The art of perfumery is nothing new. Archaeologists believe that humans have been making perfume since the beginning of time, with findings dating back more than 3 000 years! And the person who gets the honors of inventing perfume? A woman named Tapputi-Belatekallim. Tablets discovered in Mesopotamia depict her making her famous fragrant concoctions all the way back in 1 200 BC.
Perfumes have always played an integral role in human history and have been used in everything from ceremonies to religious rituals…even to signify status and nobility. The Egyptians — who have one of the oldest histories of perfume-making — employed ingredients like florals, woods, fruits, myrrh, and incense in their fragrances; ingredients that are all still popular in perfume-making today.
The ancient Persians were just as captivated by the art of perfumery as the Egyptians, and wrote their own chapter in fragrance history by creating the first non-oil-based perfumes. The Greeks and the Romans developed the art further by meticulously documenting each step of the process, making it possible to recreate Greco-Roman perfumes today!
Throughout the centuries, various cultures have added their own unique touch to the art of perfume-making. In the end, it doesn’t matter as much who invented perfume, but rather seeing how deeply connected the art of creating fragrances is to the human spirit.
Find a perfume that celebrates the ancient art of perfume-making
Inspired by the idea of “who invented perfume”, we found unique perfumes that give a nod to the ancient art of perfume-making, focusing on old-world ingredients that tell stories of a bygone era.
1. Arquiste Peau EDP
Arquiste Perfumes celebrates the ancient art of perfumery by taking your senses back in time with their creations — recreating a memory of a specific time and place. Arquiste Peau EDP tells the story of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who was heartbroken over his lost lover Antinoös. Peau EDP — meaning skin in French — celebrates Antinoös’ memory with an unforgettable fragrance. The perfume allows you to reminisce about a long-lost love and imitates the aromas of skin with a sensual mix of salty and musky notes fusing with ambergris and clary sage. Arquiste may not take us back all the way to who invented perfume, but their nod to the past immediately recreates an ancient civilization. Try Arquiste Peau EDP NOW!
2. Initio Parfums Prives Oud For Greatness EDP
Initio Parfums Prives Oud For Greatness EDP does not hold back on its celebration of oud — a magnetic perfume ingredient that has been around since the invention of perfume. Oud immediately transports you to the ancient world with its age-old Middle Eastern origins. Oud has a long aromatic history and was first used by the Egyptians as incense in religious rituals. Today, this woody fragrance ingredient still has a mysterious and mystical quality, thanks to its roots. Oud For Greatness EDP blends a striking oud accord with notes of lavender, nutmeg, and saffron to create an unforgettable fragrance journey. The scent is so good their unique take on perfume-making will make you think twice about who invented perfume! Try Initio Parfums Prives Oud For Greatness EDP NOW!
3. Etat Libre D’Orange Experimental Crucis EDP
Etat Libre D’Orange Experimental Crucis EDP is less about who invented perfume and more about who invented gravity! Yes, you heard correctly, this scent takes us back in time to prove — just like Newton did with his theory of gravity — the formula of a groundbreaking fragrance. This scent is a unique blend of cumin, honey, and patchouli — ingredients fit for a cutting-edge perfume formula. The fragrance also contains akigalawood — that smells similar to oud — that pays tribute to perfumery’s centuries-old traditions. Try Etat Libre D’Orange Experimental Crucis EDP NOW!
4. Rag & Bone Encens EDP
Rag & Bone Encens EDP provides a modern take on incense — fusing this ancient perfume ingredient with black pepper and woods. The lightly spiced aromas transport your senses back in time with the addition of frankincense and myrrh that blend into amber and musk. Encens EDP is an unforgettable scent that makes you reminisce about the history of fragrance and who invented perfume with its old-world aromas. Try Rag & Bone Encens EDP NOW!
5. Histoires De Parfums 1828 EDP
Take a page out of history with Histoires De Parfums 1828 EDP. This unique fragrance celebrates the birth of Jules Verne — the father of literary science fiction. The scent pays homage to his adventurous novels with notes of grapefruit, tangerine, eucalyptus, incense, and nutmeg. This fragrance doesn’t just take you back in time to who invented perfume; it is also a voyage around the world with its eclectic mix of aromatic ingredients. Try Histoires De Parfums 1828 EDP NOW!
6. Hermetica Vertical Oud EDP
Experience the intensity of oud on a floral backdrop when you spritz Hermetica Vertical Oud EDP. This unforgettable scent blends two of the world’s most ancient and sought-after perfume ingredients — rose and oud — with intriguing spices like saffron, pepper, and cardamom. The fragrance dries down with a modern twist of amber and patchouli to create a memorable and lasting impression. Let this scent take you back to who invented perfume with its distinct oud and floral undertones — you won’t regret this fragrance journey. Try Hermetica Vertical Oud EDP NOW!
7. Scents Of Wood Cypress in Oak EDP
According to history, Tapputi-Belatekallim’s ancient perfume recipe included alluring cypress. Scents Of Wood Cypress in Oak EDP celebrates this ancient perfume ingredient and blends it with vanilla and cedarwood. The scent imitates the idea of a voyage to a French coastline by imagining the aromas of cypress trees splashed with salty seawater. This hold-your-attention blend of aromas is an unmistakable tribute to Tapputi, who invented perfume, by including one of her unforgettable fragrance ingredients. Try Scents Of Wood Cypress in Oak EDP NOW!
* Now that you have discovered who invented perfume explore more breathtaking fragrances from designer brands. Do not miss our blogs on Gucci, Prada, Juicy Couture, Burberry, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, and Issey Miyake.
