FORMULAS
USEFUL DEFINITIONS
ESSENTIAL OIL - A concentrated plant extract containing aromatic compounds used for fragrance and therapy. Obtained from distillation.
ABSOLUTE - Absolute scent materials differ from essential oils in their extraction process. Absolutes are often obtained through solvent extraction, resulting in a more concentrated and complex fragrance, whereas essential oils are typically steam distilled or cold pressed.
NATURAL ISOLATE - A natural scent material isolate is a single, specific aromatic compound that has been isolated and extracted from a natural source, such as a plant or essential oil. Unlike essential oils, which are complex mixtures of various compounds, an isolate is a pure substance that represents a specific component of a scent.
TINCTURE - A tincture in perfumery is a liquid extraction of aromatic compounds from natural materials, used as a fragrant ingredient in perfumes and fragranced products. Alcohol or oils are often used to attain tictures.
SYNTHETIC SCENT MATERIAL - specific fragrances. Unlike natural extracts, they are produced in labs and are often used in perfumery for consistency
CARRIER AGENT - A perfume carrier agent dilutes and stabilizes fragrances. Examples include alcohol, fractionated coconut oil, and jojoba oil, used to carry and preserve the scent in perfumes.
PERFUMERS ALCOHOL - Perfumer's alcohol is a specific type of alcohol used as a carrier agent in perfume making. It's a clear, odorless liquid, often a blend of ethanol with a small amount of denaturant and sometimes water. It helps dissolve and carry fragrance oils, allowing the scent to disperse evenly without altering the fragrance profile.
TOP NOTE - In perfumery, a top note is the initial, light fragrance that you detect immediately upon application of a perfume. It's usually a fresh, sharp, or bright scent that evaporates quickly, giving way to the middle or heart notes of the fragrance.
MIDDLE NOTE - In perfumery, a middle note, or heart note, is the scent that emerges after the top note dissipates. Middle notes last longer than top notes and form the core of the fragrance, providing body and balance to the overall scent.
BASENOTE - In perfumery, a base note is the underlying, enduring scent that emerges after the top and middle notes have evaporated. Base notes are typically rich, deep, and warm, and they provide a lasting foundation for the fragrance.
PERFUME ACCORD - A perfume accord is a harmonious blend of three or more fragrances that come together to create a new, unified scent. Unlike individual notes that can be detected separately, an accord is a balanced combination where no single note dominates. Accords act as building blocks in perfumery, providing a complex and multifaceted aroma. A classic example is the "fougère accord," combining lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin.