2 min
Whether you’re developing a new product line or enhancing an existing range, fragrance is far more than a finishing touch, it’s a strategic tool that communicates your brand’s values, evokes emotion, and builds lasting consumer connection.
But selecting the right fragrance isn’t just about what smells good, it’s about what aligns, performs and resonates. Here are five key factors every brand should consider when developing a fragrance in collaboration with a professional fragrance house.
1. Understand Your Brand DNA and Consumer Profile
Before diving into fragrance notes, you must define your brand’s identity, tone and values. Is your brand minimalist and clean? Natural and earthy? Luxurious and indulgent?
Equally important: who is your target customer? Age, lifestyle, region and cultural background can dramatically influence fragrance preferences. At Scentmate by dsm-firmenich, we start with your brand story and market positioning to ensure the fragrance is more than a scent, it’s a brand statement.
2. Define the Product Format and Technical Constraints
Fragrance doesn’t behave the same in a shampoo as it does in a fabric softener or a scented candle.
Each product category brings its own:
- Technical challenges (stability, solubility, volatility)
- Regulatory limits (especially under IFRA guidelines)
- Performance expectations (diffusion, longevity, skin feel)
It’s essential to brief your fragrance house not only on the emotional goal but also the technical specs of the formula and application.
3. Stay Aware of Trends, But Remain Authentic
Consumers today expect innovation, but they also crave authenticity. While it’s tempting to follow trends (gourmand notes, skin scents, natural compositions), not every trend will suit your brand.
The key is finding the intersection between trend relevance and brand coherence. Our perfumers track global olfactive trends and help clients adapt them to fit their market and identity, without compromising integrity.
4. Choose a Strategic Fragrance Partner, Not Just a Supplier
Fragrance creation is not a transaction, it’s a collaboration. A true partner brings:
- Creative excellence and market expertise
- Regulatory guidance and safety compliance
- Agility in sampling, feedback and reformulation
- Production support and scalability
Choose a fragrance house that treats your success as their own, one that can translate a concept into a high-performing, market-ready scent. At Scentmate by dsm-firmenich, we partner with you from concept to launch, combining creativity, science and insight in every formulation.
5. Test in Real Conditions, Always
Even the most beautiful fragrance on a blotter may fail in a final product. Always evaluate:
- Fragrance behaviour in your base formula
- Scent evolution over time
- Compatibility with other ingredients and packaging
Don’t skip this phase, testing is what turns a great idea into a great product.
Fragrance Is a Business Decision, Not Just a Creative One
The fragrance you choose will define your product’s first impression, and often, its long-term success.
By considering these five essential factors and collaborating with a fragrance house that understands both the emotional and technical aspects of scent, you can create a signature olfactive identity that elevates your brand and resonates with your market.
Let’s Create a Fragrance That Speaks Your Brand’s Language
At Scentmate by dsm-firemnich, we help B2B clients in beauty, home care and wellness create tailored fragrances that reflect their values and engage their consumers.
Whether you’re launching a new product or reinventing a bestseller, our expert team of perfumers, evaluators and regulatory specialists will guide you every step of the way.
Let’s talk about your next fragrance project: Register now.