The fragrance of perfume and other scented products is known as fragnance. The word is derived from the Latin word for odor, and the related adjective fragrant means strong in smell. Fragrance can also be used as an adverb, meaning “smells good.” The scent of perfume is often described in terms of its accord, which refers to how the various components of the fragrance combine together. A corresponding musical analogy is the chord structure, with the top notes (light or “head” notes) providing the initial impression followed by middle notes and finally the base notes, which provide depth and solidity.
Fragrance is the result of the complex interaction between a mix of plant oils and synthetic aroma chemicals that are typically dissolved in alcohol. Modern perfumes contain from tens to hundreds of ingredients, including the essential oils that are the basis for the overall scent; fixatives, natural or synthetic substances that slow the evaporation rate and prolong the life of the perfume; and solvents, which serve to dilute the oil and enhance its stability.
Perfume is the most popular form of fragrance, but scented creams and body washes are increasingly common as well. In the United States, some of these body products are marketed as unscented, but they may still contain masking agents that hide unpleasant or irritating odors. In addition, some fragrance chemicals have been shown to cause health problems, such as disrupting hormone systems or contributing to skin allergies.
In ancient Greece and Rome, perfume was highly prized; for example, the Etruscans buried their dead women with perfume-filled flasks, and Roman gladiators were said to have applied different fragrances to each armpit before going into battle. By the mid-twentieth century, however, social attitudes towards adornment had become more austere. In addition, many perfumes contained a number of volatile organic compounds that are harmful to the environment and can have adverse health effects in humans, such as asthma and cancer.
Despite the risks, there are still a wide range of fragrances on the market. The scents of flowers and the fruity, woody or spicy smells of some spices are popular, but there is also a significant market for more exotic fragrances such as those based on vanilla, amber or musk. A perfume that combines multiple notes is sometimes called a bouquet.
Some perfumes are marketed with health claims, such as helping to lower blood pressure or easing muscle aches. These kinds of perfumes must be regulated as drugs under Food and Drug Administration regulations, because they may actually treat specific diseases or symptoms.
In general, perfumes containing certain hormone-disrupting or allergenic chemicals must be listed on the label as such, although some manufacturers use these compounds for other purposes and don’t put them on the ingredient list. For this reason, it’s important to read labels and choose perfumes that are free of such chemicals. The best option for those who have very sensitive skin is to choose fragrances made with botanical extracts rather than synthetic chemicals.