Create a free Perfumer & Flavorist account to continue reading

Ask An Expert: After mixing the perfume concentrate in the factory, what happens next if it doesn't smell as intended?

Jun 28th, 2023
Usually the mixture will be “reworked” and after analyses (GC and olfactive) by adding what is missing or remixed without what is overpowering.
Usually the mixture will be “reworked” and after analyses (GC and olfactive) by adding what is missing or remixed without what is overpowering.
AdobeStock

We sent out an "Ask An Expert" alert on socials, to see if F&F professionals had any burning questions. Perfumer & Flavorist+ tapped senior perfumer Serge Oldenbourg to field our next question is—After mixing the perfume concentrate in the factory, what happens next if it doesn't smell as intended?

Olgdenbourg pens: 

The first question is to know what went wrong. Usually the mixture will be “reworked” and after analyses (GC and olfactive) by adding what is missing or remixed without what is overpowering. Any other reason of “error” in production area should not be happening.

Have a question for Olgenbourg or a flavorist expert? Send an email to [email protected].

More in Fine Fragrance
'[L]arger/international customers require compliance to foreign standards such as Leaping Bunny, EU standards compliance, etc.,' says Cohere Beauty's John Nolfi. '[T]he trend is more about being able to support 'clean' formulations with some data.'
Cohere Beauty Rides Fragrance Boom With Speed, Scale and Flexible Formats
Notably, the Cedar Grove site runs on 85% solar power, adding a sustainability angle to a fragrance operation designed for both flexibility and scale.
Aug 13th, 2026
Today’s breakthroughs are delivering greater diffusion, longer-lasting impact, richer textures and entirely new interpretations of beloved floral notes.
Disrupting the Bouquet: New Floral Fragrance Materials
Redefining rose, jasmine, muguet and more with emerging technologies.
Aug 3rd, 2026
According to iRomaScents, its technology can identify fragrance preferences and deliver personalized recommendations in under a minute. The company says the platform has demonstrated conversion rates of more than 90%, compared with the typical 5% to 10% conversion rates associated with conventional fragrance retail.
How AI Actually Picks Your Fragrance
According to iRomaScents, its technology can identify fragrance preferences and deliver personalized recommendations in under a minute.
Jul 31st, 2026
Snif positions the fragrance as capturing 'sun-warmed fruit blossoms, sesame milk accord and woody musks' in a composition that draws attention before lingering close to the skin.
Snif Expands Ulta Beauty Partnership With Nationwide Rollout of Notewrks Men's Fragrance Line
Created by Ugo Charron of Mane, Double Take opens with apricot and orange blossom before unfolding into a distinctive Sesame Milk Accord.
Jul 31st, 2026
'Our teams will kick off the transition in September,' Hieronimus said, adding that the company expects to launch its first Gucci products in early 2028.
L'Oréal Sees Gucci as Its Next Luxury Beauty Powerhouse, Targets Early 2028 Launch
Gucci represents a massive opportunity because the beauty business remains relatively small compared with the strength of the fashion house.
Jul 31st, 2026
'I am thrilled and honored to join Dossier,' Curti said. 'For years, I have applauded its growth, its unprecedented fragrance quality at fair prices, and its ability to build community and, ultimately, an extremely relevant, young, and cool brand.'
Dossier Taps Former Coty and J&J Executive Stefano Curti as Executive Chairman
Dossier CEO Sergio Tache described the appointment as a pivotal moment for the company.
Jul 30th, 2026
The fragrance opens with fraise des bois, pear blossom and Green Mandarin LMR (sourced from Sicily and Calabria), leading into a heart featuring Cristalfizz, orange flower LMR, orris and jonquille absolute LMR—a deliberate nod to the narcissus note that defined the original White Diamonds.
Carlos Benaïm Revisits White Diamonds With IFF's Natasha Côté-Mouzannar for a Modern Icon
The perfumers focused on preserving the scent's unmistakable radiance while updating its olfactive signature.
Jul 20th, 2026
Moroney said she spent more than 18 months developing the fragrance, describing it as 'fresh, effortless, and meant to be an everyday signature.' She also incorporated handwritten lyrics from her song You Shine onto the bottle as a reminder that 'the most beautiful things come from broken pieces.'
Takasago Perfumer Michelle DeFina Crafts Mineral-Floral Signature for Megan Moroney's Debut Fragrance, Calliope
The composition reflects the continued popularity of mineral-amber floral fragrances.
Jul 17th, 2026
The launch marks Valentino Beauty's first major prestige fragrance franchise since 2020 and pays tribute to the original Vendetta, introduced by founder Valentino Garavani in 1991. The new duo is positioned around the concept of 'us against the world,' celebrating emotional authenticity in an increasingly algorithm-driven culture.
Valentino Beauty Unveils Vendetta, First Prestige Fragrance Franchise in Six Years
The launch pays tribute to the original Vendetta.
Jul 14th, 2026
According to the brand, both formulas incorporate a freshness-enhancing technology designed to help control odor while delivering a premium fragrance experience throughout the day, targeting consumers seeking an alternative to traditional deodorants or body sprays.
Sol de Janeiro Enters Men's Fragrance With Cheiroso Cologne Mist
Rather than extending its existing gourmand Cheirosa numbering system, Sol de Janeiro has developed a distinct masculine sub-franchise.
Jul 14th, 2026
Coty noted that it grew Gucci Beauty revenue by more than 60% since 2019, driven by franchises including Gucci Flora, Bloom, Guilty and The Alchemist's Garden, positioning the transaction as a monetization of value it helped create.
Gucci Beauty Changes Hands Early: Coty Cashes Out as L’Oréal Secures a 50-Year Luxury Prize
Coty is trading future Gucci revenues for immediate cash to strengthen its balance sheet and concentrate resources on owned and priority prestige brands.
Jul 7th, 2026