The following is a description of the subcategories that exist under the modern classification of oflactive families. These were developed from 1945 onwards and are used today more often than the traditional classifications as they better describe and categorise the types of scents and synthetic compounds that are commonly found in modern perfumes:
Aquatic: (also known as Oceanic, or Ozonic): This is the most recent addition to the modern olfactive families having only come to the fore in 1991 with the release of Dune by Christian Dior. The agent responsible for this smell family is also a relatively recent discovery, it being a synthetic called calone, that was only discovered in 1966. This family of smells is typified by the characteristic oceanic androgynous scents found in many modern fragrances.
Bright Floral: Bright floral takes both the traditional Single floral and floral bouquet categories and combines them into the new category of Bright Floral.
Citrus: This fragrance category consists of the distinctive sharp scents of the citrus family of fruits. Modern compounds and an increased knowledge of middle and base note production have helped in the manufacture of distinctly citrus like perfumes and colognes where in the past they may have not been as used doe to their short life span once worn.
Fruity: This category features fruit smells that are not citrus such as wild berry, passion fruit, peach and mango.
Green: Green scents are very reminiscent of the traditional Chypre category featuring light and delicate aromas of cucumber and grass.
Gourmand: Gourmand scents combine organic and synthetic compounds to create the aroma of foods, more specifically deserts. Vanilla is one of the most popular of these types of scents.