Where Does Perfume Come From?

Ancient Origins

Perfume, from the Latin "to smoke," has a history of over 4,000 years. The Egyptian civilization is the first civilization with documented proof of the use of scent in their culture. Many of the first perfumes were actually incense, hence the name meaning "to smoke." Frankincense, myrrh and peppermint were often used.

Middle Ages

European explorers returned from their journeys to the Orient was new raw materials and scents. It was during this time period that European alchemists began using ethyl alcohol in their fragrance preparations, something the Arabs and the Chinese had already begun doing.

Renaissance

During this period, many European nations began exploring the New World and India. Returning from their journeys to these new lands, the explorers brought new materials from which scent and fragrance could be made, such as clove, vanilla and cardamom.

1920s

In America, women began entering the work force, and fragrances became lighter and fresher. Aldehydes were introduced into perfume during this time period.

Ingredients

Perfumes are made from all sorts of material, including herbs, flowers and fruit. Tobacco, leather and moss have long been used to achieve certain fragrance notes. Musk, plants and citrus round out the group of natural materials used in the making of perfume.

References

• Perfume Fashion History
• History of Fragrance