parfumerie

Parfumerie is a French term that refers to a shop or business that specializes in fragrances. In English, the word is sometimes used to denote the craft and business of perfumery as a whole. A parfumerie may be a retailer selling perfumes, cosmetics, and related products, or, in a broader sense, the development of fragrances.

Retail parfumeries typically stock a range of products from mass-market to prestige brands. They organize offerings by fragrance family and by concentration, such as eau de toilette, eau de parfum, parfum, and extrait. Many shops provide testers, sample sets, and personalized consultations.

Perfumery as a craft involves perfumers or noses who design scents by blending essential oils, aroma chemicals, and natural isolates. The process includes concept definition, ingredient selection, formulation trials, and aging. Fragrances are often described using a note pyramid: top notes, middle notes, and base notes. Manufacturing is subject to safety regulations and labeling requirements.

Historically, the practice has roots in Europe, with Grasse, France, long regarded as a center of perfume production. Parfumeries evolved from courtly and royal patronage to global brands and independently owned houses.

Today, parfumerie encompasses both retail and creation. Online shops and specialty boutiques expand access to fragrances, while niche parfumeries emphasize distinctive ingredients and artisanal methods.