Understanding fragrance notes: top, middle, base

When you browse our fragrance oils, you'll notice each one includes a breakdown of its top, middle and base notes.

But what do these fragrance notes actually mean?

Whether you're making candles, reed diffusers, soaps or perfumes, understanding how fragrance notes work can help you choose the right fragrance oil for your next project.

What Are Fragrance Notes?

Fragrance notes are the individual scent layers that make up a fragrance. As the fragrance develops, different notes become more noticeable, creating a well-rounded scent experience.

Most fragrances are made up of three layers:

• Top notes - the first scents you notice.
• Middle notes - the heart of the fragrance.
• Base notes - the scents that add depth and last the longest.

Together, these three layers create a balanced fragrance from beginning to end.

Top Notes

Top notes are your first impression of a fragrance. They're often fresh, bright and light, helping to introduce the scent before the deeper notes develop.

Some common top notes include:

• Lemon
• Bergamot
• Orange
• Grapefruit
• Eucalyptus
• Peppermint

If you enjoy crisp, fresh fragrances, you'll often find citrus or green notes leading the fragrance profile.

Middle Notes

Once the top notes soften, the middle notes become more noticeable.

Also known as the heart notes, they form the main body of the fragrance and give it its distinctive character.

Common middle notes include:

• Rose
• Jasmine
• Lavender
• Peony
• Geranium
• Cinnamon
• Cardamom

These notes are often floral, fruity, herbal or lightly spiced, helping to create a balanced fragrance.

Base Notes

Base notes are the foundation of the fragrance. They provide richness, warmth and depth, helping the scent feel complete.

Common base notes include:

• Vanilla
• Sandalwood
• Cedarwood
• Amber
• Musk
• Patchouli
• Tonka Bean

If you're drawn to warm, woody or gourmand fragrances, it's often the base notes that you'll enjoy most.

Why Fragrance Notes Matter

Understanding fragrance notes makes it easier to choose a fragrance oil that suits your style or project.

For example:

• Looking for something fresh and uplifting? Explore fragrances with citrus or green top notes.
• Love floral scents? Look for heart notes like rose, jasmine or peony.
• Prefer warm, cosy fragrances? Choose oils with base notes such as vanilla, amber or sandalwood.

Reading the fragrance notes can also help you compare similar fragrances and discover new scent profiles you might not have considered before.

How to Read Fragrance Notes

Every Scent Method fragrance oil includes a fragrance note breakdown to help you understand the scent profile before you buy.

For example:

• Top Notes - Bergamot, Lemon
• Middle Note - Lavender, Jasmine
• Base Notes - Sandalwood, Patchouli

While you might be drawn to one particular note, it's the combination of all three layers that creates the finished fragrance.

The next time you're exploring our fragrance oils, take a closer look at the fragrance notes. They're a simple way to understand how a fragrance is built and can help you choose the perfect scent for your next candle, reed diffuser, soap or perfume project.