Classification of Perfumes

Perfumes are classified and grouped into different categories or olfactory families according to the predominant notes they contain. This classification helps to better understand the characteristics of a fragrance and makes it easier to choose a perfume according to personal tastes. Below, I present the main olfactory families:

1. Citrus Family

• Description: Fresh and vibrant, citrus fragrances are characterized by notes of citrus fruits such as lemon, orange, mandarin, grapefruit, and bergamot.
• Examples: Traditional Eau de Cologne, summer fragrances.
• Subfamilies: Citrus-aromatic, citrus-floral.

2. Floral Family

• Description: One of the largest and most popular families, these fragrances are based on floral aromas such as rose, jasmine, lavender, lily, and violet.
• Examples: Romantic and feminine perfumes.
• Subfamilies: Floral-fruity, floral-green, floral-aldehyde.

3. Fougère family

• Description: Originating from Houbigant's "Fougère Royale" fragrance, this family combines notes of lavender, oak moss, coumarin, and bergamot, creating a fresh and herbaceous aroma.
• Examples: Classic men's perfumes.
• Subfamilies: Fougère-aromatic, fougère-woody.

4. Cyprus Family

• Description: Inspired by François Coty's "Chypre" fragrance, these fragrances blend citrus, oakmoss, and woody notes. They are elegant and sophisticated.
• Examples: Perfumes with an earthy and dry character.
• Subfamilies: Chypre-floral, Chypre-fruity, Chypre-woody.

5. Oriental Family (Amber)

• Description: Known for their warm and exotic notes, these fragrances contain spices, vanilla, amber, resins, and precious woods. They are sensual and enveloping.
• Examples: Winter perfumes, evening fragrances.
• Subfamilies: Oriental-spicy, oriental-woody, oriental-floral.

6. Woody Family

• Description: Dominated by woody notes such as sandalwood, cedar, vetiver, and patchouli, these fragrances are usually warm, deep, and are often used in men's perfumes.
• Examples: Elegant and sophisticated fragrances.
• Subfamilies: Woody-aromatic, woody-oriental.

7. Aromatic Family

• Description: This family is characterized by the presence of herbs such as rosemary, thyme, mint, and lavender. It is common in men's perfumes.
• Examples: Fresh and energizing fragrances.
• Subfamilies: Aromatic-fougère, aromatic-citrus.

8. Leather Family

• Description: Inspired by the scent of tanned leather, these fragrances have notes reminiscent of tobacco, smoke, and burnt wood, combined with animal notes.
• Examples: Strong and distinctive perfumes.
• Subfamilies: Leather-floral, leather-oriental.

9. Gourmand Family

• Description: A relatively new family that includes fragrances with sweet, edible notes, such as vanilla, caramel, chocolate, and coffee. They are warm and often indulgent.
• Examples: Perfumes with a sweet touch.
• Subfamilies: Gourmand-fruity, gourmand-oriental.

10. Green Family

• Description: These fragrances evoke the freshness of nature, with herbal notes, green leaves, and sometimes pine or mint. They are fresh and light.
• Examples: Refreshing and revitalizing fragrances.
• Subfamilies: Green-floral, green-citrus.

11. Aquatic Family (Ozonic)

• Description: Aquatic fragrances contain notes evoking the sea, fresh air and rain. They are light, fresh and often sporty.
• Examples: Summer and youthful perfumes.
• Subfamilies: Aquatic-aromatic, aquatic-citrus.

12. Aldehydic Family

• Description: These fragrances use aldehydes, organic compounds that create a bright, sparkling effect. They were popularized by Chanel No. 5.
• Examples: Perfumes with a distinctive and luxurious character.
• Subfamilies: Aldehydic-floral, aldehyde-oriental.

Each of these families has its own character and style, making it easy to find a fragrance that suits your tastes and the occasion.