Chemistry:
Fragrance chemistry is an extremely complex science and art. It is a highly specialized field and there is limited information available outside of the fragrance industry. There are over 5000 chemicals and materials used in the fragrance industry. A fragrance formula may contain as few as 10 or as many as several hundred. One fragrance is reported to have 600 different ingredients.
Many things have to be considered when formulating a fragrance. Compatibility of materials used have to be taken into account. The material that is being fragranced also plays an important role as products which have extremes in pH are difficult to perfume. Some fragrance materials will melt plastics and lead to leaking so the material the product is contained in must also be considered. Once the physical aspects of the perfuming process is worked out the resulting scent has to be aesthetically pleasing.
Safety of fragrance materials is also of concern. Entry points for fragrance chemicals into the body include the skin, the lungs, ingestion, and olfactory pathways. Fragrance materials are volatile by nature and play a role in the chemistry of indoor air. Concern for safety and health effects of the chemicals used in fragrances extends beyond the user.
Search the site for information on fragrance chemicals.
or visit
Listing of over 1500 fragrance chemicals with CAS# (large file)
Listing of fragrance chemicals by class NEW!!!
Listing in table format with links to online sources of information
Common Fragrance Chemicals in Laundry and Cleaning Products
Chemicals in Perfumes - Two popular perfumes were analyzed by gas chromatography
Safety - Uses & safety
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