Naturals

Natural perfumes trace their roots back to antiquity when civilisations extracted fragrances from botanical sources and animal secretions. Many of the animals valued in perfumery have become endangered, so we choose plant-based alternatives for the richness historically offered by Civet, Musk, and Ambergris. Today, natural perfumery relies on essential oils, absolutes, and CO2 extracts. These raw materials, revered for their complexity and nuances, lend natural perfumes their depth and richness. 

Natural fragrances unfold dynamically upon wearing, revealing the nuances of each botanical component as they interact with the wearer’s skin chemistry. The complexity of natural perfumes stems from the intricate interplay of these botanical essences, resulting in fragrances that evolve over time, much like a living organism. The olfactory journey offered by natural perfumes is akin to a stroll through a botanical garden, with each scent note unfolding organically, from the crisp freshness of Citrus to the earthy warmth of Patchouli, natural perfumes evoke a visceral connection to nature, invoking memories and emotions with every inhale.

In the modern age, natural perfumers also have another tool in their kit with natural isolates. These are individual molecules found in a range of botanicals that are extracted in isolation from their plant sources, and give scent designers a level of control over their compositions that is difficult to achieve with whole plant ingredients. For example, to create a fresh-cut Rose note, a perfumer might add a touch of linalool to suggest the green sap of the stem. Mandy Aftel (who you might recall from our Expert Series) has a wonderful recent book which is a great resource if you would like to learn more about isolates!