Perfumers and flavorists use a variety of ingredients and materials to create their products. Essential oils are one such material, and they are used in many fields, including perfumes, cosmetics, aromatherapy, and phytotherapy, spices, and nutrition. Essential oils are complex mixtures comprised of, in some cases, more than 250 single compounds, and each of these constituents contributes to the beneficial or adverse effects of these essential oils. The different chirality of main constituents governs the uses of essential oils and should be considered as well. As a natural product, essential oil composition depends on climate, soil, harvesting time, method of production, and similar factors.
Eucalyptol is an example of a natural aroma chemical that is used in perfumery and flavoring. It shares with eugenol the rare distinction of being one of two large-volume aroma chemicals whose supply is totally natural. No synthetic counterpart of these two materials is offered commercially, and the basis for this reality is economic. Eucalyptol’s basic impression is medicinal-camphoraeous, and small amounts of Eucalyptus fractions or Eucalyptol can twist a floral material, such as linalool or Aprol® 100 into a lavender.
Fragrances are also used in cosmetic products to conceal unpleasant odors. However, negative messaging about fragrances has been a topic of discussion in the industry.
In summary, perfumers and flavorists use a variety of ingredients and materials, including essential oils and natural aroma chemicals, to create their products. Fragrances are also used in cosmetic products to conceal unpleasant odors.
