Fragrance is the word used to describe a pleasant or desirable smell. The odors of flowers and perfume are often described as fragrances, although the term can also be applied to other pleasant scents such as that of an enjoyable meal. The word fragrance is most often used in a positive context, but it can be sarcastic or ironic when applied to something unpleasant or undesirable, such as the smell of someone’s socks.
Fragrances are a combination of odorous chemicals that have three structural parts: the head, heart, and base notes. The head or top note is the first odor to be detected, usually within 5-30 minutes after application. The heart or body is the middle odor, which is usually a combination of different chemicals, and the base note is the longest-lasting odor, sometimes lasting for hours after the head and heart have disappeared. The base note is most likely to be derived from natural materials such as wood, musk, or amber. Traditionally, fragrances were created from raw ingredients such as flowers or fruits that could be harvested from the environment or grown in a laboratory. Since the late nineteenth century, however, most perfumes have been made with synthetic compounds that are manufactured from a variety of chemical processes.
The earliest perfumes were created to serve several functions, including enhancing social status and attractiveness, seducing and repelling certain animals and insects, and masking unpleasant body odors. By the mid-twentieth century, however, most men who wanted to be considered respectable in society no longer wore any perfume, and women were expected to only wear light and natural smelling fragrances. Only prostitutes and the declasse continued to use the heavy and exotic scented perfumes of earlier generations.
Perfume is used primarily for aesthetic and sexual reasons, but it is reported to have a number of other therapeutic effects, including improving mood, reducing anxiety and stress, and increasing sleep quality. Recent studies have also linked the olfactory system with pain tolerance, indicating that a pleasant scent can reduce the sensation of pain.
In addition to cosmetic use, fragrances are found in a wide variety of consumer and industrial products, such as hair care products, lotions, cleaners, and household products like air fresheners. Many of these products contain a blend of dozens or even hundreds of chemicals, some of which are known to be toxic to humans. Many people are unaware that even “unscented” products often contain fragrance chemicals.
Despite its many benefits, it is important to recognize the potential harm that fragrances can cause to human health and to take precautionary measures when using them. Fragranced soaps, for example, may increase the amount of time that a person spends washing their hands, which is a good thing, but it is important to remember that fragrance chemicals can also be absorbed through the skin and may enter the bloodstream. This can lead to irritation, toxicity, and allergic reactions. It is therefore important to choose natural products when possible.