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Intermediate3-4 weeks

Perfume Note Structure Guide

Learn perfume note structure from scratch with a clear step-by-step workflow, recommended tools, safety guidelines, and expert tips.

aspiring perfumersformulation students

Workflow

  1. Study Olfactory Pyramid

    2 hours

    Map chosen materials to top, heart, and base layers and understand evaporation order.

    Fragrance Dilution Calculator

  2. Build Core Accord

    1 hour

    Create a stable heart accord of 3–4 materials before adding top and base modifiers.

    Maceration Time Estimator

  3. Layer Top and Base Modifiers

    45 min

    Add volatile top notes and long-lasting bases in proportion to support the heart.

  4. Structure Test Over Time

    2 days

    Evaluate blend at 15 min, 1 hr, 4 hr, and 24 hr on blotter and skin.

    Maceration Time Estimator

Tools Used

Checklist

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Planning

Preparation

Safety

Execution

Quality

Documentation

Reference Materials

Volatility ClassesStandard

Materials classified by boiling point correlate roughly with note position on pyramid.

Accord BalanceFormula

Heart ≈ 40–60%, top ≈ 5–25%, base ≈ 20–40% of concentrate by weight.

Evaporation TimelineTable

Typical blotter evaluation intervals.

TimeLayerFocus
15 minTopFirst impression
1 hrHeartCharacter
24 hrBaseDry-down

  • Fixatives

    Benzoin, labdanum, or ambrette extend fleeting florals without altering character.

  • Skin vs Blotter

    Always validate structure on skin — blotters exaggerate top notes.

  • Allergens

    Label linalool, limonene, and other declarable allergens for EU compliance.

Safety Notes

  • Patch-test new blends on inner arm before full application.
  • Store evaluation samples away from strong kitchen odors.

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