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.

Having left his native New Zealand at a young age to pursue his dream job, Isaac Sinclair has moved to IFF as Senior Perfumer. Recently featured in Essencional and a former Esxence panelist, he was mentored by Maurice Roucel and spent formative years in Brazil. He has created for niche brands Neanderthal and Abel. Congratulations Isaac!

Over the years, Essencional has covered various pockets in the world where independent perfume brands are cropping up: from Amsterdam to Shoreditch and now Brooklyn. In this article, discover several entrepreneurs who thrive in the artistic openness this locale is known for, and plan a visit to the shops supporting niche and artistic perfumery.

Floral Street arrived on the fragrance scene nearly ten years ago in 2017. In this interview, founder Michelle Feeney talks about her experience working with Leonard Lauder, on being an entrepreneur and the joy of creating affordable luxury scents.