I thought we would have a little chemistry lesson this week – my only problem was trying to choose a subject that wasnt too boring for the average layman (myself included).

And so I decided on a brilliant little chemical called Iso E Super. You’ll probably already know the smell as it’s hidden (sometimes not very well) in many of the fine fragrances that you can buy today. Its been around for a number of years now, and was created by International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (IFF) It is a brilliant addition to the world of perfumery. In previous years it has always had a supporting role in fragrances, but more recently it has been thrust into a leading role.

So, what on earth is Iso E Super, and why has it suddenly been thrust into the limelight? Well, its official description is as follows ‘a smooth woody amber with unique aspects, giving it a velvet like sensation. It is used to impart fullness and subtle strength to existing fragrances. It is a superb floralizer found in the majority of new fine fragrances, and is also a useful addition to soaps and fabric softeners’.

Almost transparent in colour it has a vague sweet cedarwood-like scent imparting a male, woodsy, musky type aroma.

It is known as the invisible fragrance, and has also been likened to a modern day Love Potion No.9! The reason for this is that it has been known to mimic the action of human pheromones. Although not a pheromone itself, it has the effect of other people noticing you or your fragrance but not quite being able to put their finger on the reason why. This is because ordinary fragrances are designed to project themselves over a wide radius, whilst Iso E Super is designed to cling to the skin, swapping itself between opulence and simplicity, sometimes being quite noticable, sometimes undetectable.

On this note, you might like to research the fragrance Molecule 01, which is currently being sold at very high prices around the world. This fine fragrance is literally just Iso E Super bottled. The theory behind using this chemical on its own as a fragrance was that it would create an appealing effect to those smelling it on the wearer without it being perceived as a ‘perfume’. It really is the ultimate skin scent much like natural ambergris, it creates its own magic, weaving its invisible scent. It has a staying power on the skin for 6-8 hours.

We had a little experiment between ourselves here in the office last weekend, and all had some type of a result. Nichola was asked in her local shop what fragrance she was wearing and how nice it was, I was accosted by my daughter as i walked through the door to be asked ‘What is that wonderful smell?’, and poor Helen had to share a seat with a stranger on the bus all the way home even though there were plenty of seats elsewhere!

It certainly does seem to have an effect on other people and to be honest I have even worn it a few times instead of perfume on a night out…if you get the chance you must try it….it really does have striking results, and let me know how you get on……