The tradeshow dedicated to innovation and design in packaging just closed its’ doors with record-breaking attendance. The addition of the Pentawards Festival, the world’s leading packaging design competition, was a key attraction. The fair also included numerous workshops where sustainability, innovation, AI and regulatory topics were discussed.

Have you ever had a customer tell you a fragrance doesn’t smell the same anymore (“They’ve changed it!”)? Have you had this experience yourself? Perfumer Miguel Matos explains why this happens as he ponders the question, is the fragrance now ruined or is it trying to survive?

We continue to ponder the question, what is truly niche? In this article the author exposes some collaborations between brands and fragrance houses while singling out other brands that are truly independent. Essencional is neutral on the topic and simply wishes to keep our readers informed of the discussions circulating on the internet.

Start-up company Exuud has a game changing plan for home fragrance. The controlled scent-release technology intrigued Estee Lauder who is now an investor. Together they are exploring new ways to elevate the efficacy of home scent while liberating the perfumer to have a wider palette of ingredients.

Can perfume bring out the animal in you? Amongst a sea of sweet and sugary fragrances comes a wave of animalic, sensual scents largely coming from independent fragrance brands. Sometimes polarizing but always creative this article celebrates and highlights a selection of creators and their audacious perfumes.

Imagine a world where everyone has lost their memory and the way to get it back is through smell and memory. Now imagine that as a video game and that’s the premise behind Givaudan’s latest venture, Guardians of Memories, an entertaining and educational game targeted at Gen Z and Alpha.

Fragrance professionals and aficionados know about the link between scent and emotion, and they know mood-enhancing fragrances are part of a growing post-pandemic movement to enhance well-being. Brand Founder Audrey Semeraro talks about the science and technology behind her fragrances.

Regulatory group IFRA has just released their annual report on 2024 achievements in video format. President Alexander Mohr summarizes the association’s achievements in terms of sustainability, scientific innovation and safety standards.

Niche perfumery enthusiasts will be making a beeline to the newly expanded Bloom Perfumery located in the heart of London. 2025 begins with the retailer relocating to a larger location while maintaining a posh address. With an assortment that is touted to be “80% exclusive” in the market, be ready to smell rare and independent perfume brands.

Harrods is one of the premier retailers in the world and getting a foot in the door is a dream for so many brands. In this interview Ms Collins speaks about the biggest opportunities and challenges in the beauty sector today, Harrods’ buying and selling strategies for beauty, and how it positions both Harrods and brands for success.