– What is Natural Perfume?

Natural perfume, as defined by the Natural Perfumery Institute (NPI), is the use of pure and natural aromatics from the land, sea and soil, along with select animal essences (optional), such as beeswax, ambergris and others, professionally combined to produce a beautiful, luxury liquid perfume. Natural isolates may also be used if carefully sourced, as many are synthetics yet sold as natural.

There are accessory products in natural perfumery, such as solid perfumes, incenses, candles, soaps and other body and bath products, and natural perfume blends are used to fragrance them.

Natural perfumers are dedicated to seeking out the finest natural aromatics, and never using synthetic fragrance aromachemicals or synthetic or chemically-denatured alcohol (except where the law does not permit the use of undenatured alcohol). Natural isolate aromachemicals, obtained by fractional distillation of essential oils and absolutes are used in natural perfumery, as are tinctures, infusions, and other extracts.

-Why study Natural Perfumery?

People study natural perfumery to so that they may quickly and expertly understand the complex and demanding art of natural perfumery. With a a systematic study, under the instruction of an experienced and successful natural perfumer, the student can save not only time, but expensive mistakes with the aromatics. You will also learn many of the classical methods of blending, and the art and science behind the discipline.

The NPI natural perfumery course is designed to create professional perfumers, adept body care scent formulators, advanced aromatherapy practitioners, and other fragrance formulators. You will be proficient in all phases of perfumery basics. You will start by learning how to work with the best aromatics from initial dilution and evaluation experiments. By the end of the sixth module, the student will know how and why they used the specific aromatics, in the precise measurements, to create their perfume for certification. In other words, you will be guided so that you may avoid pitfalls, confusion, and questions about what are the best techniques for blending.

– What supplies do I need for the Basic course?

The kits and the materials listed below are not included in the cost of the tuition.

Please click here to see a list of materials needed for the basic course.

Please review the list of aromatics needed for the course on the Kits page. If you have many of these oils or very similar oils, you do not need to purchase the kits.

 – What is the time frame to complete my Basic course studies?

You are encouraged to complete the course in one year, to keep your studies moving at a pace that will keep you engaged, but not rushed, with the exercises. If you need more time, just contact the Instructor via the contact page and arrangements will be made.

– Do you have a payment plan for the tuition?

You will be able to sign up for a payment plan at enrollment. Payments will be automatically deducted from your credit card or PayPal account.

– What is the Institute’s refund policy?

There is no refund on the deposit or tuition.

– What is the process to become a certified natural perfumer?

After completing the six modules,  the student may submit a perfume and essay to the Instructor. The perfume and essay should reflect that the student learned the basics as taught in the course, and that they are able to articulate them. Receiving the certification will allow the student to continue studies at the Intermediate level. There is a $75 review fee for the certification and diploma.