Creating a new perfume with ChatGPT: drilling down

This message is a continuation of my previous message which can also be found at https://www.perfumeprojects.com/resources/ai-01.shtml

The perfume formula in my last message was generated by ChatGPT. You could create that perfume directly from the formula. If you were to do so, with the intention of selling it, you would have to deal with several issues that ChatGPT warns you of. First, all of the materials used are naturals. Secondly, some of these materials can be expensive.

The problem with the naturals is that they can vary greatly depending on the source and the season when they were harvested. So, if you were planning to sell your fragrance, you would want to lay in a considerable supply of each material so that a second batch of your fragrance would retain the odor characteristics of the first batch. (Just a warning!)

Now, going back to ChatGPT, suppose you wanted suggestions for some substitutes for raw materials in the formula. I asked ChatGPT what I might substitute for Patchouli. It gave me this response:

"If you're looking for a substitute for patchouli to maintain a strong woody aroma in your perfume formula, you might consider using one of the following materials:"

"1. Guaiacwood: Guaiacwood oil has a rich, smoky, and woody aroma that can provide depth and warmth to your perfume. It's often used as a base note in woody and oriental fragrances."

"2. Cypriol (Nagarmotha): Cypriol oil has a distinct earthy and woody scent with slightly smoky undertones. It can add complexity and depth to your perfume, similar to patchouli."

"3. Cedarwood Atlas or Virginia: Cedarwood essential oils have a strong woody aroma that can enhance the woody character of your perfume. Cedarwood Atlas has a slightly sweeter and balsamic scent, while Cedarwood Virginia has a drier and more pronounced woody aroma."

"4. Oud (Agarwood): Oud oil is derived from agarwood and offers a luxurious and intense woody scent with resinous and slightly smoky facets. It's often used in high-end fragrances to add a rich and exotic woodiness."

"5. Amyris: Amyris essential oil, also known as West Indian Sandalwood, has a soft and creamy woody aroma with similarities to sandalwood. It can be a good substitute if you're looking for a milder woody note."

"Remember that the characteristics of these oils can vary depending on their origin and quality. It's a good idea to test your chosen substitute in small quantities to ensure it fits well within your overall perfume composition and maintains the desired woody profile."

Then I asked if there was a synthetic substitute for Patchouli and ChatGPT answered:

"Yes, there are synthetic aroma chemicals that are used to mimic the scent of patchouli. Patchouli oil is known for its distinct and earthy aroma, and synthetic fragrance compounds have been developed to replicate this scent for use in perfumes, cosmetics, and other products. One commonly used synthetic aroma chemical for patchouli is Patchouli Alcohol. It is a key component in creating patchouli-like fragrances and is often used to add depth and richness to various scents. While it might not perfectly replicate the complexity of natural patchouli oil, it can come quite close and offers the advantage of consistency in fragrance compositions. Other aroma chemicals and compounds can also be combined to create synthetic patchouli-like scents, allowing perfumers and fragrance formulators to achieve a desired aroma profile without relying solely on natural patchouli oil. Keep in mind that the field of fragrance chemistry is constantly evolving, and new aroma chemicals and formulations may have been developed since my last knowledge update in September 2021."

Not satisfied with this answer, I asked:

"is Patchouli Alcohol a natural or synthetic odorant "

And ChatGPT replied:

"Patchouli Alcohol is a natural odorant found in patchouli oil. It's one of the major components responsible for the characteristic scent of patchouli. While it can also be synthesized in a lab, it is initially derived from natural sources, making it both a natural compound and an aroma chemical that can be produced synthetically for various applications, including perfumery and cosmetics. "

Now here's the problem. ChatGPT can't tell you everything. It can only generate answers from what has gone into it. In time its knowledge base will surely expand and it will be able to answer questions that it can't answer now. Meanwhile, if you want to used ChatGPT to develop a new perfume, it's an excellent starting point for the non-professional and it can teach you a lot. It's suggestions can get you started in interesting directions... but the really hard work -- trying and testing and adjusting -- is all up to you.