Water-based fragrance is moving closer to the performance profile of conventional fine fragrance. International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has introduced AquaScent, a vegan, water-based fragrance carrier designed to support higher fragrance concentrations while maintaining visual clarity, addressing one of the key formulation challenges of water-based perfume.
“AquaScent reflects our continued investment in new scent technologies and formats that create compelling fragrance experiences while supporting the industry’s growing focus on sustainability,” said Sabrya Meflah, president of fine fragrance for IFF Scent. “This technology illustrates our ambition to set a new standard for how fragrance is created, delivered and experienced.”
“AquaScent approaches water-based fragrance as a complete fine fragrance system, balancing olfactive performance and visual clarity and a concentrated format designed for efficient transportation,” said Fatimata Dembele-Kuntzmann, Ph.D., senior technical manager for IFF Scent. “For brands, that means the opportunity to embrace a growing fragrance format without compromising the qualities that define the fine fragrance experience.”
Part of IFF’s Science of Performance platform, AquaScent supports fragrance loads from 10% to as high as 25%, compared with up to approximately 15% for many comparable water-based systems. The higher loading is significant because fragrance oils can cause water-based formulations to become cloudy as concentration increases. IFF says AquaScent is designed to overcome that issue while preserving transparency and supporting the olfactive performance and lastingness associated with fine fragrance.
The technology also targets the formulation profile and consumer experience of emerging water-based fragrance formats. AquaScent is formulated without intentionally added ethanol, preservatives or silicone, and IFF describes the resulting system as non-sticky, with documented skin-hydrating properties. The carrier is made using biodegradable materials and is vegan.
AquaScent can be supplied as a concentrate, with brands adding water during final production. That means manufacturers can avoid transporting water as part of the finished fragrance system, reducing shipment volume and weight and potentially lowering associated CO₂ emissions.
IFF is positioning the technology against a growing consumer and brand interest in water-based perfume. The company reports that worldwide Google searches for “water-based perfumes” rose 18% year-to-date, while related TikTok content has generated more than 15 million views.
