Indian perfumery is reentering, with local labels returning centuries-old techniques, native ingredients, and craft-based knowledge to a contemporary audience. While the international fragrances market tends to rely on synthetic notes and mass production, these Indian perfumery brands are creating scents grounded in heritage, eco-friendliness, and the craft of slow perfumery. From the ageless attars of Kannauj to cutting-edge fusions that bring the past and present together, these four brands are redefining India's olfactory landscape.
Boond is not just a perfume company but a movement to bring back the forgotten art of Indian perfumery. Established during the pandemic by people who witnessed their home town Kannauj's perfumery heritage fading away, Boond makes handcrafted, alcohol-free perfumes through the ancient deg-bhapka distillation method. Each aspect of their packaging, from handmade paper boxes to pouches stitched by local artisans, empowers artisans and is sustainable. With an abiding passion for the art, Boond is reviving the lost art of attars while sustaining an ecosystem of perfumers and artisans.
NASO has a young, modern take on Indian perfumery while remaining grounded in its heritage. By mixing pure extracts of Indian spices and herbs, NASO develops unique fragrances that are free from artificial essences. Their philosophy is about keeping natural Indian attars alive while introducing perfumery to the modern world. Their unique selling point is the ability to design personalized scents, enabling perfume enthusiasts to develop one-of-a-kind fragrances that reflect their individuality.
With over 40 years of heritage, Bombay Perfumery straddles India's rich aroma legacy and global perfumery style. It seeks out precious materials from around the globe— vetiver from Haiti, cinnamon from Sri Lanka, nutmeg from Indonesia — and yet engages actively with local cultivators in Coonoor, Kannauj, and Tirupati. Every scent is a passion project, imagined by founder Manan Gandhi, to recall specific memories and moods. With its contemporary yet earthy look, Bombay Perfumery is designing fragrance experiences that are highly individual yet widely desirable.
Dating back 170 years, Isak is Lucknow's heritage perfumery house, where traditional craftsmanship blends with innovation. Inspired by its royal Mughal-era roots, the brand’s fragrances are handcrafted using rare, handpicked ingredients. Every scent is an homage to the art of storytelling through fragrance, designed to evoke emotions, nostalgia, and a deep connection to Indian culture. Founder Vidushi Vijayvergiya has worked to elevate Indian perfumery onto a global platform, ensuring that traditional scent-making techniques are celebrated in a modern context.
As Indian consumers shift toward conscious, responsible luxury, perfume brands such as Boond, NASO, Bombay Perfumery, and Isak are at the forefront — selling fragrances with experiences that marry heritage, artisanal skill, and individuality. Whether through reviving Kannauj's lost attars or blending contemporary perfumery with ancient Indian practice, these companies are redefining the Indian fragrance landscape, one stunning bottle at a time.
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