Scent of Healing is a living ritual where natural perfume and meditation unite to reconnect breath, body, and soul—honoring scent as a sacred language of healing and presence.
Scent of Healing was created from a simple yet profound belief: that perfume is not merely a product, but a language—one that speaks to the body, the breath, the emotions, and the invisible layers of our being.
In a world moving too fast, Scent of Healing invites a return to slowness, presence, and intention. Through natural perfume and guided meditation, scent becomes a ritual—an act of listening, grounding, and reconnection with nature and with oneself.

We believe scent is a sacred language, a bridge between nature and the human soul.
Through natural perfume and meditation, we invite a return to breath, presence, and intention. We honor those who create with integrity, respect for living materials, and deep listening.

Call for Certified Natural Perfumers & Perfumotherapists​
In 2026, we are introducing a new way to experience and celebrate natural perfumery.
Certified Natural Perfumers and Perfumotherapists are invited to submit a new natural perfume, accompanied by a short meditation created to resonate with the fragrance.

Seven perfumer's creations will be carefully selected and brought together in a curated discovery box. Each box will contain seven 2 ml samples, along with a QR code granting access to the guided meditations designed for each scent.
This immersive experience invites the public to slow down, breathe, and connect deeply with fragrance—while offering perfumers a meaningful platform to share their work. After the experience, participants will be able to order their favorite perfume directly from the perfumer, creating a true bridge between creator and wearer.

This project honors Certified Natural Perfumers and Perfumotherapists as guardians of an ancient knowledge, where plants, resins, flowers, and woods are treated with respect and reverence. Each creation is an offering: a bridge between the natural world and human experience, between the authentic art of perfume and healing.

​Contact us for more info: [email protected]

As this exceptional year comes to a close, we look back with profound gratitude and joy at all we have lived, shared, and created together. 2025 has been an intense, luminous year for perfumery—a year where natural creation, cultural heritage, and global community came together in ways that felt both historic and deeply human.

The New Luxury Awards in Barcelona: A Global Celebration
This summer, the New Luxury Awards illuminated Barcelona during the Barcelona Perfumery Congress.
Our booth became a vibrant crossroads of creativity, welcoming perfumers and exhibitors from 11 regions of the world.
Their presence transformed our space into a living atlas of scent—proof that natural perfumery is not merely surviving, but flourishing on every continent.
The atmosphere was warm, generous, and filled with inspiring exchanges. These moments reminded us why we began this journey: to honor authenticity, talent, and the true essence of luxury.

The New Luxury Summit: Voices that Inspire
During the Congress, the New Luxury Summit gathered a constellation of exceptional perfumers and visionaries who shared not only their expertise, but also their hearts. Each speaker reminded us that perfumery is above all a human story—crafted with patience, integrity, and a profound connection to nature.
Their words continue to echo in us, guiding the future of our community with wisdom and passion.

A Major Partnership in India: Cosmetics & Ingredients Expo, Madras
2025 also marked our important participation as co-partner in the Cosmetics and Ingredients Expo in Madras, India.
India—with its ancient aromatic traditions—offered the perfect setting to build bridges between heritage and innovation.
Our collaboration there strengthened our global presence and affirmed our commitment to honoring local cultures while supporting new creative horizons.

Scent of Healing: A Journey of Wellbeing
This year, our Scent of Healing program blossomed beautifully across continents, with meaningful events held in Palm Springs, California, and Taipei, Taiwan.
These gatherings reminded us that scent is not only an art, but also a medicine for the heart—a source of balance, connection, and inner harmony.
Participants described these encounters discovering natural perfumery as transformative, grounding, and filled with serenity.

Workshops, Webinars & Our Precious Book Club
This year also strengthened our commitment to education and transmission. Through a rich program of workshops and webinars in partnership with the Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy, we supported students, perfumers and teachers around the world in deepening their knowledge and refining their craft. And in November, our Book Club opened the doors to our treasured library, sharing some of the most important works in perfume history—more than 200 rare and precious books that illuminate centuries of aromatic wisdom.

Two Major Publications: A Milestone for Perfumery Literature
2025 will forever be remembered as the year we released two significant books that enrich the world of perfumery:

1. Natural Perfumery
A tribute to the rising generation of natural creators, this book celebrates the exceptional work of 18 perfumers, each sharing their story of success, commitment, and artistic identity.
It is a manifesto for authenticity, talent, and the rebirth of a noble craft.
​https://www.amazon.com/dp/2956524836
​
2. World Perfumery Heritage
As a tribute to perfume, this monumental work traces the beautiful and ancient history of perfume, reaffirming that perfume is both an immaterial and a material heritage. Through rare artifacts presented by Creezy Courtoy at UNESCO, the book reveals a tangible, timeless legacy—one that connects civilizations, eras, and human souls through the power of scent.  https://www.amazon.fr/dp/B0G1Y8FZ19

Looking Ahead
2025 has strengthened our belief in a future where perfumery respects its roots, celebrates cultural diversity, and upholds the values of natural creation.
Together, we are nurturing a world where perfume is not only an industry, but a heritage—one to protect, transmit, and cherish.

Thank you to all who walked with us this year.
Your passion, your presence, and your light have made 2025 unforgettable.

With warmest regards,
Creezy Courtoy & The International Perfume Foundation

How Hospitality Turns Fragrance into the Most Personal Souvenir
​
Whether it’s the salt-washed lift of a coastal retreat or the spice-soft warmth of a desert lodge, scent has the rare power to transport. In the hands of visionary hoteliers and perfumers, it becomes hospitality’s most intimate souvenir — one that lingers long after departure, carrying the spirit of a place in every breath.
In a world where travel is defined by feeling, souvenirs have evolved from objects into emotional anchors. Today’s travelers seek sensory keepsakes that capture a destination’s soul — the warmth of a welcome, the hush of a courtyard at dusk, the intimacy of a fleeting moment. Enter bespoke scent identities: olfactory signatures that transform a stay into a story and a memory into a ritual.
​
Taiwan Leads the Way with Natural Perfumery in Hospitality
In a world-first for the hospitality industry, Taiwan has embraced 100% natural perfumes to scent a hotel environment. The Tainan Silk Place Hotel is pioneering this movement, choosing to fragrance its spaces exclusively with natural essences — a decision that honors both well-being and authenticity.  This groundbreaking initiative marks a turning point for hospitality design: a conscious return to nature, where the scent of a place reflects its land, its culture, and its values. In an era of synthetic overload, Tainan’s embrace of natural perfume represents a new model of sensory luxury — ethical, sustainable, and profoundly human.

From Background Note to Brand Narrative
Across the globe, visionary hotels, resorts, and destination restaurants are partnering with perfumers to design custom fragrance accords that embody their spirit, landscape, and guest experience.
These are not generic room sprays. They are carefully composed olfactory portraits — subtle, evocative, and unmistakably “of the place.” In the most refined properties, scent has evolved from a mere background detail into a living element of brand storytelling.

Why Scent Matters Now

• Scent is a strategy, not a detail. It bridges place and person, memory and meaning, anchoring experiences long after checkout.
• It strengthens identity. A signature scent communicates values — craft, calm, adventure, hospitality — without a single word.
• It builds loyalty. When guests take a scent home, they carry the brand with them, renewing the bond with every breath.

Olfactory Postcards: Local by Design
Boutique properties are leading with hyper-local accords that feel authentic and deeply personal:

• Bali: Frangipani drifts through temple courtyards, mingling with coconut smoke and sea breeze — morning offerings of jasmine and rice, gamelan echoes at dusk, and the sacred rhythm of life scented by devotion.
  
• Kyoto: Hinoki wood, yuzu zest, and a whisper of moss evoke contemplative calm — tea steam, temple gardens, and the stillness of craft.
• Tainan: Silk Place Hotel, the pioneering hotel in Taiwan scents its spaces with natural materials — osmanthus, camphor wood, and sweet citrus blossoms — capturing the island’s gentle light and the purity of its landscape.

Each place-rooted blend becomes an olfactory postcard — immersive, authentic, and true to its surroundings.

A Growing Opportunity for the Fragrance Ecosystem
This movement opens new paths for natural perfumers, fragrance houses, and hospitality brands alike:

• Co-creation with hotels and spas: A rising demand for bespoke scent partnerships invites perfumers to shape identity and emotion through fragrance.
• Retail extensions: Signature scents expand into candles, diffusers, and oils, creating enduring guest connections.
• Sustainability and provenance: Properties increasingly seek ethically sourced, regionally relevant materials — a call for integrity and innovation.
• Scent technology: Smart diffusion systems allow precision and personalization, enhancing the guest’s sensory journey.

Our Commitment to Natural Perfumery
We proudly certify natural perfumers and celebrate hotels — like Tainan in Taiwan — that embrace 100% natural perfume programs. Guests on wellness-focused stays deserve transparency and trust; they should not encounter synthetic scents during experiences designed for rest and restoration.
By championing high-quality naturals, responsible sourcing, and education, the hospitality industry can align sensory design with well-being, ecology, and authenticity.

Getting Started: Practical Moves for Properties

• Define your emotional narrative — the sensations you want guests to remember.
• Ground your fragrance in local flora, culture, and craft.
• Ask a Certified Natural Perfumer to design a cohesive collection for rooms, spas, and retail.
• Commit to sustainable, refillable formats.
• Offer take-home scents — the most personal souvenir of all.

Can I really succeed as a Natural Perfumer?

Is it sustainable? Can I make a living from it?
I’ve heard these questions so many times from prospective students and aspiring artisans. Here’s a succinct, practical view to inspire you and help you map a viable path.
 
Natural perfumery is a craft you can grow into a living with patience, focus, and a clear vision. It’s not just about making scents—it’s about shaping experiences, caring for people and the planet, and telling your unique story through fragrance. If you’re passionate, committed, and curious, you’ll find opportunities to turn this art into several meaningful careers.
 
Why natural perfumery matters
 
Natural perfumery blends art and science to create fragrances from botanical ingredients—essential oils, absolutes, resins, and other naturals. It’s about scent with intention: honoring nature, understanding profiles, and crafting experiences that connect memory, mood, and environment. It’s storytelling through scent, with a mindful approach to sourcing and craft.
 
A realistic path to sustainability and success
 
- It can be a meaningful, sustainable path when you treat it as a craft and a small business. Start small, grow organically, and build a brand that reflects your values.
- Demand for natural scents is growing in niche markets—boutique brands, spas, wellness products, candles, soaps, and personal care. A focused, quality-centered approach often leads to loyal customers and repeat business.
 
Your pathway: certifications and beyond
 
If you study Natural Perfumery with us, you’ll also learn Olfaction Training, the importance of olfaction, its psychology but also its physiology. Add the Aromatherapy course, and you become a Perfumotherapist. This four-certification combination provides a solid foundation for a professional, versatile practice.
 
- Olfaction Training: master the basics of scent perception, memory, and fragrance building.
- Aromatherapy: understand how plants influence mood, well-being, and daily life.
- Perfumotherapist: combine perfumery skills with therapeutic principles for well-being-oriented applications.
- Certification balance: the four certifications together open doors in product development, wellness, and education.
 
What you can build with it
 
- Create and brand your own natural perfumes.
- Collaborate with your other talents (art, painting, photography, poetry, horse dressage, yoga…) to build a cohesive brand image that tells a story.
- Launch a line of related products (candles, skincare, bath salts) that share your scent signature.
- Offer workshops, consultations, or scent-design services for individuals and businesses.
- Promote through IPF events, books, and partnerships to reach wider audiences.
 
Natural Perfumery can be applied to many activities, so let us know what other passions you have and help us create new Natural Perfumery jobs.

India, a land of ancient history and boundless cultural heritage, has become a vital player in shaping the global beauty and wellness industry’s future. 
 
At the recent Cosmetic Ingredients Expo in Chennai, I had the opportunity to shed light on how the world is looking to India for inspiration while confirming the rising consumer demand for vegan and natural products.  
India’s beauty industry is currently experiencing a transformative moment, one that mirrors global trends. Today, consumers are demanding ingredient transparency, clean beauty, and ethically-sourced products—and regulators are stepping up to ensure those expectations are met. 

Fragrance in the Ancient World: A Timeless Story  
Fragrance and wellness have always been intricately intertwined, dating back to the dawn of civilization. Across centuries and continents, scents were revered for their spiritual and therapeutic uses:
- Ancient Egypt: “Those who breathe the scent of flowers, breathe the soul of flowers.”  
- South America: Indigenous healers, or “perfumero,” used scents as medicine.  
- China: The character for “fragrance” is the same as for “medicine.” 
- India: The Vedas contain vast knowledge of healing recipes through the use of perfumes.  With its rich perfumery tradition steeped in Ayurveda, India stands poised to lead the global future of natural fragrances. 
Nature and Flowers in India are part of the daily live, from flowers you can buy in the streets for the pleasure of the eyes or for religious purpose to the vast flower fields in the country side, flowers are everywhere. India is definitely a land of perfume.

The Future of Beauty: Reconnection with Nature  
Today’s consumers are undergoing a profound shift in their lifestyles. They are prioritizing health and wellbeing over luxury and seeking products that reflect their values. The global beauty market is evolving rapidly, and the demand for natural, vegan, and sustainable products has never been higher. Here’s what today’s consumers care about most:  
- Natural and Vegan Products: Free from animal-derived ingredients.  
- Sustainability: Ethical sourcing and environmentally conscious packaging.  
- No GMOs or Synthetics: A closer relationship with nature through unaltered, organic products.  
- Holistic Wellness: Aromatherapy, aromachology, and perfumotherapy are no longer niche—they're necessities.  
India is perfectly positioned to tap into this tremendous consumer demand. Being one of the largest producers of raw materials for perfumery, India plays an essential role in the heart of this global supply chain.  

​Why India Holds the Key  
As the world embraces natural and vegan fragrances, India’s wealth of resources gives it a head start. For example:  
- Major natural raw materials such as vetiver, sandalwood, patchouli, jasmine, rose, tuberose and other essential oils originate here.  
- Ayurveda—India’s ancient system of health and wellness—aligns seamlessly with modern demands for ethical, herb-based beauty products.  
- The millennia-old traditions of yoga, aromatherapy, and holistic wellness firmly anchor India’s place as the epicenter of sustainable innovation.
 
Moreover, this shift represents a massive opportunity. International markets like the *United States, Australia, and China are showing incredible interest in natural perfume ingredients. Eliminating unnecessary intermediaries could enable manufacturers to directly access these high-demand markets.  
 
Challenges, however, remain. Supply chain knowledge gaps and market linkages must be strengthened to fully capitalize on the global appetite for Indian excellence.  

A Youth-Driven Revolution  
India’s young population—nearly 70% under the age of 35—is fuelling this transformation. This generation is increasingly conscious of their health, wellness, and appearance. They’re vocal about their desire for innovative products that blend tradition with modernity.  
 
Looking ahead, the numbers reflect immense potential:  
- India’s fragrance market, valued at $3 billion (USD) in 2024, is projected to grow to $3.9 billion by 2033. 
- By rekindling its heritage and blending it with modern-day innovations, the rise of Indian natural perfumers is a certainty!
 
Trust in the Future: Combining Heritage and Innovation 
India’s perfumery story is one of pride, legacy, and opportunity. With 5,000 years of history behind it, India’s evolution lies in reclaiming its heritage and reshaping it for today’s conscientious consumers. Through the revival of Ayurveda, aromatherapy, and yoga-inspired wellness, India can carve out a leadership position in the global perfume industry.  
 
The journey may not always be easy, but the opportunity is enormous. For the Indian beauty and fragrance industry, the future is natural, sustainable, and vegan. The time to act is now! 🌿  
 
Let’s reimagine the beauty industry together—with India leading the way, bringing back ancestral knowledge, wellness and spirituality.  
 

We are thrilled to have successfully secured an important presence at Barcelona Perfumery Congress with the Natural Perfumery Summit, the New Luxury Awards Ceremony and a 60-square-meter Pavilion, the largest at the Congress. ​

This was our first major exhibition, featuring participants from India, Taiwan, Australia, and the USA. We designed our booth to resemble an airport counter, complete with destinations along the Perfume Roads and a central photocall backdrop.  At the center, we had the IPF welcome booth and the Natural Perfumery Teacher's Academy booth where LA Laura Paris made a great enfleurage workshop. 

Honoured to have been part of the International Perfume Foundation Pavilion at the Barcelona Perfumery Congress 2025.
It was a joy to share XILA’s vision with a global community of passionate perfumers, thinkers, and creators. Heartfelt thanks to the International Perfume Foundation and the Barcelona Perfumery Congress for curating a space where tradition, innovation, and fragrance could meet so meaningfully.
From deep conversations to inspiring connections, the experience reaffirmed XILA’s commitment to blending ancient botanical wisdom with modern sensory science—through scent. Here’s to more scent-led conversations and collaborations around the world.

Sri Kudaravalli, Founder of XILA (India)

To share space with the International Perfume Foundation at the Barcelona Perfumery Congress – surrounded by visionaries who speak scent like a second language – was a rare kind of magic. Cade Black aligns with those reclaiming perfume’s botanical roots – putting plants and flowers back in fragrance and clearing the air of superfluous synthetics. Supporting the IPF and being featured in Creezy’s new book feels less like joining a movement and more like rewriting the script – one wild bloom at a time.
Cade Black

We were delighted to sponsor your event and are thrilled to have been part of its success.
Autur City

Grateful thanks for all your efforts making a successful event in Barcelona
Wild Wood Oils

You can find more info and stories about these beautiful Certified Natural Perfumers and eleven more in the book Natural Perfumery, the Return of Flowers in Perfumes we launched during the event. 

Exploring Muir Woods: Nature’s Cathedral Near San Francisco
In the heart of Marin County, just a short drive from San Francisco, lies the breathtaking Muir Woods National Monument. Established in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt, this protected area serves as a sanctuary for one of the last remaining stands of ancient coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). This magnificent forest not only showcases some of the tallest trees on Earth but also offers a captivating insight into the cycle of life, death, and rebirth that defines its ecosystem.

Roxana Villa is a Certified Natural Perfumer and the Founder of her brand Illuminatedperfume. She also chaired the panel that developed the IPF Standards for Natural Perfumers.

​When and how did you start becoming a natural perfumer?
My trajectory into the realm of perfume was non-linear, looking back, l am able to see many sign-posts on the circular path I’ve been on.

A few sign-posts leading to becoming a natural perfumer are deeply embedded in my matriarchal lineage, the privilege to travel quite a bit as a child, a deep interest in the arts and natural remedies. I was born in the port city of Buenos Aires, Argentina, the women in my family had European roots and a rich culture in cooking, knitting and home remedies. and all wore fine fragrances. 
In the mid 60’s my parents moved to Los Angeles where my very independent mother, with limited English, worked in a knit shop in Beverly Hills while my father worked for Argentine Airlines. I had the opportunity to travel back and forth between LA and Buenos Aires, as well as visit Paris quite often due to my mother's work in fashion.
After graduating from Otis Art Institute with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree (BFA) and skill sets as an illustrator, letterpress printer and book binder I moved to NYC to pursue a successful career as an award winning freelance illustrator. My niche within the print industry was focused in the wellness and environmental arenas.
After a six year stint in NYC I moved back to LA, gave birth to my daughter Eve who I raised holistically. When Eve was three I was introduced to aromatherapy, attended the first World of Aromatherapy Conference in San Francisco and then studied to receive a certificate and began teaching aromatherapy at the Massage School of Santa Monica while still working as a free-lance illustrator.
Eventually I was able to fuse all my passions and talents, launching Illuminated Perfume at the Ojai Lavender Festival in 2008.

If flowers were always a sign of protection to people wearing crowns of flowers on their heads since antiquity, for states they were also considered as symbols of power.
The Olympic Games Opening Ceremony inspired me to share this with you. The Olympics should be a celebration of unity, strength, and cultural identity, bringing together nations from around the globe, making the flower thematic a perfect choice for an Opening Ceremony. 
As each country has its own perfume heritage, each country also owns the powerful symbolism that flowers hold. These natural emblems not only represent national pride but also embody the spirit and values of the cultures they belong to. Flowers possess a unique power that transcends mere beauty, serving as potent symbols of identity, strength, and cultural heritage across the globe. Each country proudly embraces its national flower, which encapsulates the spirit and values of its people. As we explore various flowers and their meanings, we discover how they reflect the essence of nations and their histories.

Take, for instance, France's iconic Fleur de Lys. This elegant flower has long been associated with French royalty and heraldry, symbolizing purity, light, and life. Its distinctive shape and rich history make it a powerful emblem of national identity. The Fleur de Lys serves as a reminder of France's cultural heritage and the values of honor and excellence.

In Japan, the cherry blossom, or Sakura, is a beloved symbol that represents the transient beauty of life. The fleeting nature of the blossoms reminds the Japanese people to cherish each moment, as they bloom for only a short time each spring. This flower embodies resilience and the acceptance of life's impermanence, making it a poignant representation of Japanese culture.

The United States honors the rose as its national flower, a symbol of love, passion, and resilience. The rose's diverse colors and varieties reflect the country's rich tapestry of cultures and histories, celebrating the spirit of freedom and justice that the nation strives for. It has become an emblem of unity and compassion, reminding citizens of their shared values.

In India, the lotus flower holds deep spiritual significance. It symbolizes purity, enlightenment, and rebirth, often associated with important deities in Hinduism and Buddhism. The lotus thrives in muddy waters, rising above the surface to bloom beautifully, representing the idea of overcoming adversity and achieving greatness despite challenges.

Further south, South Africa’s national flower, the King Protea, stands as a symbol of hope and change. Its unique appearance and resilience in harsh environments echo the strength and diversity of the South African people. The King Protea serves as a reminder of the country’s rich natural heritage and its journey toward unity and growth.

In Mexico, the dahlia, or "cempasúchil," is a vibrant flower that plays a crucial role in the Day of the Dead celebrations. Its bright orange and yellow hues symbolize the sun and are believed to guide the spirits of loved ones back to the world of the living. This flower encapsulates the Mexican values of remembrance and honouring one’s ancestors, celebrating life and death as intertwined experiences.

These flowers, among many others (check our blog powerfulflower.blogspot.com/?view=magazine), serve as powerful emblems of identity and connection. They evoke emotions and memories, fostering a sense of belonging and pride within their respective cultures. Flowers remind us that even in a world filled with differences, there is beauty in diversity and a shared appreciation for nature's wonders.
This is an IPF suggestion for the next Olympics Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles.