Fragrance Families

February 10, 2025

Understanding the Fragrance Wheel and How Scents Are Classified

When browsing perfumes, you’ve likely heard descriptions like floral, woody, or ambery. But what do these terms actually mean—and how are perfumes grouped in the first place?

To make sense of the vast world of scent, the fragrance industry uses a system called fragrance families. Think of them as the "genres" of perfumery, helping both experts and casual wearers navigate the thousands of scent options available today.

🌀 What Is the Fragrance Wheel?

Invented by fragrance expert Michael Edwards in 1992, the Fragrance Wheel is a visual tool that shows how different scent families relate to each other. It’s a circular diagram divided into four main families, each with its own subfamilies. This layout also reveals overlaps—like how floral and fresh families can blend seamlessly, while florals and woods may contrast more dramatically.

The wheel doesn’t just organise perfume—it also helps predict which scents someone might like based on their preferences.

🌿 The Four Main Fragrance Families

Each family represents a general scent profile. These are further divided into subfamilies, which group perfumes by their shared aromatic characteristics.

1. Fresh Family

Clean. Bright. Energising.

This family evokes the outdoors—zesty, dewy, and breezy compositions that feel light and effortless.

Subfamilies:

Citrus: Vibrant and juicy notes like bergamot, lemon, and grapefruit.
Examples: Natural Insolente, Isle of Man
Water (Aquatic): Marine and ozonic notes that smell like sea breeze or cool air.
Examples: Dragonfly, Pacific Rock Moss
Green: Herbal, leafy, and vegetal accords that smell crisp and garden-fresh.
Examples: Queen of the Night, Flâneur

Perfect for: Warm climates, morning wear, minimalists who love clarity.

2. Floral Family

Romantic. Delicate. Timeless.

Floral fragrances are built around blossoms, from single-note soliflores to complex bouquets.

Subfamilies:

Floral: Pure flower-based perfumes—roses, jasmine, peony, tuberose.
Examples: Southern Bloom, Rosa Nigra
Soft Floral: Florals softened with powdery or aldehydic touches.
Examples: Warni Warni, Jasmin et Cigarette
Floral Amber (also called Oriental Floral): A marriage of florals with warm, spicy or sweet undertones.
Examples: Civet, Carnal Cacao

Perfect for: Romantic evenings, weddings, feminine elegance.

3. Woods Family

Earthy. Grounded. Sophisticated.

Woody fragrances centre around forest elements like sandalwood, cedar, and vetiver.

Subfamilies:

Woods: Smooth, warm notes often blended with incense or balsams.
Example: Wood Infusion
Mossy Woods (Chypre): Earthy and damp forest-like, often with oakmoss and patchouli.
Example: Saskia
Dry Woods (Leather): Smoky, dry, and rugged, often with leather or tobacco accords.
Example: A City on Fire

Perfect for: Autumn evenings, formal wear, signature scents with depth.

4. Amber Family (Traditionally Called Oriental)

Warm. Intense. Opulent.

These perfumes are rich, sultry, and complex—layered with spices, resins, and vanillas.

Subfamilies:

Soft Amber: Sweet and cozy with a touch of powder or fruit.
Example: Sel_Vanille
Amber: A classic mix of vanilla, labdanum, and incense.
Often the heart of Middle Eastern perfumery.
Woody Amber: Amber meets cedar, oud, or sandalwood for added complexity.
Example: I_Ristretto
Perfect for: Winter, night outs, artistic expression.

🎯 Why This Matters for You

Understanding fragrance families:

Saves time when shopping or consulting with staff.
Improves layering by grouping compatible scent styles.
Guides gifting when you know someone loves a category like citrus or woods.
Creates a scent wardrobe—light for day, rich for night, tailored to mood and season.

🧭 Final Tip: How to Find Your Family

If you gravitate toward:

Fresh linens, beach air, or green tea → Try the Fresh family
Garden roses, white florals, or soft musks → Explore Floral and Soft Floral
Incense, firewood, leather jackets → Dive into Woods
Spiced desserts, vanilla, or amber resins → You're in Amber territory

The best way to learn? Test across the wheel. Many of our bestselling niche fragrances are hybrids—merging families to tell a more nuanced olfactory story.

📌 Save This Summary

Family	Subfamilies	Sample Scents	Ideal For
Fresh	Citrus, Water, Green	Isle of Man, Dragonfly, How to Say Bicycle in French	Summer, gym, daily wear
Floral	Floral, Soft Floral, Floral Amber	Rosa Nigra, Jasmin et Cigarette, Hummingbird	Romantic dates, spring days
Woods	Woods, Mossy Woods, Dry Woods	Wood Infusion, Mauna, A City on Fire	Fall nights, niche collectors
Amber	Soft Amber, Amber, Woody Amber	Sel_Vanille, I_Ristretto, Ambre114	Winter, bold evening wear