Glossary
A top note is a lighter, faster-moving aroma that is usually noticed first in a blend and fades more quickly than deeper notes.
What Top Note Means
Top notes often feel bright, fresh, sharp, sparkling, airy, or clean. Many citrus oils, some minty oils, and certain light herbal oils are used as top notes. They give a blend its opening impression.
Why It Matters
Top notes can make a blend feel lively and inviting, but they often do not last as long as middle or base notes. If a blend feels too fleeting, it may need a middle or base note to give it more structure.
Example in Essential Oil Use
Lemon, lime, pink grapefruit, and peppermint are often used as bright top notes in diffuser blends and natural perfume.