Fragrance Notes Guide

The fragrance of a perfume evolves over time, presenting different scents immediately after application, half an hour later, and even hours afterward. This transformation is due to the intricate perfume pyramid structure, which consists of various aromatic components known as fragrance notes. Discover popular notes like vanilla, rose, oud, sandalwood, jasmine, and bergamot.

  • Top notes - First impression
  • Middle notes (heart notes) - Character
  • Base notes (trail) - Lasting impression

Perfumers select aromatic oils based on their volatility. Lighter oils evaporate quickly, while heavier molecules linger, revealing themselves later.

Browse Notes by Category

Organized by fragrance families

Understanding Fragrance Notes & Perfume Ingredients

The Perfume Pyramid

The perfume pyramid structure consists of three layers of fragrance notes that reveal themselves over time. Top notes (or head notes) are the initial scents you smell immediately after application, typically fresh and light ingredients like bergamot, lemon, or lavender. These evaporate within 15-30 minutes, giving way to the heart notes.

Popular Fragrance Notes

Explore the most beloved perfume ingredients: Vanilla for warmth and sweetness, Rose for classic floral elegance, Oud for exotic richness, Sandalwood for creamy woodiness, Jasmine for white floral beauty, Amber for resinous warmth, Musk for sensuality, and Patchouli for earthy depth.

Fragrance Note Categories

Floral Notes

Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Iris, Violet, Tuberose, Ylang-ylang

Woody Notes

Sandalwood, Cedar, Oud, Vetiver, Pine, Cypress

Oriental Notes

Vanilla, Amber, Incense, Patchouli, Benzoin, Tonka

Fresh Notes

Bergamot, Citrus, Mint, Marine, Green, Aquatic

How Notes Work Together

Middle notes form the heart of the fragrance, emerging after the top notes fade. These include floral notes like rose and jasmine, or spicy notes like cinnamon and cardamom. The base notes provide the foundation, lasting 4-6 hours or more. These heavier molecules include woody notes like sandalwood and cedar, oriental notes like vanilla and amber, and animalic notes like musk. Understanding the perfume note breakdown helps you choose fragrances that suit your preferences and discover which scent notes you love most.