Perfume, both sacred and ephemeral, has fascinated humans since the dawn of history. His story brings us many curiosities and paradoxes, as his enchanting emanations place us in a world of sensual seduction. In the Ancient East and in the early days of Christianity, perfume was considered a true gift of divinity and a symbol of sacred royalty. As evidence, since the beginning of humanity, smell has been at the center of culture and civilization, playing an important role in defining people's social status.

Because perfume is defined as an amalgam of aromas carefully blended to create a scent that delights anyone's senses, it has become an indispensable accessory nowadays. But do you have any idea how perfumes came about and what their true purpose is? If the answer is no, in the following we will invite you on a journey into the past to discover the history of perfume, but also which are the most used essences to create the scents that have become popular today. Let's enter together into the world of perfumes and inviting essences!

The word "perfume" used today has its origins in the Latin language, arising from the association of the words "per" and "fumus", which, loosely translated, means "through smoke". Much later, in 1528, the word perfume was attested in French and defined as substances with a pleasant smell. Their history, however, began much earlier, being almost as old as that of mankind, with evidence of the existence of perfume dating back to ancient times.

And when we say ancient times, we refer to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt, the art of perfume making being later taken over and refined by the Romans and Persians. The oldest perfumes ever found were discovered by archaeologists in Cyprus and the relics were nearly 4,000 years old. A cuneiform tablet from Mesopotamia, over 3,000 years old, identifies a woman named Tapputi as the first perfume maker in history.

The use of perfumes dates back thousands of years as, as previously stated, there is evidence of perfumes in ancient Egypt, the Roman Empire, Mesopotamia, and the Persian Empire. Initially, perfumes were used for hygiene and cleanliness, as well as in ceremonial settings, as a symbol of nobility. Throughout the ages, different civilizations have used essences and perfumes in many interesting ways.

In the following lines, we will explore the story of perfumes in different moments of history, from Antiquity to the present day. Here is the tumultuous and rich unfolding of perfume history!

The perfume was of particular importance in Egyptian high society. In fact, Egyptian mythology even notes that the god Nefertem was the master of perfume. He was often depicted wearing water lilies, a common ingredient in ancient perfume. The Egyptians made perfumes by distilling natural ingredients with odorless oils. The most popular essences were floral, woody, and fruity. Great Egyptian leaders such as Queen Cleopatra and Queen Hatshepsut are said to have used various perfumes to perfume their bodies, residences, and baths, and even took them with them to their graves.

Like the Egyptians, the Romans also made extensive use of perfumed ointments. The spectacular Roman baths had a room called the "unctuarium", where there were vessels filled with ointments, jars of scented oils, and essences in bottles of various sizes, which they applied after bathing. Some Romans later banned the use of perfumes because of their opulence, and when Rome fell, such luxuries were banned. In fact, since then, perfume has not been so popular in Europe for hundreds of years.

While Europe has turned its back on perfumes, other cultures have consistently enjoyed them. For example, perfumes were at the center of sacred Indian tantric rituals and used in ceremonies. The ancient Chinese also infused many of the items with perfumes, using them in their homes and places of worship. Oriental perfumes of those times focused heavily on herbs and spices, many of which were used in gastronomy or medicine.

We have already explored the origins of perfume in a journey to Antiquity, which is why we will follow the history of perfume in the medieval era. Despite a certain decline compared to the abundance of perfumes in ancient Rome, the Middle Ages give life to new scented rituals. This decline has a religious explanation, for during this period Christianity became the religion of reference, and the use of perfume was considered to violate moral standards and was a symbol of pagan traditions.

The Gauls were not great lovers of perfumed products, but nevertheless, they developed important knowledge of botany and pharmaceutical care. Thus, in the Middle Ages, perfume came to be used for its medicinal properties. At that time, the monks cultivated different aromatic plants in the monastery gardens, and lavender, rosemary, or sage were used to prepare beautifully smelling essences. They were then used to cure many diseases.

Moreover, to fight against the plague pandemic, doctors and pharmacists invent various "anti-plague" preparations and aromatherapy is used. Bay and rosemary were also burned to purify the air. The Crusades were carried out between 1100 and 1290 and the development of trade with the East opened up avenues for yet unknown perfume essences. Between the 10th and 15th centuries, Venice became the epicenter of perfumery, with camphor, nutmeg, pepper, and other products passing through this trading platform.

Thus, exotic spices and flavors are reintroduced into the habits of Westerners. Along with the floral perfumes, warm and intense aromas of amber, musk, sandalwood or myrrh appear. Also thanks to the Arab influence, a new form of perfumery appears that allows distillation with alcohol. This period marks the history of perfume and is a fundamental step in the evolution of the manufacturing techniques of these beautifully smelling products.

During the Renaissance, especially in the area known today as Italy, interest in perfumes grew with the use of oriental spices by Arab alchemists entering Europe through Venice. At the same time, in the 16th century, France quickly became one of the main European centers for the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics thanks to René Le Florentin, Catherine de Medici's personal perfumer.

In addition, the court of King Louis XV was called "la cour parfumée" due to the fact that perfumes were not only applied to the skin, but also to clothing and pieces of furniture, often replacing water and soap and being used in the circles of the upper social classes for fighting body odors.

The first real progress in the preparation of perfumes and in the technology of obtaining raw materials was made when alcohol was introduced as a basic ingredient in perfumes, increasing the input of essential oils in their production. The first alcoholic perfume was called "Water of Hungary" because it was created for Queen Elisabeth of Hungary in 1370. This perfume held supremacy in Europe for five centuries.

We continue the journey through time to explore the history of perfumes and move into the modern era. After the frenzy experienced by perfumes and essences during the Renaissance, the art of perfumery was disrupted in the 19th century by the synthesis revolution. Perfume, used as a remedy, began to "emancipate" itself from its curative mission to become a real hygiene and beauty product. New flavors are created, and the perfume becomes the symbol of typical Parisian sophistication.

The period between the 17th and 18th centuries represents a period of French flowering of perfumery because now the first authentic floral water appears - orange blossom water, Neroli Water. Also in this period, the "eau de cologne", used by Napoleon, appears. In the 18th century, at Grace, the processing of volatile oils by distilling cultivated plants begins. The south of France is now becoming the center of floral cultivation for perfumes.

1882 is the year in which the first synthetic odorant is introduced into a perfume formula. From this moment, the interest of the chemical industry in synthetic air fresheners grows, and the field of perfumes experienced an unparalleled development. Extraction with volatile solvents also appears, which makes it possible to obtain different natural raw materials that multiply the creative possibilities for perfumers.

New and abstract olfactory families appear, such as oriental ones. Perfumery thus became an industrial phenomenon throughout Europe and the 19th century marked a significant point in the history of perfume, between technical progress and popular belief. This era saw the birth of the modern perfume industry, very similar to what we know today.

In the 20th century, the term aromatherapy appears the foundations of which can be found hundreds of years ago, the Chinese being the first to use aromatic plants in order to improve their physical and mental state. The notion of essential oils has been known since ancient times, with about 33 essential oils being mentioned in the Bible alone. Nowadays, essential oil fragrances are becoming more and more popular, as manufacturers are aware of how fragrances influence the way we feel and behave.

The history of perfumes has turned perfumery, over the centuries, into a vast area of interest, especially for those who appreciate the effects and power of perfume essences. The complex and delicate perfume notes that make up some of the most beloved essences are being demystified by perfume lovers every day.

Whether we're talking about top notes, middle notes, or base notes, below we've compiled a list of the most popular perfume essences of all time.

Often called "the finest citrus flower" due to the subtlety and complexity of its fragrance, bergamot has been cultivated in southern Italy for more than 600 years. Top note in the citrus category, it is so refreshing and invigorating because of its sharp smell. In the AromaNatural essential oil fragrance collection, you will find the ESCLEY essential oil fragrance that also contains bergamot essence, along with jasmine and black pepper.
 

With an incredibly rich and sweet citrus scent, mandarin is a top note that originates from China. The tangerine essence is more durable than other citrus fruits and fresher than musk or amber. The natural sweetness of tangerine makes it an extremely feminine ingredient. You will be able to select from the GoodLife essential oil collection the ROYAL essential oil fragrance with mandarin, vanilla, and musk essence.
 

Rose is one of the most complex and popular flower essences. Cultivated all over the world, especially in Bulgaria, Turkey, Russia, and India, the Queen of flowers, as the rose is also called, has been used since ancient times for the preparation of essential oils and perfumes that can have woody or even fruity smells. The perfume of essential oils MISTERIOSO, with the essence of rose, vanilla, and anise can be an ideal choice for therapy and professional perfumery.
 

Originally from western China, jasmine enchants with a sweet, penetrating and fresh fragrance. With light notes when used in its natural form and fresh notes when synthesized in the laboratory, jasmine has a youthful, feminine scent and is an extremely popular middle note in perfumery. In a previous article where we talked about the best essential oils with a relaxing effect, we said that jasmine is used for emotional balancing, positive feelings and relaxation.

One such oil with a relaxing effect is also jasmine oil for perfumery and aromatherapy, with a pleasant smell and an aroma of well-being and comfort.
 

Ylang-ylang has a distinctive floral scent and has been used since ancient times in alternative aromatherapy treatments. Native to Southeast Asia, ylang-ylang has a floral and sensual scent. The natural sweetness is perfect for heavier notes that need taming. For example, in the composition of the BRISA essential oil perfume, the notes of ylang-ylang and jasmine soften the heavy smell of musk.
 

The patchouli bush grows mainly in India and is the source of the patchouli essential oil used in perfumes. With a sweet, woody scent and earthy undertones, patchouli is a popular base note for many floral fragrances. Also a long-lasting and pleasant middle note, patchouli is used in autumn and winter fragrances. For example, the fragrance of MARANO essential oils, with the essence of patchouli, vanilla, and incense can create one of the most pleasant sensory experiences this season.
 

Vanilla is one of the most used essences of all time, having a place of honor in the history of perfume. With a sweet and comforting aroma, vanilla is a base note in the oriental fragrance family. Although vanilla is now cultivated all over the world, it originated in Mesoamerica. Vanilla-based perfumes are among the most popular types of perfumes. From the IMKER GoodLife collection, you can select the NAPA essential oil fragrance with vanilla, musk, and juniper essence.
 

A surprisingly mild oriental note, sandalwood has a woody, sweet essence and incredible complexity. India's iconic Mysore sandalwood is now rarely seen in fragrance ranges due to the decimation of the species. In contrast, Australian sandalwood is more abundant and has a harsher, smoky smell. ALBA essential oil perfume with sandalwood, lemon, and lavender aromas is an excellent choice for aromatherapy.

An interesting fact is that SHUMUKH, the most expensive perfume in the world, highlights notes of sandalwood, along with amber, Indian agarwood, musk, Turkish rose, patchouli, ylang-ylang, and incense, all rare and most precious ingredients. good quality.
 

Perhaps the most iconic base note of all, musk was originally derived from the perineal glands of the now-endangered Tibetan Musk deer. A synthetic version is now available and widely used to produce spicy and rich fragrances with increased durability. The perfume of MAGIC essential oils, with aromas of musk, lemon, and vetiver is ideal for pleasant sensory experiences.
 

Now that you have wandered through the more than interesting history of perfumes and discovered the most used essences and the ways in which they have marked the evolution of perfumes, surely you have come to the conclusion that the biology of the sense of smell has been experienced since ancient times, since the beginning of mankind. And as the fascination for essences and beauty is understandable, the IMKER online store awaits you with special perfumes from essential oils, but also with professional perfume diffusers ready to transform your home into a fragrant place!