Fragrance (also called parfum) is a combination of odorous substances that emit a pleasant smell. It is produced by combining extracts of flowers, plants, and spices with synthetic aromatic compounds. Perfume and cologne are cosmetic fragrances applied to a person’s skin to emit a pleasant scent. Perfumes and colognes are divided into five main groups, loosely based on the concentration of the essential oils they contain. The highest concentration is called parfum, while the lowest is called eau de toilette. [1]
Fragrances are used in perfumes and colognes, but also in soaps, hair care products, air fresheners, body washes, and many other consumer and industrial goods. Even “unscented” products often contain fragrance chemicals to mask other odors. Fragrance chemicals aren’t benign – some have been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, and sensitivities.
What is the difference between perfume, scent, and redolence? Fragrance, scent, and redolence all suggest a sweet or pleasant odor, but fragrance is more general in meaning. Perfume suggests a stronger or heavier odor. Scent is a more specific word to describe the odor of a flower or other growing plant, while redolence indicates the odor of an object or person.
The sense of smell is closely connected to the sense of taste, and some fragrances can have an effect on what we think tastes good. But fragrance isn’t the same as flavor, which refers to the odor of food and beverages.
The fragrance of a food can be affected by its texture, temperature, and the way it is cooked or stored. In addition, the flavors of a food can be altered by the presence of other substances. For example, adding a sweetener to a dessert can make it seem more fruity and less creamy. The flavor of a dish can be modified by the use of spices or other herbs.
Fragrance chemicals are not only harmful to human health — they’re bad for the environment, too. The chemical vapors from fragrances in the atmosphere contribute to ozone pollution and fine particulates that harm the respiratory system. The word “fragrance” or “parfum” on a product’s label usually means an undisclosed mixture of dozens, sometimes hundreds, of chemicals — including some that have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer, and other health problems.
The FDA regulates personal care and cosmetic products, but the ingredients in fragrance mixtures aren’t required to undergo premarket review by the agency. That’s why we’re calling for stronger regulations and greater transparency — so consumers can see the full list of ingredients in the products they buy. The Skin Deep database contains over 39,000 products that include the fragrance chemical diethyl phthalate, and we’re working to add more. Learn more about this issue and join us. You can also download our fact sheet on fragrances, which includes links to helpful information and resources.