To make understanding perfumes easier they can be grouped into fragrance families based on shared attributes and ingredients. This article lists the main fragrance families and their characteristics.
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What Are Fragrance Families?
Fragrance families are categories used to classify perfumes. Perfumes can be sorted into these families based on their dominant perfume notes and ingredients. Fragrance families serve as a framework to help understand and describe scents. They can be helpful when trying to discover the best perfume for your needs.
Different perfume makers use different systems of classification. This means that there is no universally agreed upon list of fragrance families. Here are some of the fragrance families that you’re most likely to encounter.
Citrus
The Citrus family is synonymous with freshness and vitality. Most often worn in summer, perfumes in the Citrus family have dominant citrus fruit notes such as bergamot or lemon. They are ideal for those seeking a zesty, sharp and clean aroma.
Citrus Perfume Notes: Lemon, Lime, Bergamot, Grapefruit, Orange, Mandarin, Tangerine, Yuzu
Amber
The Amber family of fragrances (also known as ‘Oriental’) is based on an idea rather than a naturally occurring ingredient. The Amber concept centers around a perfume accord of resin, vanilla and musk. Intense and warm, Amber perfumes are typically suited for the evening and colder seasons.
Amber Perfume Notes: Labdanum, Vanilla, Benzoin, Myrrh, Musk, Tonka Bean
Chypre
The Chypre (pronounced ‘sheepr’) family of fragrances has an earthy and citrus scent profile. Perfumes in this category take inspiration from the classic Chypre perfume accord. The foundational notes of this accord are bergamot, labdanum and oakmoss. Chypre family perfumes often contain resinous and floral notes for counterbalance. They are mostly versatile, so suitable for various seasons and occasions.
Chypre Perfume Notes: Bergamot, Patchouli, Oakmoss, Labdanum, Florals
Fougère
The Fougère family of fragrances combines fresh, floral, and woody notes. Perfumes in this family typically contain lavender, oakmoss and coumarin. Fougère perfumes are considered to be masculine and are a staple in men’s grooming products. They smell clean and natural, so are suitable for a wide range of settings.
Fougère Perfume Notes: Lavender, Oakmoss, Coumarin, Bergamot, Basil, Sage, Rosemary, Thyme
Leather
The Leather fragrance family is known for its rich, dry, smoky characteristics. Leather perfumes evoke tanned animal hides, smoke, burnt wood and tobacco. Animal leather is not used as an ingredient in these perfumes. Various natural and synthetic ingredients are used to create an approximate smell. Leather perfumes are rich and opulent, so well-suited for evening wear and colder seasons.
Leather Perfume Notes: Tobacco, Birch Tar, Musk, Castoreum, Cade, Labdanum
Floral
Floral family fragrances are traditionally considered be feminine. In reality they can be enjoyed by all genders. Characterised by a dominant scent of flowers such as rose, jasmine and lily, perfumes in this family of fragrances are diverse. Floral scents can be monochromatic which means that they focus on a single flower. Alternatively they can be a bouquet which means that they feature a blend of various floral notes.
Floral Perfume Notes: Rose, Jasmine, Lily, Orchid, Lavender, Tuberose
Woody
The Woody fragrance family is known for its earthy, rich and robust fragrance profile. Ingredients are usually derived from bark, resin, moss and roots. Woody perfumes are typically associated with autumn and winter seasons. They are suitable for those looking for a deep aroma that persists.
Woody Perfume Notes: Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Vetiver, Oakmoss, Patchouli, Pine, Guaiac Wood, Bamboo
