Composition / Materials / Balance

Perfume accords

An accord is like an olfactory word: several materials combine to create a sensation the nose recognizes as clean, amber, leather, marine, green or gourmand.

Perfumery ingredients organized as accords
Accord

A combination of notes that creates a new and recognizable impression.

Contrast

Fresh against warm, clean against dark, dry against sweet.

Fixation

Base materials help support more volátile notes.

Balance

A good fórmula should not crush its opening or become flat in the base.

Useful accords

Combinations you will often find

Aromatic citrus

Bergamot, lemon, lavender and rosemary. Fresh, clean, sporty or modern barbershop.

Musky floral

Jasmine, rose, neroli and white musks. Polished, luminous and easy to wear.

Spiced woody

Cedar, vetiver, pepper, cardamom. Dry, elegant and versátile.

Amber vanilla

Benzoin, labdanum, vanilla, tonka. Warm, sweet and nocturnal.

Mineral aquatic

Marine, salty and transparent moss notes. Light, fresh and summery.

Leather iris

Iris, leather, woods and resins. Sophisticated, dry and present.

Concrete examples

Perfumes for recognizing accords

Fragrantica is used here as a community reference for checking main accords, perceived notes and usage context, alongside official brand information.

Reference sources