Fragrance note families encompass a wide range of scents, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some common fragrance note families and examples of notes within each family:

Citrus

Known for their refreshing and zesty qualities, citrus notes include lemon, lime, bergamot, orange, and grapefruit.

Floral

This family is characterized by the scents of various flowers, including rose, jasmine, lavender, lily of the valley, peony, and violet

Oriental (Spicy)

Oriental fragrances are warm, rich, and often contain spicy notes such as vanilla, cinnamon, clove, and cardamom. They may also feature amber, patchouli, and resins.

Woody

Woody fragrances encompass the scents of various woods, including cedarwood, sandalwood, oakmoss, and vetiver. They often have earthy and grounding qualities.

Fresh

Fresh notes are clean and invigorating, often featuring elements like mint, basil, cucumber, and aquatic notes that mimic the smell of the sea or rain.

Fruity

Fruity fragrances capture the essence of various fruits, such as apples, peaches, strawberries, and blackberries. They are typically bright and sweet.

Green

Green fragrances evoke the smell of freshly cut grass and leaves. Common notes include green tea, galbanum, and fig leaf.

Gourmand

Gourmand fragrances have edible, dessert-like notes, such as vanilla, caramel, chocolate, coffee, and almond. They create a sense of indulgence.

Chypre

Chypre fragrances often combine citrus top notes with woody and mossy base notes. They can include ingredients like bergamot, oakmoss, and patchouli.

Aquatic

These fragrances capture the essence of water and the sea. Notes may include sea breeze, salt, seaweed, and aquatic florals.

Leather

Leather fragrances have a distinct, rich, and smoky quality. Common notes include leather, tobacco, and spices.

Aromatic

Aromatic notes are often herbal and fresh, with ingredients like lavender, rosemary, sage, and basil contributing to their character.

Fougère

This family typically combines lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin to create a fresh and masculine scent profile.

Fruity Floral

Combining fruity and floral elements, these fragrances may include notes like pear, peach, and rose.

Floral Oriental

Blending floral and oriental notes, these fragrances often feature floral heart notes with spices and resins in the base.

Woody Floral

Pairing floral notes with woody elements like cedarwood or sandalwood, these fragrances create a harmonious balance between feminine and earthy qualities.

These additional fragrance notes offer a deeper understanding of the diverse and complex scents that perfumers blend to create unique and captivating fragrances. Each note contributes to the overall olfactory experience, adding layers of depth and character. To better understand which fragrance notes go well together, explore The Art of Layering Perfumes.