Discover the 7 olfactory families of perfume

Perfumery is a complex art that involves a multitude of scents and fragrances. To better understand this perfumed universe, it is essential to know the different olfactory families that make up a perfume. In this article, we will explore the 7 olfactory families, their distinct characteristics and how to recognize them.

What is an olfactory family?

Before diving into the 7 olfactory families, it is important to understand what the term "olfactory family" means. An olfactory family groups perfumes that share similar olfactory characteristics. These characteristics are determined by the ingredients used in the composition of the perfume

  • floral family

    Floral fragrances are one of the most popular and beloved fragrance families. As the name suggests, these perfumes are derived from flowers and have a sweet, feminine smell. The flowers that we mainly find: rose, jasmine, violet, lily of the valley and peony.

  • Hesperidae family

    Citrus scents are derived from citrus fruits such as lemon, orange and grapefruit. They have a fresh, slightly acidic smell, and are often associated with herbal or floral notes. Citrus scents are perfect for hot summer days.

  • Oriental family

    Oriental perfumes have a warm and spicy smell. They are often composed of bewitching notes such as amber, vanilla, musk, cinnamon, incense and clove. Oriental fragrances are perfect for special occasions and evenings.

  • woody family

    Woody scents have a masculine, earthy smell. They are often composed of notes such as cedar, sandalwood, patchouli and vetiver. Woody scents are perfect for men and for more formal occasions.

  • fern family

    Aquatic scents are fresh and light and are often composed of notes such as sea salt, lavender and jasmine. Fern scents have a fresh, green smell, often paired with hints of lavender and oakmoss.

  • chypre family

    The chypre perfumes have an earthy and woody smell, often associated with notes of oak moss and patchouli. The chypre scents are perfect for more formal occasions.

  • leather family

    Leathery perfumes have a warm, animal smell, often associated with notes of leather, tobacco and musk. Leathery scents are perfect for men and for special occasions.

The 7 olfactory families of perfume

Les 7 familles olfactives de parfum

How to recognize olfactory families?

To recognize the olfactory families of a perfume, it is essential to become familiar with the characteristics and typical ingredients of each family. For example, floral scents will have dominant floral notes, while woody scents will feature woody notes.

The role of olfactory families in perfumery

Olfactory families play an essential role in perfumery. They allow perfumers to create harmonious compositions by combining different notes and accords belonging to the same family or by mixing them to create interesting olfactory contrasts. Olfactory families also serve as benchmarks for consumers, who can choose a fragrance based on their preferences and personality.

Choice of a perfume according to the olfactory families

When choosing a perfume, it is useful to know your preferences in terms of olfactory families. If you like floral and delicate scents, perfumes from the floral family will probably be the ones that suit you best. If you prefer more woody and warm scents, turn to the woody family. It is also possible to explore different combinations by choosing perfumes that mix several olfactory families.

The 7 olfactory families in perfumery offer a diversity of scents and characters that allow everyone to find the perfume that suits them. Understanding these families and choosing based on personal preferences can help find a scent that reflects our style and personality. Whether you are attracted to floral, fruity, woody, oriental, chypre, fern or citrus fragrances, there is an olfactory family that will captivate your senses.

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