Vivace Vivace

Perfume Olfactory Pyramid: Perfume Notes Explained

Creating a perfume is a detailed process that involves precise composition and balance to achieve the desired fragrance. Understanding the structure and characteristics of fragrance notes is crucial for crafting appealing scents. Each ingredient in a perfume has unique molecular properties that define its role in the fragrance blend. The olfactory pyramid is a key tool used to illustrate the composition and lifecycle of a fragrance.

Top Notes (5-15 minutes): The top notes are the initial burst of fragrance experienced immediately after applying perfume. They are highly volatile and evaporate quickly, creating the first impression of the perfume. Despite their brief presence, top notes are crucial as they set the stage for the transition to the heart notes.

Heart or Middle Notes (20-60 minutes): Emerging after the top notes evaporate, the heart notes represent the core of the perfume, lasting between 20 minutes to an hour. They make up about two-thirds of the perfume's composition, serving as a bridge between the top and base notes. Heart notes are key to defining the perfume's character and ensuring a smooth evolution of the scent.

Base Notes (5-6 hours): The base notes are the longest-lasting components of a perfume, holding the fragrance together after the evaporation of the top and middle notes. These notes mature as the perfume wears, adding depth and richness. They are foundational to the perfume’s longevity and character, maintaining the scent on the skin for several hours.