Fruit notes smell like biting into sun-warmed fruit at its ripest moment—think the bright, juicy burst of a peeled mandarin, the honeyed sweetness of a ripe peach, or the tart snap of fresh berries. They're often slightly candied and jammy rather than the raw fruit itself, as if you've captured the essence at peak flavour. The sweetness is clean and sparkling, never cloying, with a freshness that feels almost effervescent on your skin. They're immediately recognisable and comforting—the smell of summer itself.
Fruit notes are rarely used in their pure, natural form because fresh fruit spoils quickly and doesn't translate well into fragrance. Instead, perfumers rely on synthetic aroma chemicals like ethyl acetate, isoamyl acetate, and various esters that replicate fruity characters. Some natural sources include fruit extracts and absolutes—passion fruit, raspberry, and blackcurrant bud absolute being particularly prized. The chemistry allows perfumers to isolate and amplify the most appealing aspects of fruit, creating an idealised version more vibrant than nature could produce alone.
Fruit notes typically act as top or heart notes, providing immediate brightness and charm that makes a fragrance approachable and joyful. They're often paired with florals or woody bases to add levity and sweetness. In modern fragrances, they're beloved for their versatility—equally at home in gourmands, fresh citrus blends, or sophisticated florals. They rarely dominate; instead, they lend character and personality.
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