Air Notes

Air Notes in perfumery are abstract, atmospheric accords designed to evoke the invisible freshness, clarity, and spaciousness of open air. Often described as ozonic, airy, or mineralic, these notes suggest clean wind, high-altitude breezes, or the cool stillness of a coastal dawn. They do not represent a specific scent found in nature, but rather an impression—light, transparent, and subtly invigorating. Air Notes are typically used as top notes to add brightness, lift, and diffusion, enhancing the sense of space and breathability in a composition.

History & Production: Introduced more prominently in the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of marine and ozonic perfumery, Air Notes are composed using synthetic molecules such as calone, helional, aldehydes, and ozonic aromachemicals that mimic the qualities of humidity, ionized air, or distant sea spray. These molecules don’t smell like air itself but conjure its feeling—cool, crisp, sometimes metallic or watery, often with faint green or floral nuances. In modern perfumery, Air Notes are used to bring radiance, modernity, and a weightless, clean aesthetic—whether in aquatic colognes, ethereal florals, or transparent musky blends. They whisper rather than shout, leaving the impression of light, movement, and infinite space.