Did you know there are different notes within a scent or blend that lead to your overall impressions? They are divided into three classes: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. While all three classes contribute to your perception of a scent or blend, certain notes are more readily detectable, such as the top notes, while others become more perceptible the longer the scent has time to permeate, such as the middle and base notes. But all three classes are important for creating the depth of a scent.
* Common top notes are citrus, fruits (like berries), cinnamon, and some herbals.
* Middle notes tend to be florals, herbals, and sweeter, richer fruits, like fig and apple.
* Base notes most often include vanilla, amber, sandalwood, musk and many spices.
This explains why some scents or blends seem to throw for a longer period of time, as the top notes are the first to dissipate, followed by less volatile middle and base notes. So, for example, Tart Fruit & White Tea will seem to throw for a shorter period of time than Oakmoss & Amber.
As well, your olfactory system is made up of about 400 receptors that detect and try to make sense of the scent molecules you breathe, including the three classes. Some of these receptors may be specifically designed to detect unpleasant smells, protecting us from eating foods that made have gone bad or preventing us from touching something toxic or harmful.
Fortunately, there are plenty of receptors that are engaged in the process of producing pleasure where scent is concerned. That’s why some scents, like fresh bread, certain florals, or cinnamon, can trigger feelings of comfort or joy.
While more research is being undertaken to understand why some people find certain scents pleasurable and others are put off by them, there is no question that our olfactory receptors work differently for different people. This might mean a scent you love is a detested scent for someone else. Patchouli is a good example of a scent that can be polarizing. Pipe tobacco is another. And some scents seem to trigger different receptors depending on whether they are chemically realistic or artificially created. Coffee and chocolate are good examples of scents that may be enjoyable in their edible form but don’t elicit the same olfactory experience when artificially reproduced.
Scent memory also plays a huge role in scent perception. Pleasant memories can be relived through scent, just as some scents can produce a negative recollection and response. Your mother’s perfume she wore when you were a child, the smell the forest when you went camping, the ocean from that trip to the beach, can all help you identify with positive—or negative—experiences and memories.
Which scents bring you joy? Which scents bring back memories?
-Janine Jenzano
January 2025