Tonquin musk and Siberian musk refer to the natural animal musk obtained from musk deer in different regions of Asia. “Tonquin” (or Tonkin) musk traditionally comes from musk deer of the Tonkin region (northern Vietnam and nearby areas) and has long been considered the highest quality musk in perfumery.
Introduction: A Luxury Scent at a Cruel Cost For centuries, the musky secretion of civet cats has been coveted in perfumery as a fixative and exotic note. In particular, the African civet (Civettictis civetta) – a nocturnal, fox-faced mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa – became the primary source of “civet musk,” which is refined into the aromatic compound civetone. Historically, […]
Introduction Africa has contributed some of the world’s most treasured natural perfumery materials. Steffen Arctander’s classic 1960 reference Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin describes many aromatic substances sourced from the African continent, from ancient incense resins to floral oils. In ancient Egypt, resins like frankincense and myrrh were burned in temples and used in mummification and medicine. Over […]
Justine Crane is a quietly brilliant force and a living legend in natural perfumery—over 25 years of immersive, plant-based practice, teaching, and artisanal production.
Discover Ane Walsh, Brazil’s pioneer in natural botanical perfumery, in this vibrant portrait celebrating her deep connection to memory, myth, and scent. Featuring her beloved black Labrador and handcrafted aromatics, this image captures the heart of her artisanal legacy.
Nymphaea Aromatic Wellness joins the Natural Perfume Academy as an officially Certified School. Rooted in the rich botanical heritage of Greece, this collaboration marks a beautiful step forward for natural perfumery education worldwide.
The Natural Perfume Academy now offers four annual scholarships for its CPD-certified Diploma in Natural Perfumery. Aligned with the equinoxes and solstices, this unique program invites passionate students to begin their journey by enrolling in our foundational Kyphi course. Applicants must demonstrate dedication, creativity, and resourcefulness through hands-on work before being considered. Open to English and Portuguese speakers.
Join the Natural Perfumers Club – a thriving international community of natural perfumers learning, sharing, and connecting across the globe. Discover our interactive world map showcasing new members, explore hands-on perfumery discussions, and access expert-led education with NPA’s CPD-Certified courses. See where our members are from and start your journey today!
Perfume was more than indulgence for Marie Antoinette—it was a sanctuary, a silent language of power, and ultimately, a lingering trace of her legacy. From the orange blossom and jasmine-scented gardens of Petit Trianon to the last remnants of lavender in her prison cell, scent shaped her world. Accused of drowning in luxury, she instead sought solace in delicate floral waters and bespoke fragrances crafted by Jean-Louis Fargeon. Even after the monarchy fell, the ghost of her perfumes lingered—abandoned trunks, lost formulas, and the faintest trace of orange blossom on a centuries-old letter. Her story is not just one of decadence but of defiance, where fragrance became both her signature and her shield.
At the Natural Perfume Academy, we believe that true artistry knows no borders. This is why we are beyond thrilled to officially welcome Parfo Lab, founded by the extraordinary Salomón Murow, as an NPA Certified School. This certification marks not just a recognition of excellence, but a deep and meaningful connection between Mexico and the global world of natural perfumery—a bond that continues to grow stronger.