Did you realize that scents have a science behind them? No, I’m not referring to your perfume collection. I’m referring to the odors that surround us. The olfactory pyramid describes the order in which our brains detect scents.
The olfactory pyramid is a method of comprehending how different smell ingredients are perceived. It divides a bouquet into olfactory families and highlights the perfume’s major elements.
More than 150 distinct components may be found in ascent. However, this classification highlights a few notes in the composition that stands out the most, as well as those that dominate the pyramid. These odors are readily detected by the brain, which commonly defines them as “fresh.”
In addition, the fragrance evolves, and each note is not stuck in its “little box.” All the time, they appear and complete each other. Some a little more here, others, there. But it doesn’t mean that, necessarily, the first notes are gone after a specific time. Instead, the combination of notes allows the fragrance to evolve. So the scent you felt for the first time could change entirely soon after.
In general terms, the OLFACTIVE PYRAMID is the structure that makes up a perfume. And it breaks down into NOTES.
Discover the secrets of fragrance in 7 steps
1. The history of fragrance
2. The science of fragrance
3. The art of fragrance
4. The perfume industry
5. The art of perfume making
6. The perfume market
7. The future of fragrance
In addition, the smell changes throughout time, and each note is no longer confined to its “small box.” They appear and complement each other all the time. Some need a bit more here, some need a little more there. However, this does not imply that the first notes will be gone after a certain period of time. Instead, the scent evolves as a result of the mix of components. As a result, the aroma you initially detected might quickly alter.
The OLFACTIVE PYRAMID is the structure that makes up a scent in general. It’s also broken down into NOTES.
The top of the pyramid is made up of light, volatile odors that dissipate fast and are recognized as sweet, flowery, and lemony by the brain. They are perceived as lower molecular weight notes at the time of vaporization, making them extremely volatile. They are the ones that “explode” the aroma in general, although they are short-lived.
They barely last a few minutes and have a strong scent of citrus and greens.
- Heart or body notes – Scents in the center of the pyramid are heavier and remain longer. They smell earthy, peppery, and woodsy to the brain. They are the scents that distinguish the perfume’s olfactory family, those with a stronger aroma. After a few minutes, they become apparent. It lasts up to 4 hours and provides the perfume identity, such as flowery and fruity notes.
- Notes on the Basics – The heaviest, longest-lasting odors make up the pyramid’s foundation. They smell musky, resinous, and oriental to the brain.
These are the notes that remain in the scent and give it character. These notes have a heavier weight to them, and you can smell them a few hours after application.
Despite the fact that certain families belong to one of the groupings, their positions may differ. There are no hard and fast rules or formulae to follow. Everything will be determined by the perfumer’s desire to give the smell a distinct personality. And it is just this variety of conceivable combinations that contribute to the abundance of unique scents.
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Discover the secrets of fragrance perception with the olfactory pyramid.