The Perfumery Handbook
Chapter 08

Glossary and Resources

Vocabulary, records, references, and professional habits

Build the vocabulary and documentation system behind professional fragrance work.

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A serious perfumer is also a serious record keeper.

Resources are not an afterthought. Vocabulary, supplier records, safety documents, batch logs, formula versions, test notes, and claim evidence are what let perfume work become repeatable and sellable.

This chapter gathers the habits behind professional confidence: what to archive, how to name things, how to study materials, and how to avoid making claims your records cannot support.

Glossary, supplier sense, and learning resources

This closing chapter gives readers a clear working vocabulary and a simple professional framework for buying materials and continuing their education.

Different terms used across the lessons

Short definitions for the language that appears again and again in perfume learning, buying, blending, and selling.

AccordA small blend that creates one recognizable smell idea.
AbsoluteA concentrated aromatic extract, often richer than essential oil.
AttarA traditional perfume material, often distilled into sandalwood or another base oil.
Deg-BhapkaThe traditional Indian distillation system using a heated vessel and receiver.
CarrierThe oil or alcohol that holds and dilutes aromatic materials.
DilutionLowering strength so a material can be smelled, tested, or worn safely.
SillageThe scented trail a perfume leaves behind the wearer.
ProjectionHow far a perfume radiates from skin or fabric.
TenacityHow long a material or perfume remains detectable.
VolatilityHow quickly a material evaporates and appears to the nose.
Top noteThe first impression, usually lighter and faster to evaporate.
Heart noteThe main character that appears after the opening settles.
Base noteThe slow, lasting foundation that anchors the perfume.
MaturationResting the concentrate before alcohol or carrier is added.
MacerationResting the finished dilution so harshness softens and clarity improves.
COACertificate of Analysis; a supplier document showing material specifications.
SDSSafety Data Sheet; handling, hazard, and storage information.
IFRAInternational fragrance standards that shape safe material use.
Batch recordA written record of formula, lot, date, supplier, and changes.
MOQMinimum order quantity required by a supplier or manufacturer.
01Shortlistcredible supplier
02Samplesmall paid order
03DocumentsCOA and SDS
04Evaluateodor, color, density notes
05Archivelot, invoice, reference vial
06Approveready for controlled use
Figure: Supplier proof flow. A material becomes useful only when its smell, source, and record can be repeated.

Supplier basics

Buy materials like you may need to prove them later

Good sourcing is quiet, but it protects every formula. Before scaling a material, keep the supplier name, date, invoice, lot number, COA, SDS, and a small retained sample.

A beautiful material with no documentation can still be risky for a growing brand. A less dramatic material with stable supply, clean records, and repeatable quality may be the smarter commercial choice.

  • Start with samples before committing to bulk.
  • Keep a reference vial for every important lot.
  • Do not rely on memory for supplier or batch decisions.

Education resources

Keep learning through smell, records, and reliable references

Perfumery improves when reading is tied to smelling. Study one concept, smell the relevant material, write a plain-language note, compare it with another material, then apply the learning in a tiny formula.

Use official sources for safety and rules, supplier documents for materials, and structured lessons for craft. The goal is not to collect information. The goal is to build judgement.

  • For safety: current IFRA and supplier documentation.
  • For skill: blotter notes, dilution trials, and comparison sets.
  • For business: pricing sheets, batch records, and customer feedback.
01Readone focused idea
02Smellmaterial on blotter
03Recordplain words, time, dilution
04Comparesimilar material or accord
05Applytiny formula decision
Figure: The study loop. Real perfume education turns reading into repeatable sensory judgement.
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