Olfactory Pyramid: Scented candles versus perfumes

The olfactory pyramid is used to describe the complexity of an aromatic product , it is a tool widely used to describe perfumes but also to describe the aromas of scented candles.

Imagine a pyramid divided into three sections: top notes, heart notes and base notes. Each section represents different aromas that are perceived over time, from the moment we light the candle or apply a perfume until its full development.

Top Notes: These are the first impressions, the aromas that we immediately feel when lighting a candle or applying a perfume. They are generally light and refreshing, and are very small and volatile molecules that evaporate quickly.

Heart Notes: These are the aromas that emerge after the top notes evaporate. They are the heart of the fragrance, larger molecules than the top notes, fuller-bodied and longer-lasting, representing the unique identity of the fragrance.

Base Notes: These are the deepest and most persistent notes, which appear after the heart notes. They are very large molecules that anchor the fragrance, giving it stability and durability.

While in perfumes we can experience these three moments well in scented candles, due to their wax base and burning process, scented candles tend to have a softer diffusion and a more subtle intensity. The development of notes in scented candles is more linear, as the constant heat of the flame acts more evenly on the evaporation of the aromas.