Olfactory Culture

Woody ambers: the nasal invaders

You smell them everywhere without knowing it, these mystery compounds. When, how and why did woody ambers invade perfumery? Here is our attempt at an answer for you: some facts, some history, and a healthy dose of subjectivity!

Olfactory Culture

Olfactory dissonance, between discourse and reality

Endless fields of Grasse roses, eco-responsible patchouli and a few drops of the loveliest organic lavender: it appears that mainstream brands fill their bottles exclusively with extracts that are ever more sustainable, ethical and mindful. What if perfumery tried a different approach to talking about its creations?

Olfactory Culture

Reinventing perfumery discourse

Myths, legends, misleading revelations, distorted reality: the perfumery industry has always tended to shroud itself in mystery, fostering a cult of secrecy and sometimes even disseminating lies. Has the time finally come to shift the dial?

Olfactory Culture

Salty notes, sea spray and tastebuds

Often used to conjure up an ocean feel, salty notes are primarily rooted in the sense of taste. An overview of how salt is interpreted in perfumery, as seen through the eyes of Aliénor Massenet (Symrise) and Cécile Matton (Mane).

Olfactory Culture

Vetiver, shadow and light

Although this tropical plant has long been a classic in perfumery, it recently seems to be attracting renewed interest. An overview of its botanical roots and olfactory developments, as seen through the eyes of perfumers Marc-Antoine Corticchiato (Parfum d’empire) and Quentin Bisch (Givaudan).

History

Maison Lautier 1795: The rebirth of a legend

Maison Lautier is currently being renewed by Symrise and is responsible for their full natural ingredients portfolio (Madagascar, Artisan and Supernature ranges). This invites us to re-examine its legacy and continued influence on perfumery.

Contest

Quintis’ Sandalwood Reimagined competition: And the winners are…

The American Society of Perfumers and Quintis Sandalwood, a company that specializes in the sustainable production of Australian and Indian sandalwood varieties, sponsored a competition at the end of 2021. The two winners were announced at the World Perfumery Congress (WPC) in Miami at the beginning of July. Interview.

Actualités

SIMPPAR: Ingredients as fuel and off you go!

The International Exhibition of Raw Materials for Perfumery (SIMPPAR) was held on June 1 & 2, 2022, after three long years of anticipation. It provided the opportunity to not only learn about the latest developments and ingredients that will be used in future formulas, but also (and most importantly!) to finally be together again.

Perfumery and sustainable development: behind the messaging

Givaudan Foundation: A tailored commitment to communities and nature

Never has the issue of safeguarding natural resources and the future of communities seemed so pressing than at present due to climate change. Some companies did not wait to take action in this crucial area. The Givaudan Group has established itself as a pioneer.

Perfumery and sustainable development: behind the messaging

Natural raw materials: plants, essences and people

Brand messaging regularly gives the impression that natural perfumery is all there is to sustainable perfumery, playing on the mirage conveyed by rose pickers happily at work as the sun peeps over the horizon. Can naturalness be so easily considered the best way towards a more responsible production?

History

The long-term sandalwood, by Quintis

Today, Australia has overtaken India as the largest producer of sandalwood, where the sacred tree originated. As the world’s leading sandalwood exporter, Quintis has built a long-term development strategy to ensure both consistent yields and prices.

Interviews

Frédéric Badie: “I’m particularly fond of frankincense”

As a chemistry graduate, Frédéric Badie first joined Mane to train in formulating natural ingredients. From there he went to Charabot, where he worked on olfactory and analytical control before becoming a perfumer at CAL-Chauvet. He is currently R&D director at Payan Bertrand.

With the support of our principal partners

IFRA