The human sense of smell is capable of detecting a wide range of different odors, from the mildest and most comforting to the most intense and unpleasant. In this post, we'll tell you the 10 main categories into which aromas are divided. Any smell in the world can be classified into one of these. Discover them!
What are primary odors and how are they perceived?
Humans have a highly developed sense of smell that allows them to easily identify a large number of aromas.
There are thousands of different smells, so classifying them is quite a challenge. After extensive research, science has decided to group and divide them into 10 different categories, better known as primary odors. Any smell in the world that you perceive can be classified into one of these 10 primary smells. From the lightest and softest to the deepest and most intense. This way, it will be much easier to identify it.
Primary smells perceived by the sense of smell
There are thousands of smells around the world that can be perceived by the human sense of smell. However,according to a scientific study published in the specialized journal PLOS One, these are the 10 primary odors or categories in which we can classify all the aromas we can perceive:
Fruity
The human nose can perceive all types of fruity odors. They are the natural aromas that evoke fruits,except citrus fruits such as lemon, lime, and orange. The ease with which the human nose is able to detect these odors makes them considered a primary odor.If you want to discover more about this aroma, what better way to do it than by enjoying the best fruity perfumes that exist. Don't miss them!
Citrus
The scent of orange, lemon, tangerine... Fresh aromas that are very pleasant to the human nose and will leave you feeling well. This is why many perfumes and cleaning products stand out for including citrus notes like lemon among their ingredients.These are the citrus perfumes that cannot be missing from your daily summer life because they are extremely refreshing.
Floral
Another of the primary scents is floral, like the aroma of roses. These scents are very pleasant to us, and that is why they have long been used in the making of perfumes.
Nowadays it is possible to find a large number of floral aromas, but to make it easy for youand to find your favorite without wasting time, we recommend that you take a look at the best floral perfumes. They are full of elegance!
Mint or refreshing
Mint is one of those smells that is unmistakable and extremely refreshing. It can be used as a spice in numerous recipes, but also in oral hygiene products. Peppermint isn't the only refreshing scent you'll find, as others like eucalyptus also fall into this category.
Sweet
It's often considered a rich, warm, creamy, and light scent. This type of aroma is usually perceived in chocolate, vanilla or caramel. It is one of the most pleasant smells and often transports us back to our childhood.
Smoky or burnt
This smell is usually like the aroma given off by the smoke produced when wood is burned. It is intense, difficult to eliminate and is often related to the smell of freshly made popcorn. You probably know exactly what we're talking about, as it's a rather distinctive smell.
Woody or resinous
This is a woody or woody smell like that of leaves, resins, shrubs, or tree bark.Many people say that it's one of the most pleasant smells, perhaps due to its connection with nature.To know what we're talking about, check out this article with the most desirable woody perfumes and let yourself be captivated.
Chemical
They are synthetic smells, and the nose can easily recognize them. Some examples are alcohol, ammonia, bleach, gasoline, or paint. These types of odors are very intense and are usually perceived by our brain as a warning signal.
Rank or pungent
Another of the basic odors perceived by the human nose is rancid or pungent. This aroma is usually a little spicy and harsh to the nose. This category includes, for example, the smell of garlic, phosphorus, or sulfuric acid.
Rotten
These types of odors cause a great rejection in the person when the nose detects them in high concentrations. They are unpleasant and penetrating. Some examples are rotten meat, sewage, or other foods in a state of decomposition.
What is an olfactory family in the world of perfume?
Each perfume, cologne, or fragrance can be classified within an olfactory family. This could be defined as a set of aromas or olfactory notes that stand out from the rest.
There are several methods that can help you classify your favorite perfume within an olfactory family. One of the most widely used is the fragrance wheel, proposed by Michael Edwards, which classifies fragrances into four major olfactory families (floral, fresh, woody, and oriental), each of which is further divided into subcategories. This makes it possible to accurately determine the olfactory family to which any perfume belongs.
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