Top Notes in Perfumery

Top notes, or head notes, are the light and stimulating aromas you smell first after the perfume has been applied to the skin. They tend to be short in duration, only lasting a few minutes.

Listing of essential oils which are used as top notes in perfumes and colognes.

basil
bay
bergamot
bitter orange
black pepper

cajeput
cardamom
cassie
cinnamon leaf
citronella
clary sage
coriander

eucalyptus globulus

galbanum
gardenia
geranium
ginger
grapefruit

hyacinth

jasmine
juniper

lavandin
lavender
lemon
lemongrass
lime
linden blossom

mandarin
melissa
mimosa

neroli
niaouli
nutmeg

oakmoss
orange blossom (see neroli)

palmarosa
peppermint
petitgrain
pine

ravensara
roman chamomile
rose maroc
rose otto
rosemary
rosewood

sandalwood
sweet marjoram
sweet orange

tagetes
tea tree
thyme
tuberose

violet

yuzu

Click on each link above to be taken to its profile. Each essential oil profile also includes safety information for that particular oil. Please note that, as supported by research, even the ingredients in natural perfumes may cause allergies. Be sure to do your skin patch tests and review the safety information for each oil.