Guidelines for selecting and understanding fragrance compositions

Selecting a perfume involves understanding fragrance families and oil concentrations. Fragrance families include Fougère, Floral, Oriental (Amber), Chypre, Citrus, and Marine. The strength and longevity of a scent are determined by its concentration, ranging from Extrait de Parfum (15–25% oils) to Eau de Cologne (5% or less).

In the context of clean fragrances, there is no universal regulatory definition for the term. Some brands utilize botanical extracts, natural isolates, or biotechnology. Non-synthetic fragrances typically avoid petroleum-derived aromatic compounds, synthetic musks, phthalates, and synthetic dyes. Evaluating ingredient integrity, sourcing transparency, and environmental impact are key factors in modern perfumery.