Thursday, 25 April 2024, 10:55 PM
Site: Natural Perfume Academy
Course: Natural Perfume Academy (NPA)
Glossary: Natural Perfume Academy Main Glossary
E

Eau de Toilette

4 to 8% composition blend to alcohol; incorporates a small percentage of distilled water or floral hydrosol; most common concentration in modern perfume making

Enfleurage

ancient method of obtaining scent by repeatedly placing, removing and replacing fragrant botanical materials on sheets of glass that have been glazed with fat (typically cleaned animal fat) to produce a pomade (see pomade)

Essence

fragrant raw materials

Essential Oil

Aromatic volatile material obtained from botanicals through the process of distillation or cold-pressing/expression. 

Steam distillation: Usually indirect steam which is produced in a boiler. The steam goes through the plant material which can be resting on a grid or trays. The steam condenses and separates when cool into the water and the essential oil that floats on the top. 

Expression: Is reserved for citrus fruits such as lime, bergamot and orange. These are called cold pressed essential oils. 


Expression

method of obtaining an aromatic material (essential oil) through the use of presses which squeeze out the volatile oils of plant materials, typically citrus peels

Extrait

highest concentration of scent to diluent in perfume making; 15 to 30% composition blend to alcohol or diluent

F

Fixative

raw materials or other natural materials which are used in very small amounts (1 to 3%) to help sustain a perfume, holding it down onto the skin so the scent lasts longer; includes distilled water, floral hydrosols, resin and wood tinctures, styrax benzoin and vegetable glycerin

Flacon

A bottle, often delicate in nature or beautifully decorated, used for storing perfumes... usually with a tight-fitting stopper or cap.

From the Old French word flagon.

Flat Note

a note with no lift or body

Floral

flower based composition