How Does Smell Work?
Why does anything smell like anything?
Everything that smells like anything, is literally floating into the air and into your nose. That means that when you smell something, the molecules of that thing are actually in your nose. (this is not at all good news for people subject to crop dusting...)
Here is a good video explaining this process.
So then what is the special rose molecule?
There is actually no special rose molecule. In reality roses are made up of countless different molecules. If you want to skip the fluff, and see a minimalist scent breakdown/formula, click here. If you want to email me with any questions click here. Otherwise, lets look into this!
The Molecules of Rose
Citronellol
There are three main molecules that I will talk about. The first is Citronellol. When talking about scents, it is always difficult to put to words what my nose is experiencing, but I will do my best. Citronelllol is fresh, floral, and delicately citrus. It smells like a transparent, fresh soapy rose. Think a clear sky above a rose field, with a light breeze blowing in from a nearby orange grove. Sorry to be so poetic, but that is the best I can do.
I get my Citronellol from Perfumer's Apprentice. You can buy 4ml for $6.25.
Geraniol
Geraniol is the second molecule. To me this one smell similar to citronellol, but even more citrus leaning––less fresh and more floral and juicy––a little more removed from the actual smell of rose.
I also get this from Perfumer's Apprentice. You can buy 4ml for $6.00. It'll be called "Geraniol (95)."
Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol
Lastly, there is Phenyl Ethyl Alcohol, also called Phenethyl Alcohol, or PEA. This one blew my mind when I first smelled it because it immediately brought to mind the smell of fresh rose petals. To me this one is the most 'rosy' of all three molecules. I actually think that this one would do wondefully on its own as the most charecteristic rose molecule. The only problem is that is is jsut slightly too narcotic, delicate and transparent, and needs some 'beefing up'.
I get this from, you guessed it, Perfumer's Apprentice. You can buy 4ml for $6.00.
Now that we have gone over the major molecules, click here to open an example formula in a new tab.