Knowledge of raw materials is often assumed when describing perfume, but many ingredients can be difficult to identify without a point of reference. This article breaks down 10 commonly used perfume materials, using fragrances to illustrate what each one actually smells like.

Oud's character is shaped by a combination of factors, including geography, climate, soil, the surrounding environment, the age of the tree, and how the wood is processed. Regional descriptions can help identify an oud’s general character, but they are not definitive. The article also examines how Indian oud has influenced Western perceptions of the material and why natural oud is not necessarily an indicator of quality.

Fragrance houses are taking over some of the most iconic addresses around Paris this summer. From Bottega Veneta’s pop up at Galeries Lafayette to Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s exhibition gallery, these brands are transforming their spaces into immersive experiences that bring their olfactory worlds to life and may inspire other niche brands to do the same.

In this article, perfumer Francis Kurkdjian tells the behind the scenes story of how he created one of the world's best selling fragrances and how it became the scent of choice for rappers, athletes and divas. Originally developed as a limited-edition fragrance, Baccarat Rouge 540 has since become a modern icon in the world of perfumery.

The home fragrance category exploded during the pandemic, but it remains to be seen if people are still scenting their ambient space on a regular basis, especially in China. Some point to the market’s preference for flameless fragrance over the common candle, while others cite the need to create rituals around functional fragrance references to foster growth.

Is it true that people rarely bathed in the Middle Ages? Were the Renaissance courts smelly places? Not at all according to this author. Citing numerous sources, she reveals that soaps, oils, unguents and plant recipes were widely used in Western Europe, debunking the age old myth about hygiene.

Photo: Courtesy of Château du Clos Lucé - Parc Leonardo da Vinci - Léonard de Serres

The path to success is often long and arduous when bringing a forgotten brand back to life. Officina Satine has roots dating back to the 19th century, and a roster of fragrances that had commercial success in Italy between the wars. Now a former Fueguia 1833 exec is behind reviving the brand for the 21St century.

How is the perfumer’s palette evolving in 2026? On the one hand, there’s digital olfaction technology where AI identifies potential molecules and on the other hand there’s upcycled ingredients, made from what the industry normally discards. Both methods arrive at the same end: a more sustainable approach to fragrance creation.