Fragrance (from French fragrantia) is the odor of plants or their derivatives, such as perfume or cologne. Scents are considered to affect our moods and memory, as well as being a powerful trigger of emotion. Many people choose to wear fragrances to enhance their appearance and create an aura of confidence, elegance, or sensuality. Others use fragrances to mask unpleasant odors, such as sweat, body odor, or cigarette smoke. A fragrance is made up of one or more scent chemicals combined with carrier oils. Fragrance chemicals are also used in the manufacture of other products such as cosmetics, cleaners, and scented candles.
Scents are composed of three basic classes of substances: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. The top notes are the initial odors that evaporate quickly, the middle notes are more lasting and develop from the base notes, and the base notes provide depth and stability to the overall scent of a perfume. Traditionally, a perfume was composed of natural aromatic oils, but today most perfumes contain both natural and synthetic ingredients. Perfumes also contain other compounds, such as dyes and stabilizers, that may improve marketability or extend shelf life. Perfumes and colognes are usually applied by spraying them onto the skin or rubbing them into it, but can also be sprayed on clothing, furniture, or other objects. Perfumes and colognes can be purchased in solid, liquid, or aerosol forms.
The earliest known examples of a perfume-making process were produced in the 9th century by an Arab chemist called Al-Kindi (Alkindus). A distillation apparatus he invented, still used today, is the alembic. The process allows for the evaporation of water and the distillation of oils to produce fragrant oils. This technology allowed for the production of a wide variety of perfumes, oils, and ointments.
Currently, more than 3,500 different fragrance chemicals give personal care, cleaning, and other products their unique smells. Unfortunately, some of these fragrance chemicals are associated with a wide range of health problems including allergies, dermatitis, and respiratory distress. Additionally, exposure to some of these chemicals can lead to reproductive toxicity and hormone disruption. Despite this, manufacturers are not required to list the ingredients of their fragrance mixes on product labels and the Federal Drug Administration does not require that fragrance mixtures undergo prior testing for safety. Instead, the International Fragrance Association and the Research Institute for Fragrance Materials set voluntary standards for fragrance chemicals.
Although fragrances are often associated with luxury, they are widely used in everyday life. A survey of more than 500 households found that almost all of them contained perfumes and colognes. The use of fragrances in the workplace is widespread, as they are considered to be an important tool for enhancing employee effectiveness. However, there is evidence that overuse of perfumes and colognes can cause employees to become less productive. A more recent study has also linked certain fragrances to a variety of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety.