Slow-Release Perfumes Are the Next Big Trend

Over the past few years, fragrance has transformed from a niche luxury to a mandatory part of any routine. And after a lot of experimenting with famous favorites and viral stars, trends are turning towards long-lasting, slow-release perfumes. Tried-and-true bold scents known for projection and longevity are gaining steam, and at the same time, fragrance technology is pursuing new formats for a longer-lasting scent.

Featured Experts

• Gil Clavien is Principal Perfumer at DSM-Firmenich and the formulator behind Sweet Tooth, Fragrance by Sabrina
• Greg Black is the CEO of Clean Beauty Collective
• Alex Wiltschko is the CEO and founder of Generation by Osmo

Slow-Release Perfumes for Longer-Lasting Scent

There’s a lot that goes into fragrance formulation, and getting a scent to last a long time isn’t necessarily simple.

“How a fragrance releases depends on the characteristics of the individual notes, the combination of which plays a role on how and when it releases over time, in addition to their interaction with skin,” explains Gil Clavien, Principal Perfumer at DSM-Firmenich and the formulator behind Sweet Tooth, Fragrance by Sabrina ($55). “To craft a slow-releasing perfume, it is about finding the right balance of ingredients that will release over time at different intervals to give the impression of a continuous fragrance experience.”

Aside from picking the strongest notes and boldest profiles, formulators consider how the formula will last once it’s on your skin. One key player in fragrance longevity is the concentration of alcohol. Most fragrances are alcohol-based, and alcohol tends to evaporate fairly quickly. That’s one of the reasons why the Clean Reserve H2Eau fragrance line ($28) prioritized a water-based formula with testable longevity. “We conducted our tests using the same oils, changing only whether it was water- or alcohol-based,” says Clean Beauty Collective CEO Greg Black. “And our water formula was at parity with alcoholic fragrances at eight hours, with our formula beating traditional fragrances at 12 hours.”

Fragrance Technology and What’s Next

Thanks to advances in micro-encapsulation technology, fragrances can release more gradually, allowing for enhanced staying power. Just this January, a research team published their findings on nano-capsules for the extended release of fragrances on human skin. “Because of the slow and sustained release of fragrances, encapsulation of molecules in biocompatible NCs can represent a revolutionary contribution to the future of toiletries, body deodorant products and in washing and cleaning sectors,” the study concludes.

At the same time, perfumers are experimenting with temperature-responsive formulas and even creating digitized scents to examine and better replicate fragrances. “When a computer replicates an image, that’s taking light into a camera and turning that into bits of data, transmitting it and having it dematerialize on the other end,” says Generation by Osmo founder and CEO, Alex Wiltschko. “When you do the same thing for smell, you have to build a very complex map for the computer to read and then replicate. It’s like taking something from three-dimensions to 300-dimensions. And once it’s encoded in our scent map, it’s decoded by the fragrance printing robot into instructions, so that it can print that scent again, and it will be identical.”

Bold, Slow-Release Perfumes That Last All Day

If you’re looking for a fragrance that lasts a full eight hours, you can’t go wrong with one of these iconic scents.

1 / 10

This famous fragrance just celebrated its 15th anniversary! Crafted by perfumer Dominique Ropion with an extra high dose of rose and patchouli, this fragrance captivates with a high projection that lasts all day long.

KEY NOTES

Turkish Rose, Cinnamon, Benzoin, Incense, Patchouli, Sandalwood

2 / 10

It’s hard to believe this scent launched in 2014, as it’s such an icon of fragrance. First created to celebrate Baccarat’s 250th anniversary, this highly condensed perfume creates a graphic, bold projection that lingers all day for a spicy, ambery effect.

KEY NOTES

Jasmine, Saffron, Cedarwood, Ambergris

3 / 10

A refreshing and woody scent that lasts all day long, this bergamot and rose fragrance is a luxurious and effortless blend of spices and fresh citrus notes.

KEY NOTES

Bergamot, Cypress, Cumin, Nutmeg, Rose, Oud, Amber

4 / 10

Fresh and aromatic, this unisex scent is a green, lively scent that leans masculine at first, before mellowing out into a warm, exotic wood.

KEY NOTES

Cedarwood, Lavender, Petitgrain, Vetiver

5 / 10

Crafted with an assertive profile, this is a scent that lingers for hours, imparting a rich combination of rose and amber meant to pay homage to the sweet, honey-like notes of the Taif rose.

KEY NOTES

Taif Rose, Ambergris, Rose Damascena Essence

6 / 10

Sparkling with bright citrus notes, this scent’s long-lasting sillage layers in warm notes of vanilla and sandalwood over a heart of aquatic jasmine.

KEY NOTES

Bergamot, Aquatic Jasmine, Patchouli Leaf, Sandalwood, Leather

7 / 10

Everything Amouage has amazing longevity, but we especially love the iconic notes of Guidance, which captivates with a triad of rose, frankincense and ambergris.

KEY NOTES

Frankincense, Pear, Saffron, Sambac Jasmine, Ambergris, Vanilla

8 / 10

The combination of smoke and spice delivers a long-lasting timbre of evocative notes, wrapped effortlessly in neroli oil, clary sage oil and tobacco leaf.

KEY NOTES

Pink Pepper, Rum Absolute, Tobacco Leaf Absolute

9 / 10

Mandarin and salted fig introduce this sandalwood scent, creating a warm, slightly smokey fragrance that projects without overpowering.

KEY NOTES

Mandarin, Violet, Sandalwood

10 / 10

This expensive-smelling gourmand is a strong, but sweet scent that softens into honeysuckle and rose notes. Soft marshmallow sugar melts into the ambery base for a long-lasting kiss of sweetness.

KEY NOTES

Orange Blossom, Vanilla Absolute, Luscious Marshmallow