The Aromatherapy Scene

A new classification of perfumes that is used in the fragrance industry is The Fragrance Wheel developed in 1983 by Michael Edwards, a well-known consultant in the perfume industry. He designed his own system of fragrance classification after being inspired by a fragrance seminar held by Firmenich.

The purpose of this new relative classification system was initiated to make the fragrance classification and naming scheme simpler, as well as to show the relationships between each individual fragrance family.

The four standard families consist of Floral, Oriental, Woody and Fresh are are divided into three sub-groups and arranged around a wheel circumference. The fifth family that makes exception to the rule is the Fougére family which is placed in the center of the Fragrance Wheel.

How To Use The Fragrance Wheel

Step One : Studying the Fragrance Wheel, learn the five main fragrance families represented: Fresh, Woody, Oriental, Floral and Fougere. Fougere is the only family that does not sub-divide and stands at the center being more classic having a more universal appeal and it combines elements of the other four. The others are arranged around the wheel’s circumference.

Step Two : Examine the sub-groupings in each family. The four other families have each three sub-families in the outer wheel that result when their essence is combined with the family on either side of it. These are: Floral, Soft Floral, Floral Oriental, Oriental, Soft Oriental, Woody Oriental, Mossy Woods, Dry Woods, Citrus, Green and Water.

Step Three : Look up which family four your favorite fragrances belong to. This will help you to learn your own preferred scent family.

Step : Four Use a Fragrance Wheel to help you blend your own scents, as you like. Combine scents from families that overlap to create harmonious perfumes.

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