The unique fragrance experience of a molecular perfume
If you are looking for unusual and exclusive perfumes that not only emphasize your taste but also your personality, then you have come to the right place. Discover the fascinating world of molecular perfumes and find out what makes these innovative perfume creations so unique and how they differ from traditional fragrances.
Molecule fragrances are either exclusively synthetic molecular structures or a combination of synthetic and natural fragrances, often to enhance the natural components of the fragrance or to give it a certain uniqueness. The most distinctive feature of molecular fragrances is that the molecules interact differently with the body's chemistry and therefore always smell differently.
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The Essence of Molecular – what exactly is it and what makes it so special?
The term “molecular fragrance” already indicates that this is an unusual type of perfume. But what exactly makes this type of perfume so innovative and how does it differ from conventional fragrances?
Molecular perfumes use only fragrance extracts produced synthetically in the laboratory, known as fragrance molecules. In contrast, conventional perfumes consist of essential fragrance oils extracted from flowers, herbs, fruits or woods. This is one of the biggest differences between molecular fragrances and traditional perfumes. Synthetic production opens up countless possibilities for fragrance nuances that go beyond ordinary fragrance bouquets such as bergamot, rose or vanilla. This has also led to the use of new descriptions of fragrances. Instead of traditional terms such as “woody” or “spicy”, characteristics such as “stimulating” or “minimalist” are now used.
The first fragrance molecule is often attributed to Iso E Super, a synthetic molecule developed by International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) in the 1970s. Iso E Super became popular due to its unique and versatile fragrance profile, which is described as warm, woody and slightly musky. It is often used as a base note or fixative in perfumery to enhance and prolong the overall fragrance composition. It revolutionized the perfume industry by demonstrating the potential of single molecules to create complex and captivating fragrances that react differently to each skin's chemistry, creating an infinite universe of scents.
The first finished molecular perfume is often credited to “Molecule 01” by niche perfume brand Escentric Molecules. Created by perfumer Geza Schön and launched in 2006, Molecule 01 eau de parfum contains Iso E Super as its only fragrance ingredient.
Here are a few of the most commonly used fragrance molecules:
Aldehyde: A metallic, sweet molecule, reminiscent of warm laundry, gas or coldness, with possibly floral nuances. Aldehydes also intensify the odour experience and help notes harmonize, making it a popular molecule for all types of perfumes.
Ambrettolide: A musky molecule with a floral note. Often used as a fixative in perfumes to improve the longevity of the fragrance.
Ambroxan: An aromatic molecule with an intense, warm and amber-like fragrance. Often used in luxurious fragrances for its long-lasting effect.
Calone: A clean, marine and powerful molecule with lightly floral nuances. It has been discovered to also be able to bear sweet notes similar to watermelon. It is used in all kinds of perfumes thanks to its versatility.
Cashmeran: A warm and woody molecule with a subtle resinous note. Adds a sensual and luxurious nuance to fragrances.
Ethylene Brassylate: A sweet and floral musk fragrance with a warm nuance. Often used in perfumes for its romantic and feminine qualities.
Exaltolide: A soft and creamy musk fragrance with a light floral note. Often used in women's fragrances for its gentle and calming quality.
Galaxolide: A synthetic musk fragrance with a clean and powdery note. Often used in cleaning and care products as well as perfumes for its softness and longevity.
Hedione: A fresh and floral molecule with a light citrus note. Often used in women's perfumes for its airy and transparent quality.
Helvetolide: A modern musk molecule with a clean and fresh note. Gives fragrances a contemporary and elegant appeal.
Iso E Super: A synthetic molecule with a warm, woody and slightly musky fragrance. Often used as a base in modern perfumes.
Musk Xylene: A synthetic musk fragrance with an animalistic and sensual note. Often used in oriental fragrances for its seductive effect.
The composition, effect and durability of molecular perfumes
Apart from the ingredients, molecular perfumes also differ from traditional perfumes in terms of their composition and effect.
Traditional perfumes often follow the classic structure of three fragrance phases: Top notes (citrusy), heart notes (floral) and base notes (spicy). Molecular perfumes, on the other hand, can have up to six different fragrance phases due to the wide range of synthetic fragrances.
The effect of molecular fragrances also differs. When applying a conventional perfume, the fragrance notes are perceived immediately. With molecular perfumes, you may only notice a hint of the fragrance at first. The full development of the perfume takes place over time when the fragrance molecules combine with the pH value of the skin and body heat. Another characteristic feature of molecular perfumes is that they smell differently on each person. Each person has a unique body scent, and as soon as the synthetic fragrances combine with it, individual fragrance experiences are created.
This is why the development of the fragrance differs between molecular perfumes and commercial perfumes. With conventional perfumes, you experience the different fragrance notes one after the other. Molecular perfumes unfold over the course of wearing them. When you apply the synthetic fragrance in the morning, you experience the first fragrance phase. After about 10 hours, however, the fragrance will be completely different, as the molecules are more influenced by body heat during this time.
Molecular perfumes usually contain only a few, highly concentrated fragrance molecules that are responsible for the characteristic scent. Due to their high concentration and purity, molecular perfumes can often remain on the skin longer than conventional perfumes.
The longevity of molecular perfumes can vary depending on individual skin type, ambient temperature and other factors though. However, it is important to note that the longevity of perfume also depends on the quality of the ingredients, how the perfume is stored and other factors (here's everything you need to know about longevity).
Who are molecular fragrances suitable for? Who can wear such an Eau de Parfum?
You may be wondering who these particular fragrances are suitable for. The versatility of the fragrance components and compositions means that both women and men can enjoy the same molecular perfumes.
The fragrance notes in conventional perfumes can often be categorized as “floral-sweet” and “woody-tart”, with the whole composition aimed in one direction.
Molecular perfumes, on the other hand, are more contrasting and versatile, combining both sweet and spicy as well as feminine and masculine essences. Because of these diverse aromas, most molecular perfumes are considered unisex.
To ensure that your molecule perfume and therefore your personal fragrance are shown to their best advantage, we recommend using neutral body care products that do not contain any other fragrances or notes.
How do I choose a molecular perfume?
Ultimately, the choice of a molecular perfume should be based on personal preferences and needs. Try out different fragrances and choose the molecule perfume that suits you best.
However, here are a few factors that can help you when choosing a molecular fragrance.
Scent preference
Choose a molecule perfume that suits your personal taste and preferences. Test different fragrances to find out which one you like best.
Longevity
If you are looking for a long-lasting perfume, a molecule perfume can be a good choice, as the highly concentrated fragrance molecules can stay on the skin for longer. Heavier or warmer molecules, such as Ambroxan or Casherman, also last longer on the skin compared to lighter molecules, such as Hedoine.
Uniqueness
Molecular perfumes are known for their unique and unusual scent profiles. If you are looking for a fragrance that stands out from conventional perfumes, a molecular perfume could be the right choice.
Skin compatibility
Test the molecule perfume on your skin to make sure it is well tolerated and does not cause allergic reactions. Fragrance samples are an advantage here (here you can find all relevant information about our perfume samples).
Which molecule perfume is the best?
It's particularly difficult to say in general terms which molecule perfume is the best, as it's such an individual olfactory journey you go through when you wear it. However, there are some that captivate almost everyone who smells them - an experience we have had both in our team and with our customers.
The all-time favorite
I Don't Know What – this Iso E Super Radiance is blended with bergamot, vetiver and ambroxan to create the ultimate calming yet refreshing molecular scent.
As the name suggests, it has a certain “je ne sais quoi” that captivates everyone.
I Don't Know What – Eau de Parfum
Lieferzeit 1-3 Werktage
I Don't Know What is not only a powerful, yet subtle perfume, but on top of that, it's also a fragrance enhancer. With a transparent glow, it really adds that certain "je ne sais quoi" (that certain something) to any perfume, as the French put it. Iso E Super flickers in the air and combined with vetiver and musky ambrox super tantalizes anyone who comes in contact with the fragrance flair. A composition that lasts all day and surrounds you with a vague, sensual aura.
The runner-up
genetic bliss – this molecular perfume, which entered the perfume world in 2018 and was added to our collection at the end of 2021, gives I Don't Know What a run for its money.Unusually warm and woody, this molecule fragrance is unlike any other molecule fragrance. Isolating five exclusive molecules – including akigalawood, belambre and moxalone – genetic bliss is a bespoke and expressive fragrance with spicy, woody and musky notes.If you want to get as many compliments as possible on your fragrance, genetic bliss is for you.
genetic bliss – Eau de Parfum – 87ml
Lieferzeit 1-3 Werktage
genetic bliss speaks to our base potential, the essence of who and what we are – the unshakeable. A molecular perfume designed to adapt to your body’s unique natural scent, it’s infused with woody notes like akigalawood, belambre, and creamy sandalwood for a fragrance as singular as your genetic code.
Skin-to-Skin
Ambr Super – the latest of the three fragrances, launched in 2023, is a molecular perfume that speaks for itself. Intimate yet daring, unpredictable yet sophisticated. The slightly spicy and bold opening transforms into a warm embrace that catches you as you let yourself fall into its depths.
Ambr Super – Eau de Parfum – 50ml
Lieferzeit 1-3 Werktage
Skin-to-skin – Ambr Super from Son Venïn is a pure and clean interpretation of amber and woody notes that balances between the intimacy of a skin perfume and the strength of the warm amber notes with epic ISO E-Super. Inspired by HBO series Euphoria, young Scandinavian skin and the band The Knife, this fragrance plays with our sense of knowing what comes next. Unpredictable and modern, yet sophisticated and slightly traditional.