Evolution of Perfume Scents and Technologies (1890-2020)

1890s-1900s: The Birth of Modern Perfumery

• Key Scents: Floral (rose, jasmine, violet), Herbal, Citrus
• Notable Chemicals:
• Synthetic vanillin (1874)
• Coumarin (1868) - hay-like scent
• Breakthrough: First synthetic fragrances

1910s-1920s: The Roaring Twenties

• Key Scents: Aldehydes, Floral bouquets, Orientals
• Notable Chemicals:
• Synthetic aldehydes
• Hydroxycitronellal (1905) - lily of the valley scent
• Breakthrough: Chanel No. 5 (1921) - first perfume to use aldehydes extensively

1930s-1940s: The Great Depression and WWII Era

• Key Scents: Leather, Tobacco, Spices, Green notes
• Notable Chemicals:
• Helional (1934) - marine, ozone-like scent
• Hedione (1940s) - jasmine-like
• Breakthrough: Development of longer-lasting bases and fixatives

1950s: Post-War Optimism

• Key Scents: Fresh florals, Greens, Chypre
• Notable Chemicals:
• Dihydromyrcenol (1950s) - fresh, citrusy
• Ambroxan (1950) - ambergris-like
• Breakthrough: Improved extraction techniques for natural materials

1960s-1970s: The Hippie Era and Synthetic Revolution

• Key Scents: Patchouli, Musk, Woody notes
• Notable Chemicals:
• Galaxolide (1965) - clean musk scent
• Calone (1966) - marine scent
• Breakthrough: Widespread use of synthetic musks and other aromachemicals

1980s: The Power Fragrances

• Key Scents: Bold florals, Fruity notes, Orientals
• Notable Chemicals:
• Ethyl maltol (increased use) - sweet, caramel-like
• Iso E Super (1973, wider use in 80s) - woody, ambery
• Breakthrough: Development of "monster" sillage fragrances

1990s: Minimalism and Aquatics

• Key Scents: Aquatic notes, Ozonic scents, Clean/fresh fragrances
• Notable Chemicals:
• Dihydromyrcenol (increased use) - citrusy, fresh
• Floralozone - ozone-marine scent
• Breakthrough: Popularity of "clean" and water-inspired scents

2000s: Gourmand and Niche Fragrances

• Key Scents: Vanilla, Chocolate, Coffee, Caramel
• Notable Chemicals:
• Ethyl maltol (continued popularity)
• Norlimbanol (2000s) - extreme woody note
• Breakthrough: Rise of niche perfumery and gourmet-inspired scents

2010s-2020: Natural and Molecular Advancements

• Key Scents: Oud, Complex woody notes, Transparent florals
• Notable Chemicals:
• Sophisticated captive molecules (proprietary to each house)
• Bio-engineered ingredients
• Breakthroughs:
• Sustainable and eco-friendly fragrance production
• Increased use of AI in fragrance creation
• Development of hypoallergenic synthetic alternatives to natural allergens