Fragrances have the power to evoke emotions, memories and moods, making
them an essential tool in both perfumery and scent marketing. To better
understand how scents work and how to choose the perfect perfume or air
freshener, it is essential to know the scent
families. In this guide, prepared at Centhylon,
we explain what the scent families are, how scents are classified and how you
can discover your ideal scent family.
What are scent families?
Scent families are categories that organise
fragrances according to their predominant aromatic characteristics. This
classification system is used in the perfume industry to organise and describe fragrances
in a more coherent and understandable way. The concept of scent families
originated in France in the 19th century and has evolved over time to include a
wide variety of aromas.
Scent families are essential because they help perfumers and consumers
to better understand aromas and to choose the fragrances that best suit their
preferences. They also facilitate the creation of new perfumes by providing a
frame of reference for the combination of aromatic notes.
Classification of fragrances by scent family
We have
prepared a classification of fragrances by scent family:
Main scent families
The classification of fragrances by scent families is based on the
primary notes of each perfume. Below are the main scent families:
● Citrus:
Includes fresh and vibrant aromas from citrus fruits such as lemon, orange,
bergamot and mandarin. Citrus fragrances evoke freshness and energy, making
them ideal for dynamic and refreshing environments. If you are attracted to
these aromas, we recommend Excitrus air freshener spray,
which is a fresh and citric fragrance with a lemony note, composed of mint and
grapefruit with hints of geranium and rose blossom.
● Floral:
Composed of fragrances that evoke the scent of flowers, such as rose, jasmine,
lavender and peony. Floral fragrances are delicate and romantic, perfect for
creating cosy and harmonious atmospheres. Within this family we find fragrances
such as the air freshener White roses and orange blossom or Orchidée Noire.
● Woody:
Characterised by warm, earthy notes of woods such as sandalwood, cedar, vetiver
and patchouli. These fragrances provide a feeling of warmth and sophistication,
being perfect for spaces that seek to express elegance and comfort. Fragrances
such as Cedar & Sandalwood or Oud Woods faithfully represent these
characteristics. Try our air freshener inspired by
Paco Rabanne invictus with a background of noble woods, patchouli
and ambergris, giving the room an elegant and warm character.
● Oriental:
Includes exotic and sensual aromas with notes of spices, vanilla, amber and
resins. Oriental fragrances are ideal for creating mysterious and sensual
atmospheres, perfect for special occasions. We invite you to discover the
Middle Eastern fragrance or the Amber & Vanilla Air Freshener.
● Aromatic:
Herbal and fresh fragrances with notes of eucalyptus or mint. Aromatic scents
are revitalising and stimulating, ideal for working or studying spaces. We
recommend you try the eucalyptus air freshener
spray, a fragrance with aromatic, fresh and clean herbal notes,
providing an atmosphere of wellbeing and vitality.
● Fougère:
Based on a combination of lavender, coumarin and oak moss, creating a fresh and
earthy scent. This family is perfect for those seeking a balance between
freshness and depth. Discover the Fougère notes in the fragrance ‘air freshener
inspired by Jean Paul Gaultier Le Male’ or ‘air freshener inspired by Ck
Eternity’.
● Chypre:
Composed of notes of bergamot, oak moss, patchouli and labdanum. Chypre
fragrances are sophisticated and complex, ideal for elegant and refined
personalities. Find their notes in the fragrance ‘Inspired by Channel &
Five’.
● Gourmand:
Sweet and delicious fragrances with notes of vanilla, chocolate, caramel and
almond. If you enjoy food aromas, gourmand fragrances are perfect for you.
Discover our Amber & Vanilla Air Freshener
and Bergamot & Vanilla Flower Air Freshener for a sweet and welcoming
experience.
Subfamilies and variations
Each scent family has subfamilies that further detail the specific
characteristics of the fragrances. For example, within the floral family, we
can find subfamilies such as fresh floral, sweet floral and aldehydic floral,
each with unique shades that distinguish them. An example might be the
Freshness Explosion air freshener, whose scent family is Citrus Floral Woody.
How are scents classified?
This is how
scent classification is made:
Criteria for fragrance classification
The classification of fragrances is based on a number of criteria, which
include:
● Top notes:
These are the first notes perceived when using the perfume and are usually
fresh and light.
● Heart notes:
They are the core of the fragrance and appear after the first notes evaporate,
being more long lasting.
● Base notes:
These are the notes that remain longer in the air and provide depth.
Methods used in the industry
The fragrance industry uses various methods to classify scents. These
methodologies include scent testing, chemical analysis and the expertise of
skilled perfumers. Aromas are created by mixing notes from different scent
families to obtain a balanced and harmonious fragrance.
Characteristics of the main scent families
Here are
the main characteristics of the scent families:
Citrus Family
Citrus fragrances are known for their freshness and ability to energise
the ambience. These fragrances project notes of lemon, orange, bergamot and
mandarin, which evoke feelings of vitality and cleanliness. They are perfect
for use in dynamic spaces such as offices, gyms and study areas, as they help
to maintain a fresh and revitalising atmosphere. In addition, citrus scents are
excellent for reducing stress and increasing concentration.
Some of the main benefits are:
● They provide a feeling of freshness
and cleanliness.
● They help to reduce stress and
increase concentration.
● They are ideal for spaces that need
energy and vitality.
Recommended usage:
● Offices and workspaces.
● Gymnasiums and exercise areas.
● Kitchens and dining areas.
Floral Family
The floral family is one of the most diverse and popular. Includes
scents of flowers such as rose, jasmine, lavender and peony, which can range
from fresh and soft to intense and sweet. Floral fragrances are delicate and
romantic, perfect for creating comfortable and harmonious atmospheres. They are
ideal for special occasions, as well as for everyday use in homes and spaces
that seek to transmit warmth and welcome.
Benefits:
● They create a romantic and
comfortable atmosphere.
● They are versatile. They express elegance
and subtlety.
● They can improve mood and promote
relaxation.
Recommended use:
● Bedrooms and living rooms.
● Spaces for special events, such as
weddings and celebrations.
● Spas and wellness centres.
Woody Family
Woody fragrances are characterised by warm, earthy notes of sandalwood,
cedar, vetiver and patchouli. These fragrances provide a feeling of warmth and
sophistication, making them ideal for spaces that seek to convey elegance and
comfort. The woody notes are perfect for temperate and cold climates.
Benefits:
● They provide a feeling of warmth and
sophistication.
● They are ideal for elegant and
comfortable environments.
● They offer long-lasting durability
in the environment.
Recommended usage:
● Living rooms and offices.
● Luxury hotels and boutiques.
● Relaxation areas and hotels.
Oriental Family
Oriental fragrances are exotic and sensual, featuring notes of spices,
vanilla, amber and resins. They are perfect for special occasions and for those
who desire a distinctive and embracing aroma. Oriental fragrances are ideal for
creating mysterious and sensual atmospheres and are often used in luxury
products.
Benefits:
● They evoke an exotic and sensual
ambience.
● They offer a rich and complex scent
experience.
Recommended usage:
● Restaurants and bars.
● Spaces for night and special events.
● Luxury boutiques and shops.
Other Relevant Families
These are some of the other main scent families:
● Aromatic Family: Aromatic fragrances include fresh, herbal notes such as eucalyptus,
mint, lavender and sage. These scents are revitalising and stimulating, perfect
for work or learning spaces where concentration and energy need to be
maintained.
● Fougère family:
Fougère fragrances are fresh and earthy, combining lavender, coumarin and oak
moss. These fragrances are balanced, offering freshness and depth, and are
popular in men's perfumes.
● Chypre family:
Chypre fragrances are characterised by notes of bergamot, oak moss and
patchouli, creating a complex and sophisticated scent. They are ideal for those
seeking a unique and distinguished fragrance.
● Gourmand family: Gourmand fragrances are sweet and delicious, with notes of vanilla,
chocolate and caramel. They are perfect for those who enjoy food aromas and are
looking to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
How do I know which is my scent family? Guide
to identify your scent family
Identifying your favourite scent family can be a fun and revealing
process. Here are some steps to help you discover it:
- You
can purchase samples of each of our fragrance collections in our online
shop.
- Preference analysis: Reflect on the scents you
enjoy in your daily life, such as the scent of certain flowers, foods or
environments.
- Professional consultation: Seek the help of a Centhylon
expert who can guide you through different scent families and help you
identify the one that best suits your personality.
Practical tips and scent tests
● Record your impressions: Keep a notebook to record your reactions to different fragrances.
● Don't rush:
Allow time for the heart and base notes have time to grow before making a
decision.
● Consider the context: Evaluate the most appropriate fragrance, taking into account aspects
such as your professional sector, target audience and geographic location,
among others.
Find the perfect scent at Centhylon
Knowing the scent families
and how scents are classified can significantly improve your ability to choose
and enjoy fragrances. Understanding your scent family will help you find the
perfect fragrance.
At Centhylon, we are committed to offering you a wide range of
fragrances to suit all preferences and needs. Explore our collections and discover your ideal scent family. Do
you have any questions? Contact us and
we'll be happy to help.