ITEC Aromatherapy Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Guide

The type of note in essential oils characterized by sharp smells and rapid absorption into the skin is indeed the top note. Top notes are the initial scents that are perceived upon application, and they typically include lighter and more volatile components. These also tend to evaporate quickly, which is why they are often described as having a sharp or fresh aroma, providing an immediate impact when the oil is first applied.

Due to their quick evaporation, top notes play a crucial role in the overall experience of an essential oil blend, setting the initial mood before the deeper, more lingering middle and base notes become apparent. This quick absorption into the skin not only enhances the scent experience for the user but also allows for rapid therapeutic effects, making top notes particularly suitable for stimulating or energizing aromatherapy blends.

Middle notes, by contrast, are characterized by a balanced aroma that develops after the top notes fade and are typically more grounding. Base notes are heavier and take longer to be absorbed, providing longevity to the scent but not the immediate impact associated with top notes. Harmonizing notes is not a standard classification in essential oil terminology, making the top note the clear and correct choice in this context.