TOP-NOTES
1. Citrus Notes – Fresh, Zesty, Bright
Among the most widely used top notes, citrus elements convey vitality and freshness.
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Bergamot – Floral-citrus with a slightly bitter edge
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Lemon – Sharp, clean, and tart
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Lime – Vibrant and tangy
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Orange (Sweet/Bitter) – Juicy, sunny brightness
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Mandarin – Sweeter and softer than orange
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Grapefruit – Bitter-sweet and effervescent
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Yuzu – Japanese citrus, dry and aromatic
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Citron – Tart and fragrant
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Kaffir Lime – Exotic, aromatic citrus
2. Green Notes – Natural, Crisp, Uplifting
Green notes evoke freshly cut leaves, stems, and outdoor breezes.
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Galbanum – Intensely green and resinous
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Violet Leaf – Watery-green with a cucumber nuance
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Crushed Leaves – Raw, botanical freshness
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Cut Grass – Spring-like and sharp
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Tea (Green/White) – Soft, clean, and tranquil
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Fig Leaf – Green, lightly milky and fruity
3. Fruity Notes – Juicy, Sweet, Lively
These notes add a playful, modern sweetness to the opening of a fragrance.
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Apple – Crisp, tart, subtly sweet
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Pear – Watery and delicate
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Peach – Creamy and fuzzy-sweet
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Plum – Jammy and rich (may also appear in heart notes)
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Melon (Cantaloupe, Honeydew) – Aquatic-sweet and refreshing
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Pineapple – Tropical, bright, sweet-sour
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Mango – Lush, exotic, creamy
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Blackcurrant (Cassis) – Tart, green-fruity edge
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Raspberry – Sweet-tart and vibrant
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Strawberry – Bright and sweet (often synthetic in perfumery)
4. Aromatic / Herbal Notes – Clean, Sharp, Invigorating
Often used in unisex or masculine compositions, these notes bring clarity and an herbal lift.
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Lavender – Floral and slightly camphorous
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Basil – Peppery, spicy-green
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Mint (Spearmint, Peppermint) – Cool, fresh, and penetrating
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Sage – Earthy and slightly bitter
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Rosemary – Pine-like and herbal
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Thyme – Dry, savory herbaceousness
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Marjoram – Soft and sweet herbal tone
5. Spicy Notes – Warm, Zingy, Energizing
Spices at the top create an immediate spark or warmth.
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Pink Pepper – Spicy and lightly floral, with a berry nuance
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Ginger – Bright, citrusy spice
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Cardamom – Sweet, herbal, and aromatic
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Cinnamon – Sweet warmth (sometimes used as a heart note)
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Nutmeg – Subtle, warm spice
6. Floral Notes – Airy, Delicate, Ephemeral
Light florals that bloom quickly and dissipate just as fast.
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Neroli – Bitter orange blossom; fresh and green-floral
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Orange Blossom – Sweet, honeyed white floral
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Freesia – Watery, green, and crisp
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Lily of the Valley – Clean, slightly soapy floral
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Cyclamen – Light, dewy floral
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Aldehydes – Abstract, clean-metallic sparkle (notably used in Chanel No. 5)
7. Aquatic / Marine Notes – Cool, Watery, Transparent
These evoke a breezy, ozonic freshness.
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Calone – Marine-melon synthetic note; fresh and oceanic
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Sea Salt – Mineral, airy, slightly savory
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Rain Accord / Water Notes – Clean, translucent freshness
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Ozonic Compounds – Airy, high-altitude-like scent (usually synthetic)
8. Aldehydic / Synthetic Accords – Abstract, Radiant, Diffusive
Synthetic top notes are often used to amplify brightness, texture, or transparency.
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Aldehydes (C10–C12) – Soapy, waxy, effervescent
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Iso E Super – Soft woody-amber note; often diffusive from the top
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Hedione – Jasmine-like, airy, enhances floral radiance
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Linalool, Citral, Limonene – Naturally occurring aroma molecules with citrus/floral character
💡 Key Characteristics of Top Notes
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Evaporate Quickly: Typically noticeable within the first 5–30 minutes
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Light, Fresh, and Inviting: Designed to draw the wearer in immediately
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Set the Tone: Establish the olfactory atmosphere before heart and base notes unfold
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Must Blend Seamlessly: A well-crafted top note integrates smoothly with the full fragrance pyramid