Perfume Terminology You Must Know | The Kingdom Scent
Last updated: 23 Sept 2025
1. Fragrance Concentration Levels
Perfume / Parfum (Extrait de Parfum) Highest concentration (20-40%), very long-lasting
Eau de Parfum (EDP) 15-20% concentration, strong and long-lasting
Eau de Toilette (EDT) 5-15% concentration, lighter than EDP
Eau de Cologne (EDC) 2-5% concentration, fresh but short-lasting
Eau Fraîche Very light, refreshing mist, minimal longevity
2. Fragrance Notes (Scent Structure)
Top Notes The first impression after spraying (e.g., Citrus, Green, Fresh)
Middle Notes / Heart Notes The core of the fragrance (e.g., Floral, Fruity, Spicy)
Base Notes The longest-lasting scent (e.g., Woody, Amber, Musk, Vanilla)
3. Fragrance Families
Floral Flower-based scents (Rose, Jasmine, Lily)
Woody Wood-based scents (Cedarwood, Sandalwood)
Oriental / Amber Warm, spicy, resinous, slightly sweet
Fresh Clean and refreshing (Citrus, Green, Aquatic)
Gourmand Sweet edible-like scents (Vanilla, Chocolate, Caramel)
4. Perfume Ingredients
Essential Oils Natural plant extracts (e.g., Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil)
Absolutes Concentrated extracts from flowers/plants (e.g., Jasmine Absolute)
Aroma Chemicals Synthetic aroma molecules (e.g., Iso E Super, Hedione)
Fixatives Ingredients that help the scent last longer (e.g., Musk, Resins)
5. Production & Testing
Brief A document outlining the concept and fragrance direction
Sample / Lab Trial A test version before mass production
Batch A production lot or run
Stability Test Testing fragrance stability (scent, color, texture)
IFRA Standards International fragrance safety regulations
6. Marketing Terms
Signature Scent A fragrance that represents a person or brand identity
Unisex Fragrance Suitable for both men and women
Limited Edition Special release, produced in limited quantities
Sillage The trail or projection of a fragrance
Longevity How long the fragrance lasts on skin or clothes
Mastering these terms will make communication with perfumers and manufacturers much easier and ensure the fragrance matches your expectations.
Perfume / Parfum (Extrait de Parfum) Highest concentration (20-40%), very long-lasting
Eau de Parfum (EDP) 15-20% concentration, strong and long-lasting
Eau de Toilette (EDT) 5-15% concentration, lighter than EDP
Eau de Cologne (EDC) 2-5% concentration, fresh but short-lasting
Eau Fraîche Very light, refreshing mist, minimal longevity
2. Fragrance Notes (Scent Structure)
Top Notes The first impression after spraying (e.g., Citrus, Green, Fresh)
Middle Notes / Heart Notes The core of the fragrance (e.g., Floral, Fruity, Spicy)
Base Notes The longest-lasting scent (e.g., Woody, Amber, Musk, Vanilla)
3. Fragrance Families
Floral Flower-based scents (Rose, Jasmine, Lily)
Woody Wood-based scents (Cedarwood, Sandalwood)
Oriental / Amber Warm, spicy, resinous, slightly sweet
Fresh Clean and refreshing (Citrus, Green, Aquatic)
Gourmand Sweet edible-like scents (Vanilla, Chocolate, Caramel)
4. Perfume Ingredients
Essential Oils Natural plant extracts (e.g., Lavender Oil, Lemon Oil)
Absolutes Concentrated extracts from flowers/plants (e.g., Jasmine Absolute)
Aroma Chemicals Synthetic aroma molecules (e.g., Iso E Super, Hedione)
Fixatives Ingredients that help the scent last longer (e.g., Musk, Resins)
5. Production & Testing
Brief A document outlining the concept and fragrance direction
Sample / Lab Trial A test version before mass production
Batch A production lot or run
Stability Test Testing fragrance stability (scent, color, texture)
IFRA Standards International fragrance safety regulations
6. Marketing Terms
Signature Scent A fragrance that represents a person or brand identity
Unisex Fragrance Suitable for both men and women
Limited Edition Special release, produced in limited quantities
Sillage The trail or projection of a fragrance
Longevity How long the fragrance lasts on skin or clothes
Mastering these terms will make communication with perfumers and manufacturers much easier and ensure the fragrance matches your expectations.
Related Content
Is it safe to spray perfume on your hair? Discover the pros, cons, and safe alternatives like hair mist. Learn how to keep your hair smelling fresh.
Discover 7 strange but true facts about perfume that you probably never knew—ranging from its history and uses to the most bizarre ingredients ever used.
Did you know? Vanilla scent helps reduce stress. Explore top varieties, their unique aromas, and popular uses in perfumery.
