Notes A–Z
Get to know the 122 notes in FRAG perfumes: what they smell like, where they come from and which perfumes use them.
A
Akigalawood
A material made from patchouli oil that smells woody, peppery and a little like oud.
Woody · 4 perfumes
Aldehydes
Scent molecules that smell clean, like soap, candle wax and freshly ironed linen.
Fresh · 4 perfumes
Amber
A warm, sweet, resinous accord of labdanum, benzoin and vanilla. The note behind the amber family.
Amber · 55 perfumes
Ambergris
A rare material from sperm whales with a sweet marine scent. Today it is mostly recreated with molecules.
Amber · 15 perfumes
Amberwood
A dry, warm, slightly sweet accord of woods and amber. Often the base of a modern woody perfume.
Woody · 7 perfumes
Ambrette
A plant seed that smells like soft musk, with a hint of pear and wine.
Fresh · 4 perfumes
Ambroxan
A synthetic molecule with a dry, woody, slightly salty amber scent. Used to recreate ambergris.
Amber · 22 perfumes
Apple
A fruity accord that smells crisp and fresh like green apple, or sweet like red apple.
Fresh · 26 perfumes
Aquatic
A fresh accord that suggests the sea, beach air, salt and seaweed.
Fresh · 8 perfumes
Artemisia
Wormwood, a herb that smells green, bitter and sharp, with a hint of anise.
Fresh · 5 perfumes
B
Balsam fir
A Canadian conifer that smells like fir needles, sweet resin and a hint of fruit. Usually in the base notes.
Woody · 1 perfume
Basil
A herb leaf that smells green and fresh, a little peppery, with an anise-like sweetness.
Fresh · 6 perfumes
Benzoin
A Styrax resin that smells sweet like vanilla and balsam, with a powdery edge. Known in Indonesia as kemenyan.
Amber · 16 perfumes
Bergamot
An Italian citrus that smells fresh, slightly bitter and a little floral. Opens many perfumes.
Citrus · 70 perfumes
Birch
A tar from birch bark that smells smoky and like tanned leather. A classic base of leather accords.
Woody · 2 perfumes
Biscuit
A freshly baked cookie accord: sweet, warm and a little buttery.
Gourmand · 1 perfume
Bitter almond
An almond scent that is sweet and slightly bitter, like marzipan, amaretto or cherry.
Gourmand · 7 perfumes
Bitter orange
A sour citrus that smells fresh and bitter. The same tree also gives neroli and petitgrain.
Citrus · 3 perfumes
Black pepper
A spice that smells dry, warm and fresh, without the heat you taste on your tongue.
Fresh · 9 perfumes
Blackberry
A dark berry accord that is sweet, juicy and a little tart, with a green touch from leaves and stems.
Gourmand · 2 perfumes
Blackcurrant
A dark berry that smells tart and fresh, with a sharp green edge from its buds.
Fresh · 16 perfumes
C
Caramel
An accord of sugar cooked until golden: sweet, warm and a little burnt. Includes toffee.
Gourmand · 19 perfumes
Cardamom
A spice that smells cool like eucalyptus at first, then warm with a hint of citrus.
Fresh · 24 perfumes
Cashmeran
A synthetic molecule that smells woody, musky and slightly spicy. Soft like cashmere.
Woody · 12 perfumes
Cedar
A dry, clean wood that smells like pencil shavings. Often the frame of woody and fresh perfumes.
Woody · 47 perfumes
Cherry
A cherry accord that smells sweet like cherry syrup or candy, with an almond side from benzaldehyde.
Gourmand · 2 perfumes
Chestnut
A roasted chestnut accord that is warm, sweet, slightly savoury and a little like toasted bread.
Gourmand · 2 perfumes
Chinotto
A small Italian citrus that smells bitter and dry. Gives a darker citrus opening.
Citrus · 1 perfume
Cinnamon
A bark spice that smells warm, sweet and peppery. Common in amber and gourmand perfumes.
Amber · 24 perfumes
Citron
A thick-skinned citrus that smells fresh like lemon, but softer and drier.
Citrus · 4 perfumes
Clary sage
A Mediterranean herb that smells warm and herbal, like tea, hay and wine.
Fresh · 6 perfumes
Clove
Dried flower buds from Maluku that smell warm, sweet and spicy. Adds spice to the heart notes.
Amber · 1 perfume
Cocoa
The smell of roasted cacao beans, from bitter cocoa powder to soft, sweet chocolate.
Gourmand · 8 perfumes
Coconut
A creamy, sweet coconut accord, like coconut milk or young coconut. Tropical and warm.
Gourmand · 11 perfumes
Coffee
The smell of freshly roasted coffee beans: bitter, warm, a little smoky and sweet like burnt sugar.
Gourmand · 5 perfumes
Cognac
A warm brandy accord: dried fruit, oak, vanilla and a little spice.
Gourmand · 5 perfumes
Coriander
A seed spice that smells lightly peppery, a little citrusy and clean. Often a bridge in the heart notes.
Fresh · 5 perfumes
Cotton flower
An accord that smells like clean cotton fresh off the line. Soft, slightly powdery and not sweet.
Fresh · 1 perfume
Cumin
A seed spice that smells warm, earthy and slightly skin-like. Used in small doses for character.
Amber · 5 perfumes
Cypress
A green, dry scent from cypress leaves and twigs. Adds a fresh woody feel to the opening.
Woody · 3 perfumes
Cypriol
A root oil from India that smells dry, earthy and smoky. Adds depth to woody blends.
Woody · 2 perfumes
D
E
F
G
Geranium
A leaf oil that smells like green rose with a hint of mint. Common in aromatic perfumes.
Floral · 12 perfumes
Ginger
A root spice that smells fresh, peppery and a little lemony, then warm. Often used in the opening.
Fresh · 21 perfumes
Grapefruit
A citrus that smells juicy, fresh and a little bitter. Often opens fresh and woody perfumes.
Citrus · 23 perfumes
Green notes
The smell of leaves and freshly cut grass. Fresh, slightly bitter and often found in the opening.
Fresh · 3 perfumes
Guaiac wood
A South American wood that smells smoky, sweet and slightly like roses.
Woody · 11 perfumes
H
Hazelnut
Sweet, toasty roasted hazelnut. Often paired with chocolate, coffee or caramel.
Gourmand · 4 perfumes
Hedione
A synthetic molecule with a light, transparent jasmine scent. Makes a perfume feel airier.
Floral · 1 perfume
Heliotrope
A flower that smells like sweet powder with vanilla and almond. Built with heliotropin.
Floral · 1 perfume
Honey
Sweet, warm and slightly waxy like beeswax. Usually built as an accord, since honey cannot be distilled.
Gourmand · 5 perfumes
Hyacinth
A spring flower that smells green, sweet and slightly earthy. Usually recreated.
Floral · 2 perfumes
I
Incense
Boswellia resin that smells like incense: bright at first, then dry and a little smoky.
Amber · 22 perfumes
Iris
A soft, powdery scent from the iris root, with violet, wood and a hint of carrot.
Floral · 17 perfumes
Iso E Super
A synthetic molecule with a soft, smooth woody scent. Makes a blend feel fuller.
Woody · 4 perfumes
J
L
Labdanum
A cistus shrub resin that smells warm, sweet and slightly leathery. The core of many amber scents.
Amber · 16 perfumes
Lavender
A purple flower that smells herbal, clean and slightly sweet. The core of many aromatic and fougère perfumes.
Fresh · 41 perfumes
Leather
An accord that recreates tanned leather, from dry and smoky to soft like suede.
Woody · 21 perfumes
Lemon
Sharp, fresh scent of grated lemon zest. A frequent opening in citrus perfumes.
Citrus · 23 perfumes
Lily
A lily note that smells creamy, sweet and slightly spicy. Almost always an accord.
Floral · 2 perfumes
Lily of the valley
A small bell flower that smells fresh, green and clean. Always an accord in perfume.
Floral · 9 perfumes
Lime
A small green citrus that smells sharp and fresh. Makes a perfume opening feel livelier.
Citrus · 5 perfumes
Lotus
A water flower that smells soft, clean and slightly dewy. Usually recreated as an accord.
Floral · 2 perfumes
M
Mandarin
A citrus that smells sweet, juicy and soft. A friendly citrus opening in many perfumes.
Citrus · 32 perfumes
Mango
Ripe mango, sweet and juicy, with a hint of green resin from the skin.
Fresh · 6 perfumes
Melon
A fruit accord that smells sweet, juicy and cool, like a slice of melon or watermelon. Usually in the opening.
Fresh · 5 perfumes
Milk
Soft and creamy like warm milk or sweetened condensed milk. Built as an accord from lactones.
Gourmand · 7 perfumes
Mimosa
A yellow acacia flower that smells soft and powdery, like honey and dry hay.
Floral · 1 perfume
Mint
Mint leaves that smell cool, sharp and green. Usually found in the opening of fresh perfumes.
Fresh · 14 perfumes
Musk
A soft, clean scent that stays close to the skin. Almost always found in the base notes.
Fresh · 77 perfumes
Myrrh
A Commiphora tree resin that smells bitter, warm and a little smoky. The classic partner of frankincense.
Amber · 5 perfumes
N
O
Oak
A dry, slightly sweet oak accord that often brings to mind the barrels used to age whiskey.
Woody · 3 perfumes
Oakmoss
A lichen from oak trees that smells like a damp forest. The classic base of chypre and fougère.
Woody · 21 perfumes
Orange
Sweet orange that smells juicy and bright. Often opens citrus, floral and gourmand perfumes.
Citrus · 25 perfumes
Orange blossom
The flower of the bitter orange tree, with a honeyed, clean and bright scent.
Floral · 24 perfumes
Orchid
A soft, creamy and slightly powdery floral accord with hints of vanilla and musk.
Floral · 3 perfumes
Osmanthus
A small Asian flower that smells like ripe apricot, with hints of tea and leather.
Floral · 2 perfumes
Oud
A resinous agarwood that smells deep, smoky and leathery. Central to Middle Eastern perfumery.
Woody · 18 perfumes
P
Passion fruit
Tart, sweet and tropical passion fruit. A bright opening for fruity perfumes.
Fresh · 1 perfume
Patchouli
A leaf oil that smells like damp earth and wood. Indonesia produces most of the world's supply.
Woody · 49 perfumes
Peach
Ripe peach, sweet, juicy and velvety. Often paired with rose and musk.
Gourmand · 8 perfumes
Pear
A pear accord that smells sweet, juicy and slightly green like the skin. Usually found in the opening.
Fresh · 11 perfumes
Peony
A fresh, light floral accord, like a young rose with a watery green side.
Floral · 5 perfumes
Peru balsam
A liquid resin from Central America that smells sweet like vanilla, warm and a little powdery.
Amber · 1 perfume
Petitgrain
Oil from bitter orange leaves and twigs. Smells green, slightly woody and a little floral.
Citrus · 3 perfumes
Pineapple
Freshly cut pineapple: sweet, tangy and juicy. Usually a bright opening note.
Fresh · 7 perfumes
Pink pepper
A pink berry that smells fresh, peppery and slightly rosy. A relative of cashew and mango, not of pepper.
Fresh · 23 perfumes
Pistachio
Creamy, savoury and slightly green, like pistachio ice cream.
Gourmand · 1 perfume
Plum
A dark fruit accord that is sweet, a little tart and dense like jam or dried prunes.
Amber · 5 perfumes
Praline
Roasted nuts coated in caramelised sugar. Sweet, warm and often the core of a gourmand.
Gourmand · 4 perfumes
R
Raspberry
Tart, sweet and juicy red fruit with a faint powdery violet nuance.
Gourmand · 8 perfumes
Red berries
A tart, sweet and juicy mix of red fruits such as raspberry, strawberry and redcurrant.
Gourmand · 7 perfumes
Rhubarb
An accord of rhubarb stalks that smells tart, green and crisp. It gives a fresh, slightly sharp opening.
Fresh · 3 perfumes
Rose
A classic perfume flower that can smell fresh like wet petals or rich like honey.
Floral · 34 perfumes
Rosemary
An herb that smells fresh, sharp and a little like camphor. Often found in the opening of aromatic perfumes.
Fresh · 5 perfumes
Rum
Sweet like molasses and caramel, warm, with a hint of barrel wood.
Gourmand · 6 perfumes
S
Saffron
A spice from crocus stigmas that smells warm, like honey, leather and dry hay.
Amber · 15 perfumes
Sage
An herb that smells dry, warm and slightly camphor-like. Often paired with lavender in aromatic perfumes.
Fresh · 11 perfumes
Sandalwood
A soft, creamy wood that smells slightly milky-sweet. A smooth base in many perfumes.
Woody · 43 perfumes
Star anise
A star-shaped spice that smells sweet, warm and anise-like. Familiar in Indonesian kitchens.
Amber · 1 perfume
Strawberry
Ripe strawberry, sweet and juicy, sometimes like jam, candy or strawberry milk.
Gourmand · 5 perfumes
Styrax
A Liquidambar tree resin that smells balsamic and warm, slightly leathery and cinnamon-like.
Amber · 2 perfumes
T
Tea
A tea leaf accord: fresh and green for green tea, warm and slightly smoky for black tea.
Fresh · 4 perfumes
Tiare flower
A South Pacific gardenia with a creamy, sweet and tropical scent.
Floral · 1 perfume
Timut pepper
A pepper from Nepal that smells like grapefruit, fresh and lightly spicy. A relative of Indonesia's andaliman.
Fresh · 1 perfume
Tobacco
The smell of dried tobacco leaves: sweet like honey, hay and dried fruit. Warm and dark.
Amber · 7 perfumes
Tonka bean
A South American seed that smells sweet like vanilla, almond and dry hay.
Gourmand · 37 perfumes
Tuberose
A night-blooming white flower with a creamy, sweet and strong scent, like butter and honey.
Floral · 4 perfumes
V
Vanilla
Cured orchid pods that smell sweet, warm and creamy. A common base for sweet perfumes.
Gourmand · 85 perfumes
Vetiver
A grass root that smells dry, earthy and a little smoky. Often the base of a woody perfume.
Woody · 27 perfumes
Violet
A small purple flower with a sweet, powdery scent, and a leaf that smells green like cucumber.
Floral · 14 perfumes
W
Y
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