What is a Perfumer

Overview

A perfumer, also commonly referred to as a fumer, is an artist who relies on her olfactory talents and their refinement to identify and distinguish traditional and unique fragrance ingredients. She is instrumental in the development and production of perfumes and colognes. Her talents are also in high demand in the production of food and non‑food items that rely on appealing scents to attract and retain customers.

Responsibilities

• Identify and distinguish traditional and unique fragrance ingredients.
• Develop and produce perfumes and colognes.
• Assess smells of aromatic additives and chemicals in food and non‑food production environments to ensure they meet manufacturer goals.
• Evaluate test batches of products to determine if they meet production standards regarding aromas.
• Conduct fragrance analyses in air‑filtered chambers using blotter strips.
• Determine other characteristics of scented products, such as permanence, harmony, body, strength, and how the odor may alter over time.
• Test different forms of perfumed products (solids, creams, powders, mists) for fragrance conformity.

Qualifications

• Well‑developed knowledge of typical fragrance ingredients and ability to recognize their smells individually and in combination.
• Understanding of how smells develop over time and how developments are affected by additives.
• Training in fragrance aesthetics and understanding how certain smells can evoke specific moods and emotions.
• High proficiency and training in fragrance development and sensory evaluation.
• Experience in a food and non‑food production environment, evaluating aromas and ensuring product quality.
• Knowledge of fragrance testing chambers, blotter strips, and evaluation procedures.
• Desireable experience as a perfume technician or formal training in perfumery (e.g., ISIPCA).