Fragrance as one of the factors determining the choice of a cosmetic

When choosing products for daily care, we choose those that fulfill specific tasks. Moisturizing, smoothing, rejuvenating, nourishing - we analyze what our skin or hair needs at the moment, and we select the cosmetic mainly on this basis. However, just as it is said that we eat with our eyes, the final decision to buy a care product is made for us by… the nose.

We have to admit it - how many times in a drugstore before putting a shampoo, lotion or cream in a shopping cart, you open and smell it? How many times have you put the product back on the shelf because the smell made you grimace instead of a smile? Fragrant additives are used in cosmetics for several major reasons:

- to "cover" the fragrance of the cosmetic base,

- to strengthen the belief the product works,

- to stand out from the competition,

- as a part of marketing strategy.

Finding an aroma strong enough to mask the natural scent of the basic product’s ingredients is not easy. Many cosmetic manufacturers still struggle to solve the problem - the acetone smell in nail polishes is not pleasant, although tastes vary. There are probably a few fans of this fragrance, as well as the fans of gasoline smell;)

Speaking of tastes, the more pleasant ones also distinguish between groups of consumers looking for specific fragrances types. Some prefer floral aromas, others fruity, and still others oriental. What some people find beautiful, others find suffocating and unbearable. Therefore, it is extremely difficult to specify in a narrow frame which fragrances of care cosmetics are chosen most often and most willingly. Nevertheless, although there are no fixed fragrance groups, an indicative division in cosmetic industry functions.

Flower group

It is the group with the largest base of aromas, most often chosen by the female part of consumers. As the number of flower oils is huge, it is the group with the greatest diversity. The most popular women's fragrances include lily of the valley, rose, jasmine or ylang-ylang, while the cosmetics for men are dominated by lavender and geranium. The aromatic base can be built on the aroma of one particular flower, but also on the entire bouquet, or a mixture of floral fragrances with others.

Oriental group

The second group of fragrances based on traditions and history. Spices and aromatic oils have been used since the dawn of time for skin and hair care. The enormity of ancient connections is still used today. These fragrances are extremely durable and associated with the culture of the Far East. Popular in this category are vanilla, coffee, coconut, pistachio, chocolate or cinnamon, exotic and sensual aromas. Some of these scents are more likely to be reached in autumn or winter, others are inherently associated with the warmer season.

Citrus group (green)

Fresh, light fragrances are perfect for everyday use. They are slightly bitter, but usually crisp and stimulating. It is a fantastic injection of energy, therefore aromas from this group are most often chosen in summer. We can find here lemon, orange, grapefruit, and even a banana or a melon.

Wood group

We can find various types of wood here - sandalwood and cedar are among the most valued. Wood compositions are an elegant and sophisticated group dominated by extremely interesting and exotic combinations of spices and flowers. We reach for them most often in autumn and winter, especially if common, average fragrances do not seem attractive to us.

Water group

Selected especially in summer, when the temperatures are high, because the aromas in this category provide lightness and freshness. The water climate is assured by, among others, ozone and metallic notes, grass, algae, some flowers and many other ingredients if properly combined. The above mentioned groups are mainly assigned to products such as perfumes and toilet waters, more and more often these combinations can be found in body lotions, creams, shampoos and bath lotions as well. Store shelves are full of various aromatic versions of individual products, so choosing the "best" is a real trick for the customer.