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One of the key families of aromatic compounds are a group of organic compounds known as terpenes.  Most of the primary fragrances used in perfumery and aromatherapy alike are created through the use of terpenes.  Unlike aldehydes, terpenes are typically naturally derived from botanical sources. Structurally, terpenes are hydrocarbons that are comprised of five-carbon isoprene units that are combined to produce a great variety of skeletons.  The function of these molecular structures can then be altered by the addition of enzyme groups. Terpenes are the key flavor and aroma element in everything from perfume, to beer, wine and even cannabis. ...

The Haus is pleased to bring you our Summer 2021 collection!  We will be releasing items in the shop beginning this Sunday 5/23 at 9AM Pacific.  Pumpkin Butter, Bubbling Scrub & Sugar Exfoliants BeguiledLemon cake made with the tang of fresh buttermilk and raspberry coulis - an otherwise innocent cake corrupted by cardamom and deceptive pink peppercorns.Brier PathSun drenched trail leading to a day dream of ripe berries and wood rose, rich forest loam, ozone, dark amber and cream.DriftwoodSun bleached driftwood, dry black musk, warm sand, dune grasses and a damp oceanic breeze.Marshmallow RoseHomemade marshmallow and rosewater.NarcosaA thick haze of...

The Renaissance in Europe saw the return of traditional liquid perfumes in a move away from the pomanders and solid fragrance delivery methods that were most popular in the Middle Ages. With increases in trade from Asia and the Middle East came not only an increase in the availability of more exotic ingredients but a change in the cultural practices of scent.The early Renaissance gave rise to the practice of carrying a Pouncet box, which was an open work box created from silver or other metal which would contain a cloth or sponge that had been soaked in a vinegar-based...

What's your fragrance family?Just like colors and flavors, fragrances can be divided up into primary categories.  There are a number of ways that these are cataloged, but the most well known method is the "Fragrance Family" created by the perfume guru Michael Edwards in his book "Fragrances Of The World".Edwards breaks down scents into four main types which are then further divided into 13 subgroups that he calls families. The Fragrance Wheel created by Michael Edwards. The 4 principle groups are Fresh, Floral, Woody and Oriental.Fresh NotesThese are the fragrances that are most commonly referred to as botanical, herbal or...

Do you know your aldehydes from your ketones? Perfume and fragrances can seem magical at times, able to evoke long buried memories with just a whiff, but there is some pretty serious science behind their function!  There are two principle types of organic compounds that produce the scents that we are familiar with - ketones and aldehydes.  Ketones are heavier and generally pleasant smelling, but today we will be focusing on aldehydes - generally the better known of the two types in the world of perfumery.An aldehyde is an organic compound that contains a carbonyl group (a carbon atom which...