1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Candle & Soap Making

Top Note

By David Fisher, About.com

Definition: Essential oils are referred to as "top notes", "middle notes" or "base notes" depending on their aromatic qualities.

Top note oils are the lightest, most stimulating and energizing oils. They have a fresh, immediately apparent quality that is intense, but fleeting, due to their fast evaporation rate.

Examples of top note oils are:

  • Basil
  • Bergamot
  • Eucalyptus
  • Lemon
  • Lemongrass
  • Orange
  • Peppermint
  • Pine

Explore Candle & Soap Making

About.com Special Features

Home Allergy Center

Banish mess, reduce allergens, and maintain a clean, healthy home. More >

Home Improvements Made Easy

Inspirational ideas and expert tips to help you pull off your next DIY project. More >

  1. Home
  2. Home & Garden
  3. Candle & Soap Making
  4. Fragrances & Aromatherapy
  5. Scent/Essent. Oil Blending
  6. Top Note - Fragrance Blending and Aromatherapy

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.