How to Learn Perfumery: The Best Resources (Courses, Books, and Tools)
Partilhar
Learning perfumery can be fascinating but also confusing.
Where to start?
Which courses to choose?
Which books to read?
If you are taking your first steps (or want to deepen your knowledge), this guide brings together some of the best resources for learning perfumery in a practical, accessible, and consistent way.
Perfumery courses (to get started with practical skills)
One of the fastest ways to learn is through structured courses.
Experimental Perfume Club
Offers courses divided into modules or complete programs.
Advantage:
- includes ingredients for practice
- practical learning from the start
Sarah McCartney
Independent perfumer who provides:
- online course
- active community (Patreon)
Highlight:
- learning by olfactory families
- formulas to recreate and adapt
Karen Gilbert
A reference in perfumery training.
Offers:
- technical courses
- business programs
- structured content
Institute for Art and Olfaction
Organization focused on artistic and experimental perfumery.
Includes:
- courses
- workshops
- events
- international awards
Perfumery School
Courses available in English and Spanish.
Good option for those who want structured online training.
Perfumery podcasts
Podcasts are an excellent way to learn in your daily life.
Podcast by Karen Gilbert
One of the best free resources for learning perfumery.
Making Scents Make Sense
Focused on the functioning of the fragrance market.
YouTube channels and creators
Learning through creators is a more informal and accessible way.
Sarah McCartney (YouTube)
Shares free educational content.
Sam Macer
Shows the process of creating a perfume brand.
Teddy Hauge
Shares industry insights and his brand's behind-the-scenes.
Perfumery newsletters
An excellent way to keep up with trends and deepen your knowledge.
Scently Speaking
Explores myths, brands, and creative processes.
Scott Moroschan
Focuses on the connection between emotions and fragrances.
Scented Sundae
Weekly market analysis.
Essential books on perfumery
Jean-Claude Ellena
One of the most respected perfumers.
His books are often recommended as a starting point.
The Secret of Scent
Scientific approach to olfaction and aromatic molecules.
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer
Novel that sparked global interest in perfumery.
Nez
Publisher specializing in books on:
- ingredients
- history
- market
Kew: Fragrance From Plant to Perfume
Explores the botanical origins of perfumes.
Useful websites and platforms
Fragrantica
Basenotes
Ideal for:
- exploring perfumes
- reading reviews
- learning about notes
Perfumer's Apprentice
Perfumer's World
Technical resources + ingredients.
Magazines and editorial content
Essencional
Nez Magazine
Excellent for deepening olfactory culture.
How to choose where to start
If you're just starting out:
start with:
- 1 practical course
- 1 podcast
- 1 book
Avoid consuming everything at once.
Conclusion
Learning perfumery is more accessible than it seems, especially if you know where to look.
With the right resources, you can:
- develop your sense of smell
- understand fragrances
- start creating
The most important thing is to start.
🎧 Listen to the full episode
This article was inspired by episode 023 of the podcast Todos os Caminhos Vão Dar ao Aroma (All Roads Lead to Aroma), where I share the resources that helped me the most to learn perfumery.