Your fragrance success starts with a solid brief.
Why a Good Fragrance Brief Matters
In fragrance development, the brief is everything. It’s the bridge between your vision and the final scent that represents your brand. A good brief doesn’t just help the perfumer — it increases your chances of getting a formula that fits your product, audience, and brand identity faster and more accurately.
Whether you’re a startup launching your first product or an established brand refreshing your line, here are the 5 key elements your fragrance brief should include.
1. Define the Product and Application Clearly
Is your fragrance going into a shampoo, a body mist, a candle, or a luxury perfume?
Each product category has unique needs — what works in a diffuser might not perform well in a cream.
📌 Include:
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Product format (gel, liquid, solid)
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Packaging type (pump, jar, stick)
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Material interactions (glass, plastic, fabric)
Pro Tip: Mention if there are any stability, temperature, or texture sensitivities.
2. Describe the Desired Fragrance Profile
This is where you share your creative vision. Use clear terms and examples. Is it fresh and energizing, or warm and sensual? Should it be unisex, masculine, or feminine?
📌 Include:
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Mood (e.g., calming, seductive, clean)
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Reference scents (brands or existing products)
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Preferred fragrance families (citrus, floral, gourmand, etc.)
Pro Tip: Avoid vague words like “nice” or “premium.” Be specific.
3. Know Your Target Audience
A scent for Gen Z skincare lovers won’t be the same as one for high-end home fragrance buyers.
Who is your end user, and what do they expect from your product?
📌 Include:
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Age range
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Gender (if relevant)
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Region or market focus
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Scent expectations (bold, subtle, long-lasting)
4. Define Technical and Regulatory Requirements
Your perfumer needs to know what not to include just as much as what to include.
📌 Include:
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IFRA compliance (if required)
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Ingredient restrictions (vegan, allergen-free, halal, etc.)
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Claims (clean beauty, no phthalates, etc.)
Pro Tip: Be honest about what’s “nice to have” vs. “non-negotiable.”
5. Clarify Timelines and Testing Process
Is your launch date fixed? Will there be multiple approval rounds? The more clarity you provide, the smoother the process.
📌 Include:
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Deadline for samples
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Number of iterations
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Who will evaluate the scent (internal, external, consumer testing)
Final Thoughts: Collaboration Over Perfection
A fragrance brief isn’t just a list — it’s the start of a collaboration. The more you share, the more your perfumer can co-create something that truly works. And remember, the first sample is rarely the final one — but a great brief can get you very close.
