Learn to recognise them and find your ideal perfume.

Choosing a perfume should not be an impossible mission. If you've ever felt lost among notes, ingredients and names that are impossible to pronounce, the key is to understand the olfactory families. This system helps you identify which style of perfume suits you and why certain scents grab you more than others.

In this article we explain what are the olfactory families, How perfumes are classified and, most importantly, how to choose your ideal perfume from them.

What are olfactory families?

Olfactory families are a way of classifying perfumes according to their predominant scent. It is a tool for sort through and understand the enormous diversity of existing fragrances.

This classification is not random or purely sensory: it is based on analysis of raw materials, formula structure and olfactory evolution. Just as in music there are genres and sub-genres, so in perfumery there are families and subfamilies.

How many olfactory families are there?

There are different systems, but the most widespread is that of the Société Française des Parfumeurs, which divides perfumes into 7 major olfactory families:

1. Citrus
   Fresh, light and sparkling. Based on notes such as bergamot, lemon, mandarin and bitter orange. Ideal for those looking for clean, energising and non-invasive perfumes.
2. Floral
   The most extensive and recognised. From roses and jasmine to lilies and magnolias. The compositions can be soliflore (single flower) or complex bouquets.
3. Fougère
   A balance of lavender, moss, geranium and tonka. Although it is associated with masculine perfumes, it is perfect for those who love elegant fragrances.
4. Chypre
   Classic structure: bergamot + floral heart + oakmoss base. Earthy, deep, sophisticated. A family with personality.
5. Woody
   With notes of sandalwood, cedar, vetiver or patchouli. They tend to be enveloping and dry perfumes, widely used in signature perfumery.
6. Oriental (or Amber)
   Sweet, warm, sensual. Notes of vanilla, resins, amber, spices. Perfect for long nights and skins that retain scent well.
7. Leather
   Intense, animalic, with notes that evoke tanned leather, tobacco or tar. Ideal for lovers of the daring and unconventional.

Each of these can have subfamilies (aldehydic floral, spicy oriental, aromatic citrus...) that further refine your search.

How to choose my perfume according to the olfactory family?

Simple: recognise yourself in a perfume style. Think back: What perfumes have you worn and loved, are they short-lived or saturated, are you looking for something fresh or something that leaves a trail?

Here is a practical guide:

• If you love clean and fresh smells → Citrus o Fougère.
• If you're into flowers, but not cloying → Green floral or Woody floral.
• If you want something that lasts and makes a lasting impression → Oriental or Woody.
• If you are looking for the weird, the artistic → Leather or Chypre.

Knowing what scent families are is the first step to choosing your perfume with confidence. It's not just about “what smells good”, it's about understanding your olfactory profile and exploring what really suits you.

Would you like us to help you discover your olfactory family?
Book a Sniffari with us or get your personalised sample pack. Your new perfume is closer than you think.