These organic compounds vaporize in the air, allowing us to smell them, with perfumes mainly made with alcohols (78-95% of the content being ethanol) and essential oils, giving them their fragrance. The olfactory system and the amygdala, a part of the brain which processes emotions, are very closely linked, explaining why perfumes and smells themselves evoke strong memories. Many perfumes are classified under different scents, such as ‘floral’ or ‘citrus’, appealing to many different it demographics. From, March 202 was estimated that the global fragrance industry is worth £40.7 billion, with France having 27% market share.

Despite the sentimental and aesthetic benefits, there have been problems surrounding the contents of perfume. Some chemicals in perfumes such as phthalates, which although make the scent last longer, scientists have discovered health disadvantages. poisoning. In many older perfumes, they contained carcinogenic chemicals as well as respiratory irritants. Due to these possible risks, it’s always best to be careful of inhaling chemicals from perfumes, or any household items containing chemicals like kitchen cleaners

Scented gums such as frankincense and myrrh were originally used as incense during rituals, and it is said that the Ancient Greeks are credited for the first liquid perfume. Its history dates furthest back to the time of Ancient Egyptians, who used them for religious. However development of distillation by the Arabs later on, made perfume a much more smooth line process. Perfume was incredibly popular in the 17th century, typically in France, coining the types of perfumes that we refer to today, such as Eau De Toilette and Eau de Parfum. Eau De Toilette refers to perfumes with less fragrance than essential oils, with Eau De Parfum having a slightly higher alcohol level. Eau De Toilette is described to have a lighter fragrance, while Eau De Parfum lasts longer throughout the day, as it’s the strongest type of perfume.

From data taken showing that 54% of Brits use perfume every day, the fragrance industry plays a major role in daily life and culture as we know it. People’s personalities are used by their close ones to buy things such as jewelry and accessories, so a are greatly used as a means of connection. Because of this, knowing the chemistry and history of something that brings us so closely together is important.