secretions from sperm whales;
nowadays ambergris is manufactured synthetically.
Ambrette, one synthetic version of ambergris.
Balsam, a resin-type secretion from the balsamum
tree, which is used as a fixative in perfumes.
Bergamot, a fresh perfume used in green and floral
scents.
Champaca, a warm smelling fragrance that comes
from the magnolia.
Chypre fragrance, contains flowers, spices,
lichens and patchouli.
Eau de Cologne (EdC), contains 3–5 per cent
aromatic compounds, generally used to invigorate the entire body.
Eau de Parfum (EdP), contains 8–15 per cent
aromatic compounds.
Eau de toilette (EdP), contains 4–8 per cent
aromatic compounds.
Eau Fraiche, contains around 3 per cent aromatic
compounds.
First notes, initial notes, top notes, what is
sensed from the scent first of all, disappears quickly and blends
in with the character notes of the perfume.
Elixir de parfum, contains around 15–30 per cent
aromatic compounds.
Fougère, a fern scent containing lichens and other
forest fragrances.
Perfume, a mixture of fragrant components that
have been dissolved in alcohol.
Head space, a scent scanner that is used to create
the desired scent synthetically, for example the scent of a sea
wind or mountain stream.
Eastern, i.e. oriental fragrance, contains
flowers, amber, musk and vanilla.
Floral scent, comprises either mainly the
fragrances of one flower or a bouquet of flowers.
Amber, petrified resin of coniferous trees on the
sea bed, which is used in fragrances; yellow ambergris is generally
amber.
Musk, originally an erotic and animal glandular
secretion from the scrotum of the Tibetan male musk deer; nowadays
synthetically manufactured musk is used.
Nose, creator of the fragrances.
Neroli, a strong, bitter sweet fragrance,
originates from the fresh flowers of the Seville orange tree.
Perfume extract, contains around 20–40 per cent
aromatic compounds.
Patchouli, strong, sweet, with an erotic effect
that enlivens other fragrances, from the dried leaves of an Indian
plant.
Base notes, end notes, all the ingredients of the
perfume can be sensed.
Rose oil, the scent of Amor; 5,000 kilos of rose
petals are needed for one kilo of rose oil.
Cedar, oil from the cedar tree, which fixes other
fragrances.
Heart notes, body notes, character notes, remain
on the skin for the entire time the scent lasts.
Tuberose, a plant with a strong scent, a relative
of the amaryllis, called the blossoming symbol of sensuality, full
bodied and sweet as honey.
Aquatic scents, usually made from essential oils,
giving a light scent to the skin.
Vetiver, an essential oil from the roots of
vetiver grass that is used in oriental, chypre and aldehyde scents.
Green scents, fresh and athletic, contain lemon,
orange and bergamot.
Solid parfum, contains around 3 per cent aromatic
compounds, which have been blended into the perfum base.
Ylang ylang, a scent reminiscent of jasmine, used
to enliven other fragrances.
Text: Sini Kesänen