The Olfactory Families

Groups of smells indicate the classification and composition of fragrances based on what they are made up of.

The Société Française des Parfumeurs has classified seven groups of smells to give connoisseurs one uniform way of describing fragrances and identify them easily from their main characteristics.

Citrus: citrus-rich combinations characterized by freshness and lightness. There are traditional and Mediterranean, such as lemon, orange, bergamot, grapefruit and mandarin, and exotic like lime.

Amber: warm, sensual and lingering compositions characterized by hints of ambergris, vanilla, spices and musk.

Chypre: a group brought to light thanks to the success of perfumer François Coty and his CHYPRE with a mixture of bergamot, rose, oak moss, jasmine, labdanum and patchouli.

Leather: bitter and dry compositions akin to leather and tobacco.

Floral: rose, lavender, jasmine, lily of the valley, narcissus, ylang ylang, violet. The biggest group in the perfume industry. The compositions can be soliflore if they are made up of a single flower or a bouquet if composed of more flowers.

Fern: a fantasy name with fresh mixtures of lavender, coumarin, geranium, vetiver and oak moss.

Woody: woody hints produce warm and captivating fragrances, with mixtures of dry wood like cedar and vetiver, and soft woods like sandalwood.