Fragrance sales are growing in India where the reference is no longer “nice to have” but more of a grooming essential. Mega-chain Nykaa has opened a fragrance only concept now, testing the waters in a country of 1,6billion people where roughly 6% are users.

The perfumer is celebrated as the artist behind the fragrance itself, but don’t forget the chemist who innovates through the creation of aroma molecules. While copyright laws don’t exist for perfumes, molecules are often patented and trademarked. An interesting look behind the scenes.

Since the time of the Ancient Egyptians, myrrh has been sourced from Ethiopia using traditional harvesting methods which helps to produce the best quality resin. Long a staple in the perfumer’s palette, it is also used in natural remedies. Climate changes and economic factors are now endangering the population of trees.

As the gourmand trend continues, honey takes center stage. The sweet note provides comfort and character without being heavy or overly sweet as the scents lean more towards nectar rather than sweet dessert. Take a look at some of the brands hopping on this trend.

Comme des Garçons has always defied the norm, launching abstract fragrance creations since 1994. Never beholden to a marketing calendar, fragrances were released when there was something meaningful to express, often collaborating with artists, musicians, designers and organizations, bringing unpredictability to the olfactory realm.

The new Eldorado for niche fragrance may now be in Southeast Asia. With a growing appetite for grooming and luxury products, consumers are turning to niche perfumes which have experienced 120% growth in 2025. While they favor discovery in store then buy best price online, their preference for local brands is having a global effect on diversification of the global industry.

China’s fragrance industry is shifting focus from branding to developing native aromatic ingredients, as was highlighted at Notes Shanghai. However, ingredient innovation alone is not enough: brands must pair it with strong cultural narratives to stand out in an increasingly crowded and regulated global market.

It may be early days, but word is out that PDM is for sale as the American private equity firm brings in the big guns to close a deal. Although PDM has grown globally, expanding its retail network and its fragrance range, the climate right now is complicated to find the right buyer.