Atlanta Pet Fair 2016

Sessions Speakers Exhibitors Floor Plan

Science of Scent: Using Fragrance in Grooming (Room Australian Suite 1)

12 Mar 16
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Tracks: Education, Education, Grooming Session

As consumers, we encounter fragrances everyday. Fragrances have been used by mankind dating back to 350 BC. The study of fragrance as a science started in the mid-1800s. Today the knowledge of fragrance is used to incorporate into everything from laundry detergent to grooming products. Fragrances must be formulated correctly to prevent discoloration, physical product changes or degradation of the desired fragrance. They are complex mixtures of various chemical compounds in a ratio selected by the Perfumer for the desired use pattern. The same fragrance selected for use in a commercial candle may not be desirable to be used in a consumer or grooming shampoo. Fragrances are broken down by chemical classifications as well as by perceived human perception. Both chemical and human classifications will be explored and how they integrate into product development. Understanding the use patterns of the end user is important in fragrance selection. A shampoo that is used by a consumer that is not diluted will have a different fragrance load than that of a groomer shampoo. Dilutions of professional use products need to be understood to deliver a detectable and long lasting scent by the bather. The interaction of the components of grooming products with fragrances can result in a faulty commercial product. A good relationship with the Perfume House and Perfumer is critical to product development. Although the cosmetic formulation chemist may not know the individual components of the fragrance, discoloration can be relayed to the Perfumer to modify the suspected components for a positive outcome. Fragrance selection in grooming products should be performed by using a fragrance wheel and fragrance pyramid. These two tools when used together, result in a harmony of fragrance notes that are present during the grooming process and last long after the pet leaves the salon. It is important that the pet parent is pleased with the physical feel of the animal and a pleasing fragrance following the grooming process. Pet parents are as selective of the products they choose for their animals as they are for their families. Groomers are also more selective of the products they use and need to understand the components (including fragrance) of the products they use.