Fragrance, the long-suffering underdog of beauty, has been the hero category since the pandemic. Will its’ rise continue or are there signs of trouble ahead? Some analysts see a slowdown on the horizon, while others believe it’s the niche category that will drive the excitement, leaving it ripe for acquisition deals in the future.

Esxence, the art perfumery event, celebrates creativity in fragrance, design and concept. In this article, take a look at six challenger brands from around the globe who bravely stand out for their unique, disruptive approach.

Affordable alternative? Copycat? Fast fashion for fragrance? The temptation of buying a fragrance at a fraction of the price of what it costs attracts many consumers to buy fakes. Is imitation the highest form of flattery? And are flankers the equivalent of in-house dupes? It’s a raging debate in the fragrance world, one not to be resolved any time soon.

For several years now the industry has been waiting to see what role AI would play in the fragrance world. Is it a threat to the job security of perfumers? Here’s an overview of how a handful of companies are employing AI: from sourcing to creation to customization.

In this candid article writer and perfume critic Persolaise muses on his visit to Esxence 2025 as he ponders the question of, who are the Da Vincis, the masterpieces, of the fragrance world? After visiting Esxence he shares his thoughts on true perfumery, the search for the rare gems and the need to throw light on lesser known brands.

Although farm-grown raw materials are still the norm, there’s a growing crop of lab ingredients making inroads in the perfumer’s palette. At the same time some brands are getting in the game either by having their own estates or going into partnerships, effectively becoming ingredient manufacturers.

Brazil is one of the most important fragrance markets in the world. Traditionally, it’s held this acclaim due to its consumption of mass products but now the consumer is moving towards niche brands. In this article, learn about some of the trends and preferences which are prevalent today.

In case you couldn’t make it to Milan, here’s another look at the 15th edition of Esxence. Remarking on the fact that 38 countries were represented, this article focuses on the global nature of the show and highlights a few brands that caught the author’s attention.