The fragrance wheel is a useful tool in the world of perfumery that helps both perfume makers and perfume lovers to understand the different types of fragrances and how they relate to each other. In this blog, we'll explore the history and uses of the fragrance wheel and why it's an essential tool for anyone looking to expand their perfume knowledge.

What is the Fragrance Wheel?

The fragrance wheel was created in 1983 by Michael Edwards, a perfume expert and author of Fragrances of the World. The wheel is a circular diagram that categorises fragrances into four main groups: floral, oriental, fresh, and woody. Each group is then further divided into subgroups, creating a total of 14 fragrance categories.

Uses of the Fragrance Wheel

The fragrance wheel is a valuable tool for both perfume makers and perfume lovers. For perfume makers, it helps them to understand the different types of fragrances and how they relate to each other, allowing them to create more complex and balanced fragrances. For perfume lovers, it helps them to identify the types of fragrances they prefer and to choose new scents based on their preferences.

Fragrance Categories

Let's take a closer look at the four main fragrance categories and their subgroups:

1. FLORAL: This category is the largest and includes fragrances that are primarily made up of floral scents. The subgroups are:

• Floral: Classic floral scents like rose, jasmine, and lily of the valley.
• Soft Floral: Softer, more subtle floral scents like violet and iris.
• Floral Oriental: Floral scents mixed with oriental notes like amber and musk.
• Woody Floral: Floral scents mixed with woody notes like sandalwood and cedar.

2. ORIENTAL: This category includes fragrances with warm and spicy scents. The subgroups are:

• Soft Oriental: Oriental scents with a softer, less intense feel.
• Oriental: Classic oriental scents like vanilla and cinnamon.
• Woody Oriental: Oriental scents mixed with woody notes.
• Floral Oriental: Oriental scents mixed with floral notes.

3. FRESH: This category includes fragrances that have a clean and refreshing scent. The subgroups are:

• Citrus: Scents that are primarily made up of citrus notes like lemon and grapefruit.
• Green: Scents that have a fresh, green smell like grass and leaves.
• Water: Scents that have a watery, ocean-like smell.
• Fruity: Scents that have a fruity smell like apple and peach.

4. WOODY: This category includes fragrances that have a warm and woody scent. The subgroups are:

• Aromatic: Scents that have a strong herbal smell like lavender and sage.
• Woody: Classic woody scents like sandalwood and cedar.
• Mossy Woods: Scents that have a mossy smell like oakmoss.
• Dry Woods: Scents that have a dry, earthy smell like vetiver.

In conclusion, the fragrance wheel is an essential tool for anyone interested in perfumery. It helps to categorise fragrances into different groups and subgroups, making it easier to understand the different types of fragrances and how they relate to each other. Whether you're a perfume maker or a perfume lover, the fragrance wheel is a valuable tool that can help you to create and choose new scents based on your preferences. So next time you're shopping for a new fragrance, consider using the fragrance wheel to find your perfect scent.