Fragrance is a word that can describe anything that smells nice. It can be the aroma of flowers, perfumes or even a piece of toast. Unlike the word odor, which describes a bad smell, fragrance is usually a positive thing. The fragrance of pine trees or flowers is pleasant to many people. The aroma of coffee can also be considered a fragrance. Even celebrities who have their own line of perfume are often referred to as having a fragrance.
Perfume is a liquid preparation of natural essences (like those from plants) or synthetics and a fixative used for scenting. The term perfume derives from the Middle French words perfumer, which means “to smoke” and fumare, meaning to make smokey. Perfumes are characterized by their intensity and complexity. They contain a mixture of various odorous substances that evaporate at different times. They are typically arranged into a pyramid structure with the highest concentration, called a parfum, at the top and lower notes, or heart, and base, in the middle.
The perfume industry began in ancient Egypt. It was later reintroduced by Romans and Arabs, who refined its ingredients. Modern perfumery was made possible in the 19th century with the commercial synthesis of fragrant compounds like vanillin or coumarin. These allowed for the composition of perfumes with smells previously unattainable solely from natural aromatics.
Besides perfumes, fragrance is found in many other personal care products such as soaps, shampoos and body lotions. Many companies add fragrance to these products in order to improve their appeal and promote hygiene. Fragrance can also be added to foods in order to enhance their flavor. However, the addition of fragrance can lead to allergic reactions in some individuals.
Many fragrances have names that denote their intended use, such as pour homme, pour femme, cologne and eau de toilette. In perfumery, the concentration of the fragrance oil is reflected by the terms EdP, EDT and the now-discontinued EdC. Despite the similarity of the names, each product contains a different perfume oil mix.
While the term “fragrance” may refer to a mixture of several substances, the labeling regulations in the United States only require that the name of the fragrance and its percentage be disclosed. The chemicals that comprise the fragrance are not required to be listed, but there is a growing concern about the use of these unidentified substances, as they have been linked with a number of health problems including cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and allergies. There is a need for stricter regulation, more research and greater transparency in the manufacture of fragranced products.