Perfumes

Abstract

This article provides an overview of perfumes from the perspective of the technical specialist and highlights how the growth of the synthetic aroma chemical industry has supported the penetration of perfumes into the majority of consumer products, as either fine fragrances or as functional fragrances. Perfume creation, the surprising scope of fragrance technologies, process research and development, and associated legislative issues are summarized. The article also covers such topics as the analysis of natural products, structure–odor considerations, mood effects of fragrance, and malodor counteraction. Perfume commercialization and how it has evolved in the twenty‐first century, in particular the impact of perfume encapsulation and the filing of ever‐increasing numbers of patents, as well as the vexed question of perfume copyright are also touched on. Finally, it reviews some general business aspects including the market profile and the effect of global safety and environmental legislation on regulation of the industry.