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 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.

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.

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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.