An Essential Family: The Hesperides
Cultivated for centuries, citrus fruits continue to captivate perfume enthusiasts with their inimitable freshness. They belong to the Hesperides family, an olfactory family whose name originates from Greek mythology. The Hesperides were nymphs who guarded a sacred garden containing golden apples. These precious and coveted fruits were actually citrus fruits, renowned for their enchanting scent and golden glow.
Perfumers were inspired by this legend to name the fresh, sparkling, and slightly woody notes of citrus, and it was no accident. Lemon, grapefruit, orange, bergamot, mandarin, petitgrain, and sweet lime are among the olfactory treasures that give perfumes a touch of wonder.
Hesperidic notes are often used as top notes because they are very volatile and evaporate quickly. For better longevity on the skin, they are frequently combined with heart or base notes that have fixative properties, such as vetiver, white musks, and amber accords.
The Pinnacle of the Hesperides Thanks to Eau de Cologne
The Hesperides family, one of the oldest olfactory families, reached its pinnacle with the invention of Eau de Cologne in 1709. Created by Italian barber Gian Paolo Feminis, this iconic fragrance contains more than 25% citrus. Initially called "aqua mirabilis" (miracle water), it claimed to cure all ailments.
Napoleon’s enthusiasm for this water benefited Gian Paolo, who, with the help of his nephew Giovanni Maria Farina (Jean Marie Farina), marketed it with great success. Produced by the Farina family until 1862, the formula is now owned by Roger & Gallet. History shows us that citrus fruits have held a special place in perfumery for centuries. And something tells us their tangy reign is far from over.