What is 100% Natural Perfume?

Why This Question Matters

Every time I’m asked “What is natural perfume?” I smile, because it’s such a simple question — yet the answer is layered, nuanced, and often misunderstood. The perfume industry is full of clever marketing words: clean, non-toxic, natural, organic, botanical. But what do they actually mean? And more importantly, how do you know what’s really in the perfume you spray on your skin every day?

This question is at the very heart of Sensoriam. For me, perfume isn’t just about smelling beautiful — it’s about reconnecting with nature, protecting our health, and honouring the ancient art of perfumery. That’s why I set out to create a place where people could explore fragrance in its purest form: 100% natural.

In this guide, I’ll take you through the history, science, and beauty of natural perfumery. We’ll explore where it came from, how it’s made, why it matters, and how you can choose perfumes that align with your values. Think of this as both a learning guide and a doorway into a very different world of scent.

And if you are curious about my journey and how I got here - I share a little doorway to that story right here for you!

From Sacred Ritual to Synthetic Industry

Perfume has always been about more than smelling good. The word itself comes from the Latin per fumum — “through smoke” — a reference to the burning of incense in ritual and ceremony. 

In ancient Egypt, solid perfumed balms, oils and resins were offerings to the gods, used to anoint pharaohs, and believed to connect the human spirit to the divine. Cleopatra famously scented her sails with rose and jasmine, ensuring her presence was known before she even arrived.

The Greeks and Romans expanded perfume into daily life, using oils, baths, and unguents. In medieval Europe, perfumed waters — like Hungary Water, made with rosemary — were used as medicine and youth elixirs, not just fragrance. And across the Middle East and Asia, distillation techniques gave us prized essences like rose, oud, and sandalwood that are still beloved today.

Fast forward to the 19th century, and chemistry changed everything. Scientists learned how to synthesise aroma molecules in a lab — things like vanillin (the scent of vanilla) or coumarin (the scent of hay and tonka). These innovations made perfume cheaper, more stable, and more accessible. But they also disconnected fragrance from its natural roots.

Today, over 95% of perfumes on the market are made almost entirely from synthetics. The artistry is still there, but the materials are not what they once were. Natural perfumery became a niche, a quiet resistance, carried on by artisans, healers, and those of us who believe there’s something profoundly different about scent when it comes directly from nature.

Why Natural Perfume Matters

When I think about what makes perfume meaningful, three words come to mind: health, transparency, and connection. Natural perfume matters because it aligns with all three.

Health & Hormones

Most commercial perfumes are built with synthetic molecules designed to last, cling, and “smell perfect” in a lab. But it turns out that many of those same molecules can end up being endocrine disruptors — chemicals that can interfere with the natural balance of our hormones. A recent review, Synthetic Endocrine Disruptors in Fragranced Products, describes how synthetic fragrance ingredients can bind to hormone receptors, disrupt signaling, or affect hormone production. MDPI

Investigative reports have also found links between commonly used fragrance chemicals (like phthalates) and hormone disruption, insulin resistance, and developmental issues which have multigenerational effects. EHN And it’s not just about one chemical — perfumes may contain hundreds of ingredients, some undisclosed, and the cumulative “cocktail effect” is concerning. CHEM Trust

By contrast, natural perfumes are made from botanicals, essential oils, resins, and plant extracts — substances our bodies have evolved to metabolise. Our bodies understand them, because we have evolved with them around us over millions of years. While “natural” doesn't mean “non-reactive” (sensitivities can still occur), it gives you full control and visibility over what you wear.

You can explore more on the Science of Toxic Fragrance here

Transparency & Trust

One of the murkiest parts of mainstream perfumery is the secret of the formula. Throughout history, perfumers (or alchemists) have guarded their recipes as sacred knowledge. In the ancient world, disclosing one’s secrets too freely could mean losing prestige or clients. That legacy continues — today, many companies hide entire ingredient lists under terms like “fragrance” or “parfum.”

But transparency isn’t just noble — it’s protective. At Sensoriam, I believe real 100% natural perfumers have nothing to hide. That’s why every perfume in our collection lists every single ingredient. You can check for allergens, see what other botanicals are present, and make informed choices. That kind of trust matters.

Bioaccumulation in the Body

Research shows that some fragrance chemicals can build up in our tissues over time. Because these molecules are fat-soluble, the body can’t always break them down or flush them out quickly. Synthetic musks, for example, have been found not only in human fat tissue but also in breast milk and blood.

Environmental Impact

The problems extend far beyond our bodies:

• Non-renewable feedstocks: Most synthetic molecules are made from petrochemicals — derived from crude oil. That means every spritz of a mainstream perfume is linked to fossil fuel extraction.

• Waste by-products: The process of synthesising fragrance molecules often produces chemical waste, which needs to be treated or discarded.

• Aquatic toxicity: Synthetic musks and other compounds have been detected in rivers, oceans, and even in the tissues of fish and shellfish. They don’t break down easily, meaning they persist in ecosystems.

Ethical & Ecological Balance

Even naturals must be handled with care. Some botanical materials are overharvested — sandalwood, oud/resin woods, certain precious flowers — and producing them unsustainably is destructive. The most ethical perfumers grow, harvest, and distill in ways that honor the land and communities.

I love that natural perfumes carry information — the soil where the plant grew, the sunlight it soaked up, the skill and intention of the distiller, and the artistry of the perfumer blending it all together. To me, wearing natural perfume feels like saying yes to that entire alchemy.

🔗 I’ll link to our “Choose Natural Perfume” page here for readers who want to dive deeper into how to spot genuinely natural vs. marketing “greenwash."

How Synthetic Scents Are Made

To understand why natural perfume is different, it helps to see how a synthetic molecule is created — in labs, not gardens.

1. Molecular Analysis

Chemists first analyse the smell profile of a natural aroma (e.g. rose or vanilla), breaking it down into molecules & a molecular structure based on gas chromatography, mass spectrometry, or other chemical techniques. They can then work out what is the “smelliest” part of that formula - the single element that is the most rose, or the most vanilla. 

2. Lab Synthesis

Using petrochemicals or petro-derived precursors, synthetic fragrance houses recreate or mimic those scent molecules, the smelliest part — often amplifying or adding stability features. For example, synthetic floral compounds like “rose oxide” or “methyl anthranilate” replicate rose-like aromas without needing rose petals.

And yes - these new scent molecules have been made from a natural ingredient like petroleum, so you could almost argue they are natural. But they are not from the original source of the rose or vanilla at all. They are a replication of it, a mimicry in a way.

3. Blending & Fixatives

These molecules are blended with solvents (often alcohol), fixatives, and stabilizers so the scent lasts many hours or even years on a shelf, and stays the same over time. Many fixatives are themselves synthetic or derived from petroleum.

4. Stabilisers, Preservatives & Masking Agents

To make sure the fragrance smells identical each time, additional chemicals may be included to prevent oxidation, mask unwanted notes, or act as preservatives.

The result? A perfume that is strong,has big projection, long-lasting, consistent — but often linear, less evolving, and composed of synthetic chemicals that may bioaccumulate or persist in the body and environment.

How 100 % Natural Perfume Is Made

Where synthetic scents are designed in labs, natural perfumes are created through an ancient, sensory, and deeply human process.

Often a natural perfume brand is founded in the slow and intentional beginnings of its Founders making them in small batches and hand pouring them. 

These days though, if a brand chooses and they have their natural formulations perfected they can get manufacturers to make them. This way, they are made in a “lab” of sorts, but all ingredients are 100% natural. 

1. Harvesting the Raw Material

Natural perfumery begins with plants — flowers, roots, barks, seeds, fruits, and resins. The quality of the raw material depends on many factors:

• Soil and climate: A rose grown in Bulgaria has a different scent profile to one from Morocco.

• Time of harvest: Jasmine picked at dawn carries a more delicate note than flowers picked in full sun.

• Sustainability: Ethical natural perfumers source from plantations or wild harvesters who protect biodiversity.

This is where natural perfume already differs from synthetics: the scent holds information from the soil, sun, water, and even the energy of the growers.

Each of our brands here at Sensoriam are quite different in where they source their ingredients from, their knowledge of origins and connections to the farms that grow them. 

You can explore more about our Founders and where they source from in our Founder I Am series. 

Amanda from SiUNO
Laura from Ode to Self
Olivia from Yusei
Nina from Serene Body Health
Lucy from Tuilta
Anna & Kate from Vahy
Sonia from Sonia Orts

2. Extraction of Aromas

There are several traditional ways to capture plant essences:

• Steam Distillation: Plant material is steamed, and the vapor condenses into essential oil + hydrosol. This method is common for lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus.

• Cold Pressing: Used for citrus fruits like bergamot, orange, lemon, and yuzu. The oils are literally pressed from the peel.

• CO₂ Extraction: A modern but natural technique using carbon dioxide under pressure to “pull out” volatile compounds. This often preserves a more true-to-plant scent (e.g. vanilla CO₂, rose CO₂).

• Tincturing: Plant material is soaked in alcohol to slowly extract its fragrance.

• Resins and Balsams: Materials like frankincense, myrrh, and benzoin are collected directly from tree sap.

Each method creates a slightly different “voice” of the plant.

3. Blending & Composition

This is the stage where perfumery becomes art. Natural perfumers carefully balance:

• Top Notes (the first impression, usually citrus, herbs, or light florals)

• Heart Notes (the main character of the perfume, like rose, jasmine, spices, or woods)

• Base Notes (deep anchors like sandalwood, vetiver, patchouli, resins)

Unlike synthetics, which often smell the same from start to finish, natural perfumes evolve on your skin. They unfold in stages, breathing with your body chemistry.

4. Maturation

Just like wine, natural perfumes need time to rest. The blended oils and alcohol marry together over weeks or months, softening rough edges and creating harmony.

5. Bottling & Full Ingredient Listing

A key difference with 100% natural perfumes is transparency. True natural perfumers list every ingredient on their packaging and websites — something almost unheard of in mainstream perfumery. This gives you clarity, allows you to check allergens, and builds trust.

To me, this process feels magical. It’s not just science — it’s alchemy. Natural perfumes carry layers of story: the soil, the sun, the farmers’ care, the distiller’s craft, the perfumer’s vision. When I wear them, I don’t just smell “good.” I feel connected — to nature, to memory, and to myself.

Benefits of 100% Natural Perfume

Health

Natural perfumes are free from synthetic chemicals that can disrupt hormones, trigger allergies, or build up in the body over time. Made only from plants, resins, and natural extracts, they’re kinder to sensitive skin and safer for daily wear. For many people, switching to natural fragrances means fewer headaches, less irritation, and peace of mind knowing exactly what they’re putting on their skin.

Aromatherapeutic

Each natural perfume carries the therapeutic properties of its ingredients. Lavender calms the nervous system, citrus uplifts and energises, sandalwood grounds and centres. Wearing natural perfume isn’t just about smelling beautiful — it’s about supporting your mood, focus, and wellbeing throughout the day.

Energetic Benefits

Plants carry the imprint of the soil, sun, and environment they grow in. Natural perfumes transmit that vitality. When you wear them, you’re connecting with the living energy of nature itself. Many people describe naturals as feeling “alive” on the skin — evolving, resonating, and shifting with your own energy.

Spiritual Connection

Across cultures and centuries, natural fragrance has been used in ritual and ceremony — from frankincense in temples to rose in sacred baths. Natural perfumes continue this lineage, offering a way to reconnect with spirit, intuition, and the unseen. They are modern-day alchemy, blending earth and soul, reminding us of what is sacred and meaningful.

Here we explore how scent can help to balance and heal your chakras. 

It has also led to the bloom of a new (or perhaps ancient!) focus on Sensory Wellness with 100% natural scents. Read more here.

But there is a difference between essential oils used just for aromatherapy and perfumery. Jump in here to learn more.

A Short History of Perfumery: Natural vs. Synthetic  

Ancient Roots

Perfume is as old as civilisation. Remember, the very word perfume comes from the Latin per fumum — “through smoke.” Scent was originally part of ritual: incense burned in temples, oils anointed on kings and queens, herbs crushed to cleanse the body and spirit. And all of this still happens today, which I believe is beautiful (if it's natural, of course!)

• Egyptians were distilling cedarwood, myrrh, and frankincense thousands of years ago. Cleopatra famously soaked the sails of her ships in rose oil so the scent would announce her arrival before she was seen. In Shakespeare’s play Antony & Cleopatra he says “the air was love sick with her.”

• Greeks and Romans embraced scented oils and resins in their baths, homes, and ceremonies.

• In India, Ayurveda included perfumed oils as medicine and spiritual practice.

• In China and Japan, incense was an art form, with complex rituals for appreciating subtle smoke.

For millennia, perfume was natural by definition — derived from plants, resins, and animal ingredients.

The Rise of Distillation

By the Middle Ages, alchemists in the Arab world perfected steam distillation, allowing the extraction of more delicate flowers like rose and orange blossom. This knowledge spread into Europe, giving rise to perfumery as a luxury art. Historically the first alcohol-based perfume, Hungary Water, was created in the 14th century using rosemary. 

Perfume houses began to flourish in France by the 16th and 17th centuries, supplying aristocrats who often used scent to mask the lack of bathing.

Industrial Revolution & the Synthetic Shift

The biggest shift came in the 19th century, when chemistry opened new doors. Scientists isolated molecules from natural materials — vanillin from vanilla, coumarin from tonka beans — and then began synthesising these molecules in labs.

By 1889, the French house Guerlain launched Jicky, considered the first perfume to combine natural materials with synthetics. Suddenly, perfumers had access to scents that were cheaper, more stable, and available year-round. And they had access to scents that were so different to their natural world around them, and that felt exotic and futuristic to them at the time. 

This was revolutionary — and it marked the birth of modern perfumery.

20th Century: Mass Market Perfume

As consumer culture exploded, so did perfume. Synthetic molecules allowed for mass production at lower cost, and big fashion houses (Chanel, Dior, Gucci) began to see perfume as both an art and a business empire. Marketing campaigns made fragrance aspirational, glamorous, and deeply tied to identity.

But in this shift, something was lost. Transparency disappeared: labels only needed to say “fragrance” — a word that could hide hundreds of undisclosed chemicals. Perfume became less about nature and more about brand image.

Today: A Return to Natural

We’ve now come full circle. As people question what goes on their skin and into their bodies, natural perfumery is experiencing a renaissance. The demand for 100% natural, sustainable, transparent perfumes is growing — driven by health concerns, environmental awareness, and a longing for connection to nature.

This is why natural perfume matters. It’s not just a trend — it’s a movement back to something essential, ancient, and real.

For me, natural perfumes carry more than just a smell. They carry the energy of the earth — the soil, the sun, the care of the harvesters, the alchemy of the distillers. Each bottle feels alive with story. That’s what I love — that layered ‘YES’ it stirs in me.

Glossary of Natural Perfumery Terms

One of the hardest things about perfume today is the language. Words like clean, natural, organic, or safe are thrown around without clarity. In truth, many of these terms mean very different things in perfumery than they do in everyday life. This glossary is here to clear that up — so you can make informed choices.

Greenwashing is when brands use words like “natural” and “organic” to have you believe that it is all natural, when actually it isn't. You can learn more about it here. 

Don’t be fooled by the words “chemical free” either - read here all about why that is misleading as well. 

100% Natural

A perfume made from only plant materials, resins, and naturally occurring isolates. No synthetic ingredients, no petrochemicals. This is what we at Sensoriam stand for: every single ingredient is natural, without exception.

Natural

This can be misleading. Sometimes “natural” means partly natural, but also containing synthetics. Unless it says 100% natural and lists ingredients, assume there may be synthetic molecules included.

Naturally Derived

Ingredients that start in nature but are then chemically altered in a lab. For example, limonene (from citrus peels) can be used as-is (natural), or broken down and restructured into something new (naturally derived). These are still considered to be 100% natural.

Nature-Identical

A lab-made molecule that is chemically identical to one found in nature. For example, lab-made vanillin is nature-identical to the molecule found in vanilla beans. It smells the same, but it hasn’t come from the bean. These are not 100% natural at all. 

Safe Synthetics

A term used in “clean beauty” marketing. These are lab-made molecules considered safe for human use by regulatory bodies. They may not be toxic, but they are still synthetic — and their production is usually not renewable. They have often NOT undergone extensive long term testing for their “safety” either as individual chemicals or as they interact with other chemicals (synthetic or natural) - we become the experiment. And it can take from 10 - 20 years to prove if a synthetic chemical is toxic for human and natural world, all the while it is being used. PFAS (forever chemicals) are an example of this.

Organic

Means the plants or natural ingredient used was grown without synthetic pesticides or synthetic fertilisers. However, a perfume can contain one or two organic ingredients and still be marketed as “organic.”

Certified Organic

This is a stricter category. Certifications like COSMOS Organic or Australian Certified Organic require that a high percentage of ingredients (often 95% or more) meet organic standards, with no hidden synthetics in order to be “Certified Organic”.

COSMOS Certified

An international standard for natural and organic cosmetics. COSMOS certification ensures ingredients are not only organic but also ethically sourced and environmentally sustainable.

Cruelty-Free

No animal testing involved in the making of the perfume or its ingredients. Often synthetic and natural ingredients are tested on animals before being used on humans. If you see “cruelty free” it means no animal testing has been done. 

PETA Certified

PETA certification means the brand has met PETA’s strict criteria for being cruelty-free and often vegan.

Botanical

Another way of saying plant-based. A botanical perfume is likely made entirely from flowers, leaves, roots, resins, and other plant matter. However, always look for a list of ingredients. They may just be using the word "botanical" on the label for marketing purposes. 

Artisanal

Made in small batches by skilled perfumers, often using hand-blended techniques. Opposite of mass-produced. However, always look for a list of ingredients. They may just be using the word "artisanal" on the label for marketing purposes. 

Slow Perfumery

Inspired by the “slow food” movement, this approach values time, intention, and sustainability over mass production. Materials are chosen carefully, blends are given time to mature, and the whole process is mindful.

Intuitive Perfumery

A style of perfumery that emphasises the energetic and emotional resonance of scent. Rather than just technical blending, it’s about feeling, intention, and the subtle messages plants carry.

For more of these jump into our Natural Perfume glossary where we dig deeper into perfume terminology explained.

How to Choose a Natural Perfume

Choosing a perfume can feel overwhelming — especially if you’re new to 100% natural scents. Unlike mainstream fragrances, natural perfumes evolve on your skin, change with the seasons, and connect with your emotions in a deeper way. Oh and they smell quite different, there is not the same projection as you get with a synthetic scent. 

But don’t worry — it doesn’t have to be complicated. Over the years I’ve developed a simple process I share with anyone looking for their signature scent.

Step 1: Look at What You Already Love

Start with the perfumes you’ve worn in the past or still enjoy. Check their notes — do you see jasmine, citrus, vanilla, woods? These are clues to what your nose naturally gravitates towards. If you haven’t worn perfume in years (we hear this a lot!), start with what you love in nature: fresh citrus, grounding woods, lush florals, calming herbs.

Our Perfume Quiz is a great starting point if you’re unsure.

Step 2: Consider Personality & Mood

Perfume is never just about smell — it’s about how it makes you feel. Think about the personality or mood you want to enhance:

• Romantic and dreamy?

• Adventurous and free-spirited?

• Grounded and wise?

• Playful or sensual?

I’ve written a few guides that might help:

• How to choose a perfume for Valentine’s Day (lots of tips for romantic scents).

• How to choose a natural perfume for Mum (celebrating nurturing, grounded personalities).

• How to scent your wedding (choosing fragrance for milestone occasions).

And if you prefer your natural perfumes alcohol free, we have the best guide for you here. 

Step 3: Match the Season

Scents, like wardrobes, shift with the seasons. Spring suits lighter florals and citruses; summer works with breezy, fresh scents; autumn leans into woods and spice; winter wraps us in resin and warmth.

I’ve shared more tips in How to choose a seasonal perfume.

Step 4: Test on Your Skin

The most important step — you have to try natural perfumes on your skin. They won’t smell the same on a blotter or straight from the bottle. The alchemy happens with your body chemistry.

Read more in How to sample natural perfume.

If you’re coming from commercial perfumes, remember: naturals will feel and behave differently. They may not “stick” in the same way, and that’s because they’re alive — they evolve, they breathe. Take your time to educate your nose.

If you’re shopping online, here are some tips: How to buy natural perfume online.

Step 5: Build Your Fragrance Wardrobe

I always suggest starting with one scent — your everyday perfume. Because this is the one you’ll be most exposed to, it’s the most important to keep 100% natural. From there, grow a small wardrobe of at least three perfumes so you can rotate:

• Power scent → the one you wear when you need courage, confidence, or presence.

• Sexy scent → your date-night, playful, magnetic fragrance.

• Soul scent → the one that feels like you, that speaks to your heart and spirit.

This rotation prevents olfactory fatigue and broadens your scent palette. From there, you can layer in seasonal perfumes, milestone perfumes (like your wedding day), or gifts that connect to memory and personality.

Step 6: Sensitive Skin & Special Considerations

If you or your loved one has sensitive skin, always patch test first. Look for perfumes that use jojoba oil bases or lighter alcohol formulations.

I’ve written a full guide on how to choose perfume for sensitive skin.

SWITCH OUTS - We also specialise in Natural Perfume Switch out options for many of the mainstream perfumes. Never a direct dupe, but with scent notes that are similar and so can be a great way to step into the world of natural perfumery. 

Miss Dior (2017) Switch Out
Gucci Flora Gardenia Switch Out
1 Million Paco Rabanne Switch Out
Gucci Bloom OG Switch Out
Chanel 19 Switch Out
Estee Lauder Beautiful Switch Out
Issey Miyake L’Eau Switch Out
Ariana Grande Cloud Switch Out
Si Giorgio Armani Switch Out
Who is Elijah Her Her Switch Out
Dior Eau Sauvage Switch Out
Chanel Coco Mademoiselle Switch Out

How to Help Natural Perfume Last Longer on your Skin - We share the best tips right here.

Challenges & Misconceptions About Natural Perfume

Natural perfume is beautiful, complex, and powerful — but it also comes with myths and challenges. Let’s clear some of them up.

Misconception: “They don’t last.”

This is one of the biggest myths. Natural perfumes do last, but they can evolve differently to synthetics. Natural perfumes unfold like a story — top, middle, and base notes shifting over time. Yes, you may need to reapply after a few hours, but that can be part of the ritual. Think of it like sipping water or tea through the day — a way to stay present. In general you can get 4 - 6 hours from a natural perfume before needing to reapply. And no, they don't “stick” to your clothes the way synthetics do. 

Learn how to wear natural perfumes to ensure you get good longevity out of them. 

Misconception: “Natural = weak.”

Not at all. In fact, naturals often have more depth and richness because they’re alive with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of aromatic compounds within each single extract. A rose absolute, for example, contains over 300 molecules, giving it unmatched complexity. Naturals don’t shout — they resonate, well that is what I believe. They’re powerful in a different, more nuanced way.

Challenge: Sourcing Sustainably

The truth is, natural perfumery relies on the earth — and that means we must be responsible. Some ingredients (like Mysore sandalwood or wild-harvested oud) were driven to near extinction. The best natural perfumers today work only with plantations, renewable sources, and ethical suppliers. Compared to synthetics, naturals also offer a smaller palette to work with — but for me, that’s part of the artistry. It forces creativity, discernment, and a deep relationship with the materials.

Why does perfume smell different on different people? We get asked this a lot. You can find out here. 

You can travel with natural perfume, no worries. I shared my best travelling with perfume tips right here.

Green Molecules & Biotech in Natural Perfumery: The Future

As demand grows for sustainable, ethical fragrance ingredients (especially those that don’t rely on endangered plant species), scientists and perfumers are turning to biotechnology, fermentation, and synthetic biology to create “green molecules.” These are naturally occurring aromatic compounds (or close analogues) produced by engineered microbes (yeast, algae, bacteria) or by enzymatic processes — rather than by harvesting whole plants.

Here’s how it works, some examples, and what to watch out for.

How Are Green Molecules Made in Fragrance?

1. Metabolic engineering / pathway design
   Scientists identify the genetic pathways in plants that produce desirable fragrance molecules (e.g. terpenes, sesquiterpenes, phenolics). They then insert or tweak those genes in a microbial host (yeast, bacteria, microalgae) so the microbe becomes a “living factory.”

2. Fermentation / precision fermentation
   The engineered microbes consume a feedstock (e.g. sugars, CO₂, waste biomass) and produce the target aroma molecule as a byproduct of their metabolism. This is done in bioreactors under controlled conditions. This process is sometimes called precision fermentation when the aim is to produce a single molecule with high specificity. Wikipedia

3. Enzymatic biocatalysis / cell-free systems
   In some cases, enzymes (isolated from organisms) are used outside living cells to convert precursors into aromatic compounds in vitro. This allows for more control over reaction conditions, fewer side-products, and lower energy usage. ScienceDirect+2ScienceDirect+2

4. Harvesting, purification, formulation
   Once microbes produce the aromatic compound, it’s extracted, purified, and formulated (blended, adjusted) just like traditional essential oils or isolates.

5. Hybrid or “semi-synthetic / bio-synthetic” approaches
   Sometimes, a portion of the molecule is produced biologically, then chemically adjusted to reach the final fragrance molecule desired. This bridging helps when direct biosynthesis is inefficient.

Examples of Green Molecules / Biotech Aromas in Perfumery

• Algae-derived sesquiterpenes for agarwood / oudh

  Researchers at KAUST (King Abdullah University of Science & Technology) engineered algae (green microalgae) to produce sesquiterpenoid skeletons found in agarwood (oud) — molecules that normally come from endangered trees in the wild. KAUST+1

  In one project, they catalogued agarwood’s complex sesquiterpenes and reproduced some using algae in what they call a “complete green bioprocess.” KAUST

• Yeast production of sclareol (precursor to Ambrox / ambergris substitutes)

  Scientists have engineered oleaginous yeast (e.g. Yarrowia lipolytica) to overproduce sclareol, which is used in perfume as a precursor in the synthesis of Ambrox (a popular fixative / woody ambergris analogue). RSC Publishing

• Fermentation-derived aromatics by flavor & fragrance houses

  Big fragrance houses (e.g. Givaudan) now promote biotech / fermentation methods to expand their “palette” of aroma ingredients that are renewable, scalable, and sustainable. givaudan.com

  For example, Givaudan describes using microalgae grown with sunlight and seawater to derive natural aromatic ingredients in their K-phyto™ range. givaudan.com

• Bioflavor / aroma compound research in enzymatic & microbial synthesis

  A scientific review highlights the growing use of enzyme catalysis and engineered microbes to produce flavor and fragrance molecules in more sustainable ways. ScienceDirect

• Yeast and aroma compound engineering

  A review titled “The Smell of Synthetic Biology” details how yeast (esp. Saccharomyces cerevisiae) is being used as a chassis to produce aroma compounds via genetic engineering of key metabolic pathways. MDPI

Why This Matters to Natural Perfumery

• Conservation of rare species & biodiversity

  Some fragrance ingredients (sandalwood, oud, rare botanical resins) are under ecological stress. Biotech routes can ease pressure on wild plant populations by offering sustainable alternatives.

• Predictability, consistency, scalability

  Climate change, pests, crop failures, seasonal variability — all affect botanical yields. Biotechnology offers control and predictability, helping maintain year-round supply with stable quality.

• Reduced environmental footprint

  When done well, the fermentation approach can use less land, water, and energy compared to traditional botanical farming, especially for rare botanicals.

• New aromatic possibilities

  Some scents or molecular variants that don’t exist (or are too rare in nature) might be created or tweaked via biotechnology — offering new creative directions for perfumers.

Here at Sensoriam we will continue to monitor this new trend, and always insist on full transparency of ingredients and keep abreast of the science whilst keeping to our 100% natural ethos. 

Considerations & Challenges

• Purity & “natural status” debates
  Whether biotech-derived molecules count as “natural” is still hotly debated. Some regulators allow fermentation-derived molecules to be labelled as “natural,” while others do not.

• Consumer perceptions & trust
  For fragrance lovers, the joy often comes from the tactile, botanical, artisanal narrative. Some may resist lab-grown ingredients because they feel “too engineered.”

• Regulatory & labeling issues
  In different jurisdictions, labeling rules differ. Whether a biotech ingredient can be listed as “natural” depends on regulatory definitions.

• Cost and scale
  Early-stage biotech production can be costly. Scaling up fermentation processes reliably and economically is still a technical challenge.

• Integrity & transparency
  The principle of transparency remains critical. Even biotech molecules should list origin, purity, and process (to avoid “greenwashing”).

The Sensoriam Difference

For me, perfume has never just been about smelling good. It’s about trust, integrity, and connection — to nature, to ourselves, and to each other. That’s why every perfume at Sensoriam is 100% natural. No hidden synthetics. No greenwashing. Nothing to question.

I personally curate our collection — working only with perfumers and makers who share the same commitment to naturalness, provenance, and artistry. Each bottle carries not only scent, but story: the soil it grew from, the sun that ripened it, the hands that harvested and distilled it, and the imagination of the perfumer who brought it to life.

I want you to feel safe, inspired, and uplifted when you wear a natural perfume. To know that what touches your skin is free from endocrine disruptors and full of vitality. To know that every time you spritz, you’re connecting with something real.

If you’re ready to explore, start with our Perfume Quiz — it’s a fun way to discover what scents match your personality. Or try one of our Sampler Sets, so you can experience different moods before finding your everyday favourite. And if you want to go deeper, our Natural Perfume Making Classes are a beautiful way to create your own scent, guided by the alchemy of natural ingredients.

At Sensoriam, we believe natural perfume is more than a luxury — it’s a way to live with more intention, vitality, and connection.

With love and scent, naturally!
Jessica