Fragrance wheel

Wheel2

The fragrance wheel is a classification system used primarily in the perfume industry to simplify the categorization of fragrances. It was developed in 1983 by Michael Edwards, a consultant in the fragrance industry, to help retailers and consumers understand the relationships between different types of scents.

Structure

The fragrance wheel is divided into four main families, each of which is further subdivided into more specific categories. The four primary families are:

• Floral
• Oriental
• Woody
• Fresh

Floral

The floral family is characterized by the scent of flowers. It is subdivided into:

• Floral
• Soft Floral
• Floral Oriental

Oriental

The oriental family is known for its warm, sweet, and spicy notes. It includes:

• Soft Oriental
• Oriental
• Woody Oriental

Woody

The woody family features scents derived from woods and mosses. It is divided into:

• Woods
• Mossy Woods
• Dry Woods

Fresh

The fresh family encompasses clean and bright scents. It includes:

• Citrus
• Green
• Water
• Aromatic

Usage

The fragrance wheel is widely used by perfumers, retailers, and consumers to identify and categorize perfumes. It helps in understanding the similarities and differences between various fragrances, making it easier to find scents that are appealing to individual preferences.

Related Concepts

• Perfume
• Aromatherapy
• Essential oil
• Olfaction
• Scent marketing

See also

• Michael Edwards (fragrance expert)
• Perfume classification
• Fragrance note