What if your olfactory signature was here?

The world of fragrance is fascinating, rich in history and emotion. Behind each fragrance lies a complex compositioncarefully crafted to awaken the senses. One of the keys to understanding the art of perfumery remains the notion of olfactory family. This classification system allows fragrances to be grouped according to their dominant notes and their structure. Discovering the different olfactory families not only helps you choose the right fragrance, but also allows you to appreciate the creative palette of the noses that create these aromatic signatures.

What is an olfactory family in perfume?

A olfactory family designates a group of fragrances sharing common features at the level of their main components. This organization makes it easier to identify olfactory styles and guides those seeking to find a fragrance signature that's just right for them. The major families are sometimes subdivided into sub-categories to further refine scent descriptions.

The professionals of perfumery often use this classification to present new products to customers. It can also help to understand why two fragrances provide similar sensations when they don't have identical ingredients. A sensory approach is always accompanied by a technical analysis to place each creation in the right category.

How to recognize the main olfactory families?

Recognizing a olfactory family requires learning to identify specific notes. Among the most common categories are floral familythe woodland familythe oriental/amber family or the chypre family. Some are associated with particular seasons or times of day, and each evokes a different mood.

Using this reading grid adds an extra dimension when exploring a perfumery or giving a perfume as a gift. Quickly identify which family belongs to a perfume allows you to effectively narrow down your choices while gaining confidence in your selection.

The floral family and the diversity of bouquets

It's impossible to imagine perfumery without the delicate creations from floral family. These compositions feature notes drawn from flowers such as rosejasmine, lily of the valley or violet. A distinction is generally made between soliflora flowers (around a single flower) and bouquets where several flowers mingle to create an expansive accord.

Visit floral family encompasses both fresh fragrances and more intense signatures. It will appeal to all those who love romantic, tender or sophisticated fragrances. Fruity or aldehydic variants expand this already vast range.

The woody family and its deep accents

Make way for woodland familyrenowned for its depth and elegance. The woods of cedarSandalwood, vetiver and patchouli form the backbone of these characterful fragrances. Often appreciated in men's fragrances, they also offer pleasant surprises in mixed or feminine versions.

Visit woody notes can be dry, sweet or even earthy. They evoke reassuring, enveloping atmospheres, perfect for anyone seeking an assertive, chic and refined olfactory experience.

Other olfactory families for a variety of pleasures

The world of perfume is not limited to a few classic categories. There are olfactory families allow us to explore new territories, sometimes surprising, always exciting. Each has its own identity, revealing unsuspected facets depending on the combinations and the skin that wears them.

Let your desires guide you and discover what's hidden in the fern familythe citrus/citrus familythe gourmet family or the aquatic/cool family. So many doors open to personalized experiences, to be consumed according to mood or context.

The oriental/amber family and its warm notes

Often called oriental family or amberThis category fascinates with its intensity and mysterious aura. The chords of vanillaThese dense, sometimes sweet fragrances are characterized by the scents of resins, musk and spices, which leave a lasting impression on the mind and olfactory memory.

This type of fragrance invites you on a journey, and is particularly well-suited to cold weather or evening wear. It will appeal to those seeking a touch of sensuality and enveloping warmth in their daily lives.

The chypre family, an alliance of leaves and moss

Original and sophisticated chypre family blends citrus, oakmoss, patchouli and occasional floral or fruity touches. The result: a fragrance that's elegant, dynamic and confident. Chypre compositions are perfect for those who like boldness with a touch of mystery.

Delicate and balanced, this olfactory family offers unique sensations, far from classic standards. Suitable for both men and women, depending on the nuances chosen in the olfactory pyramid.

The aromatic family, freshness and vitality

Visit aromatic family with its emphasis on plants: lavender, sage, rosemary, thyme and mint. It provides a sensation of invigorating freshnessideal for starting the day. Aromatic compositions are often reminiscent of nature, and are frequently combined with other families such as fern or the hesperidia.

Perfect for those who prefer sobriety without sacrificing a touch of originality, the aromatic family seduces with its light and apparent simplicity.

The citrus family and its sparkling radiance

Refreshing and energizing, the citrus/citrus family brings together notes of lemon, bergamot, orange, grapefruit and mandarin peel. Immediately evocative of vacation memories, these accords bring lightness and cheerfulness to those who wish to wear a fragrance that's as light as a feather. discreet fragrance but stimulating.

Associated with sunny days, it is appreciated all year round for its purity and timelessness. Visit citrus also form the basis of many traditional colognes.

  • Floral family flower bouquets, romantic
  • Woodland family deep notes, elegance
  • Oriental/Ambry family warmth, sensuality
  • Chypre family mousse and citrus alliance, sophistication
  • Aromatic family fresh plants, vitality
  • Citrus family lemon brightness, freshness
  • Fern family : lavender & coumarin, masculine classic
  • Gourmet family sweet, regressive notes
  • Aquatic/cool family marine accords, lightness
  • Leathery family powerful character, animal spirit

Comparative table of the main olfactory families

Olfactory family Major notes Desired effect Public
Floral Jasmine, rose, violet Romanticism, softness Universal
Woody Sandalwood, cedar, vetiver Depth, charm Mixed, often male
Oriental/Amber Vanilla, musk, spices Sensuality, warmth Mixed
Chypre Bergamot, oakmoss Sophistication, boldness Mixed
Aromatic Lavender, thyme, herbs Freshness, energy Mixed
Hesperidia/Citrus Lemon, tangerine, grapefruit Light, sparkling Universal
Fern Lavender, coumarin Virility, nature More masculine
Gourmande Caramel, chocolate, praline Childhood memories, delicacies Mixed, feminine tendency
Aquatic/Fresh Marine chords, ozonic notes Lightness and modernity Mixed
Leather Leather, tobacco, birch Power, refinement Mixed, masculine tendency

Frequently asked questions about olfactory families

Which olfactory family should you choose for your first fragrance discovery?

To begin with, it's best to explore the floral family or the citrus/citrus family. These two families contain scents that are easy to access, bright and accessible to all tastes. Opt for a sweet floral fragrance or a sparkling citrus fruit will give a pleasant taste of the diversity offered by the world of fragrances.

In addition to the floral familytest a fragrance from aquatic/cool family often attracts those who prefer light scents, ideal for everyday use or on hot days.

What criteria are used to distinguish the fern family from the aromatic family?

The difference lies in the structure of the fragrance. The fern family generally uses an accord composed of lavender, geranium and coumarin, often enhanced with woody, musky touches. In comparison aromatic family makes the most of plants such as thyme, rosemary, mint or sage, giving a greener, more invigorating result.

Here's a summary of the differences:

  • Fern accent on lavender and coumarin, a soft, masculine tone
  • Aromatic predominantly green, fresh plants, tonic effect

Which fragrances belong to the gourmet family?

In the gourmet familyOur fragrances are inspired by the culinary world, mainly sweet aromas. Caramel, vanilla, praline, chocolate and coffee are among the must-have accords. These scents often conjure up memories of childhood and a certain comforting sweetness.

We frequently come across gourmet fragrances for those who want a modern, original, even addictive touch to their daily fragrance routine.

How does the leathery family differ from other olfactory families?

Visit leathery family is recognized by its powerful, animalic scents, marked by notes of leather, tobacco, birch and smoke. These fragrances stand out for their intensity and sophistication, reserved for assertive personalities.

A quick table illustrates the uniqueness of this family compared to others:

Family Olfactory signature
Leather Animal notes, tobacco, smoke
Floral Sweet, sparkling flowers
Gourmande Sweet flavors, food recall

Such a construction gives the leathery family an inimitable style, attracting fans of atypical, powerful scents.