The Skinification of Fragrance Has Turned Perfume up on Its Head
Unlocking the allure of solid perfume.
In the ever-changing world of beauty, transformation and innovation seem to be at the forefront of every brand’s ethos these days. The future’s focus is on sustainability, creativity and portability—a far cry from our maximalist past. Fragrance, a once show-stopping, over-the-top melange of decorative vessels and exquisite ingredients has moved its way back into a newish container, one that’s solid. Solid perfumes represent a paradigm shift in fragrance trends, offering consumers a convenient, concentrated and sustainable alternative to traditional spray perfumes.
With their portability, added hydration benefits and environmental consciousness, solid perfumes are set to redefine what our olfactory landscape looks and smells like for years to come. Just look at Glossier and Diptyque, if you need a strong example of the incoming “skinification” of perfume.
Here are just a few of the reasons we don’t see solid fragrances leaving beauty any time soon.
Portability, Range and Convenience
Quite possibly the hardest item to carry when traveling, liquid parfum is a bit of a hassle. A big ticket item, if you’re purchasing fragrance, you’re probably shooting for a large size that you’ll keep for a long time, but is more than the allotted size you can carry on an airplane. “Solid perfumes are desired due to their easy to travel nature,” says Yvan Jacqueline, President of the Americas for Parfums de Marly. “The range of solid perfumes runs the gamut of powders, balms and oils. Solid perfumes have a higher concentration of fragrance compared to spray perfumes due to alcohol content. Oil or cream-based solid perfumes will melt in high temperatures.”
“Solid products give companies a new format of fragrance delivery and for consumers, this offers a new way to experience their fragrance. The way of applying something so close to skin makes the experience more intimate. Solids also offer more convenience in transportability and help the consumer operate more sustainably,” states Perfumer Jérôme Epinette, known for his work with Byredo, Atelier Cologne, Frapin, Olfactive Studio and most recently, Victoria Beckham on her latest fragrance collection.
Another key advantage of solid perfumes is that they contain a higher concentration of fragrance compared to traditional spray perfumes. This potency is due to the absence of alcohol in most solid perfume formulations, allowing for a more intense and long-lasting scent experience. However, it’s essential to note that oil or cream-based solid perfumes may melt in high temperatures, requiring careful storage and handling. At the same time, solid-based fragrance may also irritate those with sensitive skin.
Added Hydration Benefits
The “skinification” in fragrance goes beyond scent to encompass skincare benefits. By incorporating moisturizing factors and other cosmetic ingredients, solid perfumes offer more than just scent—they provide nourishment and hydration to the skin. For Jacqueline, fragranced products like hair perfume and body cream can also mimic the appeal of a solid perfume. The allure of solid scent is that it is usually a whole lot of product packed into a tiny package, essentially you’re getting more bang for your buck and two products in one. “This allows fragrance to be positioned as a product with multiple benefits–not only will you smell amazing while wearing it, but it also hydrates and protects your skin at the same time.” says Epinette.
Sustainability
In short, solid perfumes are more sustainable. “The size of these products compared to a regular eEDP reduces the packaging and ultimately carbon footprint. Plus, they should last longer in terms of stability since they are alcohol-free,” conveys Epinette.
Regardless, both spray and solid perfumes are attempting to contribute to sustainability efforts through responsible ingredient sourcing and eco-conscious packaging like Parfums de Marly’s commitment to preserving the French forest and other earthy French treasures, for example. “Sourcing of ingredients is most paramount as well as reducing carbon footprint with packaging,” says Jacqueline.
The Future of Solid Fragrance
As time goes on, we’ll continue to see the future of fragrance bring more innovation to product formats and offerings. “From best sellers and cult favorites to new launches offering unique ways to experience fragrance, we’ll continue to enhance creations and ranges for loyal and new customers alike,” affirms Jacqueline.
The future of fragrance lies in continued innovation and diversification of product formats. As the consumer’s preferences change, expect to see novel fragrance formulations and innovations that cater to all different lifestyles, preferences and even trends. The beauty industry at large is poised for a renaissance of creativity and innovation. In the meantime, whether it’s a best-selling classic or an avant-garde creation, you can probably expect to see your favorite end up transforming from a liquid to a solid sooner than later.
