Caramel Perfumes

What does caramel mean?

Caramel is a word derived from the Spanish "caramelo", meaning "burnt sugar". Yes, caramel is simply sugar melted over a low heat and used in baking to flavor and color desserts.

In the beginning...

The art of sugar caramelization dates back to several centuries BC, when ancient cultures used cane sugar to create syrups and sweets. Over time, caramelization techniques developed and spread to different cultures around the world. In France, in the 17th century, caramel became a popular ingredient in confectionery and desserts. Over the following centuries, its popularity spread to international cuisine, as well as pastry-making. Today, caramel is used in a variety of fields, including perfumery, where its sweet, gourmand aroma adds a delicious, comforting note to olfactory compositions.

The history of caramel perfume dates back to 1992. Mugler's Angel perfume is considered a pioneer in the use of caramel in perfumery. This fragrance revolutionized the industry by introducing a bold gourmand scent, with caramel as a key ingredient. It has since established itself in gourmet perfumery, alongside vanilla, chocolate and red fruits.

DID YOU KNOW? Legend has it that in the 17th century, a French confectioner named Nicolas François Appert accidentally dropped a wooden spoon into a pan of hot sugar. Instead of removing the spoon, he noticed that the sugar had caramelized around it, creating a delicious treat. This accidental discovery is said to have been the origin of caramel candies the way we know them today.

Different varieties of caramel

Everyone is familiar with classic sweet caramel and salted butter caramel, right? But did you know that these are just the two best-known varieties of caramel, and that there are actually many other kinds? Among them, we have...

Milk caramel: Also known as creamy caramel, milk caramel is made by adding milk to the basic caramel recipe. This gives it a creamier texture and a slightly milky flavor. Milk caramel is often used in sweets, dessert sauces and milk-based desserts such as puddings.

Blond caramel: It is prepared by cooking sugar over low heat until it takes on a light golden color. Unlike classic caramel, it is not cooked as long, giving it a more delicate, subtle flavor. Blond caramel is often used as a topping for cream desserts, fruit or light pastries.

Caramel with fleur de sel: This type of caramel is prepared by adding fleur de sel to classic caramel. The fleur de sel adds a more delicate and complex salty note, enhancing the sweet flavors of the caramel. It is often used to garnish chocolates, chocolate desserts or artisanal caramels.

Flavored caramel: In addition to the basic types of caramel, there is an infinite variety of flavored caramels. Ingredients such as vanilla, coffee, spices, coconut, almond or even spirits can be added to caramel to give it unique and original flavors. These flavored caramels are often used in pastries, ice creams, hot drinks or confectionery.

The creation of synthetic caramel molecules...

In perfumery, natural caramel is not used, but rather synthetic molecules that reproduce its scent. These have more precise, longer-lasting notes than real caramel, and help protect the planet too.

Thus, perfumers use chemical compounds such as aldehydes, ketones and esters to recreate the characteristic notes of caramel. Such synthetic molecules are created using controlled chemical reactions, including condensation, reduction and modification of functional groups. Perfumers experiment with different combinations and concentrations to achieve the right balance between the sweetness, richness and warmth of caramel, while ensuring compliance with safety and regulatory standards. The end result is a synthetic molecule that captures the essence of caramel's gourmand sweetness and is then applied to the creation of fragrances.

What do you know about caramel in perfumery?

Caramel offers a range of sweet, gourmand notes, from rich shades of dark caramel to softer, more subtle touches of vanilla and fruit. Caramel notes can be used to add warmth and depth to a fragrance. On the other hand, softer notes can bring lightness and delicacy. Caramel can also offer spicy and woody nuances, creating a complex, multidimensional fragrance.

The olfactory accords with caramel are numerous, making it possible to create a wide variety of compositions with caramel fragrance

• Floral-caramel accord: The combination of caramel with delicate floral notes creates an interesting contrast. White flowers such as jasmine, gardenia or orange blossom add a touch of femininity and sophistication to caramel's delicacy.

• Woody-caramel accord: Combining woody notes such as sandalwood, cedar or patchouli with caramel creates a warm, enveloping accord. The woody accords bring a certain depth and a more sensual facet to the caramel, creating a fragrance that is both soft and seductive.

• Oriental-caramel accord: rich, luxurious oriental notes such as vanilla, incense and musk blend harmoniously with caramel. This olfactory accord creates a sensual, enchanting fragrance, reminiscent of the sweet scents of oriental spices and desserts.

• Fruity-caramel accord: The combination of caramel with fruity notes such as apple, raspberry or plum creates a sweet-tart blend. This olfactory accord evokes confectionery and fruity desserts, offering a sensation of freshness and indulgence.

• Gourmand-caramel accord: Finally, it's perfectly possible to explore bolder gourmand accords by combining caramel with notes of chocolate, coffee, hazelnut or vanilla. These combinations create rich, seductive fragrances, evoking the sweet, comforting pleasures of a savory dessert.

INTERESTING FACT!
In terms of benefits and virtues, caramel, when consumed in moderation, can bring a certain palatable and emotional satisfaction. Its sweet taste can provide a sense of comfort and pleasure. However, it's important to note that caramel is high in calories and sugar, making it less suitable for a balanced diet. Therefore, it's best to consume it in moderation and opt for healthier sources of sugar. In terms of olfactory well-being, caramel can evoke childhood memories and generate a sensation of softness and warmth, contributing to a positive state of mind.

Some legendary caramel fragrance

Here is a list of the best caramel perfumes according to us:

• Angel by Thierry Mugler is an iconic eau de parfum for women from the French perfume world. With notes of salted butter caramel, vanilla, patchouli and honey, Angel is a warm, enveloping fragrance that's perfect for winter evenings.

• La Vie Est Belle by Lancôme is a sweet, floral eau de toilette that highlights the caramel note. With notes of praline, vanilla and pear, La Vie Est Belle is a fresh, light fragrance, perfect for summer days.

• Black Opium by Yves Saint Laurent is an oriental women's fragrance that combines caramel and coffee notes. With notes of vanilla and patchouli. This sensual, bold fragrance is perfect for nights out and special occasions.

• Bonbon Spring Summer by Viktor & Rolf has a tangy, sweet opening thanks to its citrus top notes. Caramel is used in the seductive, irresistible base notes, immediately captivating the senses.

• Scandal Boule à Neige by Jean Paul Gaultier is a limited edition fragrance created by renowned fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier. This emblematic eau de parfum embodies the brand's bold, subversive spirit.

• Viva la Juicy by Juicy Couture is another great, vibrant and playful scent that has caramel in the base notes. It is a captivating and flirty perfume perfect for those who adore fruity and sweet fragrances.

UNUSUAL FACT! The French designer Thierry Mugler is known for his bold and unique olfactory creations, and caramel is one of the key ingredients that distinguishes his iconic fragrances. One of Thierry Mugler's most famous fragrances, Angel, launched in 1992, is often associated with the note of caramel. This revolutionary fragrance introduced a new olfactory category called "gourmande" in perfumery!

Bon Parfumeur caramel perfumes

How about a return to childhood with Bon Parfumeur? Our company offers some 100% made-in-France caramel fragrances designed especially for you!

"I carried to my lips a spoonful of the tea in which I had let soften a bit of caramel. But at the very instant when the mouthful of tea mixed with the sweetness of the candy touched my palate, I quivered, attentive to the extraordinary thing that was happening inside me.” - Marcel Proust