10 Black-Owned Fragrance Companies You Need in Your Collection

When it comes tofragrances, we’re accustomed to the Diors, Chanels and Marc Jacobs of the world. Sadly, these scents—however great—don’t reflect much diversity in the industry. However, with the recent uptick in interest to buy from more BIack-owned businesses, we’re seeing more brands emerge or finally get the shine they deserve. While these brands currently make up a small percentage of the$3 billion fragrance industry, we hope this will change in years to come. So, whether you’re in the market for a new scent or ready to gift a snazzyeau de toiletteto a friend, here are 10 Black-owned fragrance companies to check out now.

Ovation For Men’s motto is clear: to provide a fragrance that brings out “the confidence, style and attitude of today’s influential men of color.” Founders Shawn Crenshaw, FadeIf Jackson and Cecil Cross used their love of luxury fragrances to create a distinct scent that was previously not found. Their signature fragrance includes a blend of citrus and woodsy notes like bergamot, cashmere woods and cardamom.

Shop our picks:Ovation Signature Fragrance($85)

CreatorMair Emenogu的公司都是从她的签名。年代后igning her name on yet another document at work, an executive at the company envisioned seeing her name on a perfume bottle. Three years later, Emenogu made that vision a reality. Since 2015, the brand has focused on creating light scents that aren't overpowering and are derived from raw materials (like jasmine, amber and peonies) sourced from gardens and distilleries around the world. The first and most popular perfume in the line is called, “Remember When,” which has garnered positive reviews for its light floral scent and chic packaging.

Shop our picks:Peony Silk($110);Remember When($110)

While still attending college, Maya Njie experimented with scent as a creative outlet. She soon became fascinated with connecting scents to past memories. Njie then sought to capture scents based on her family history, which included her Scandinavian roots and Gambian heritage. After years of testing and teaching herself about the perfume world, she launchedMaya Njie Perfumes. Every scent in the line features an intricate blend of essential oils (likeylang ylangand patchouli) and synthetic substitutes (like musk and ambergris). Combined with the bottle’s designs and names, each fragrance holds a close connection to her background.

Shop our picks:Tobak($145);Voyeur Verde($145);Vanilj($145)

With a background in luxury fragrance retail, owner Kimberly Walker never saw herself represented in the industry she worked in for ten years. She decided to learn about the science behind fragrance and eventually created a signature scent, Artsy, which is now the brand’s top seller. For six years,Kimberly New Yorkhas launched nine men’s and women’s eau de parfums. Whether its “Diaspora’s” sweet blend of Fuji apple and rosé champagne or “Ether’s” smoky mahogany embers and cloves, there’s a scent for everyone.

Shop our picks:Artsy(109美元);Diaspora(109美元);Ether($109)

Inspired by his travels,Chris Collinscombined his love of luxury and fragrance to launch his own brand in 2018. His collections are designed to provoke feelings of attraction, adventure and freedom, while nodding to his time spent in cities like New York and Paris. From exploring the dark side of seduction with the Dark Romance Collection (filled with rich notes of cinnamon, cacao and vanilla) or stepping back in time with the Renaissance Collection (filled with nostalgic notes of cognac, rose and cedarwood), Chris Collins evokes an emotional experience with every scent he creates.

Shop our picks:African Rooibos($175);Danse Sauvage($175);Sweet Taboo($225)

After experiencing a skin reaction from her favorite fragrance, self-taught perfumer Chavalia Dunlap-Mwamba foundedPink MahogHany, which focuses on gentle and light perfumes for sensitive skin. The mix of feminine, masculine and gender-neutral options leaves reviewers expressing their love for the scents themselves, but most importantly, their skin-friendly formulas are free from ingredients that can cause irritation (i.e. phthalates and alcohols).

Shop our picks:Tandem($8);Gent($8);A Mother’s Love($8)

Artist Chris Classic was working on a collaboration for his first fragrance line when it fell through the cracks. Despite the many obstacles he faced (and being ghosted by his work partner), he still launchedSavoir Fairein 2017. Whether you’re grabbing “Sin Santo & Sage” or “The Whiskey Rose,” expect each unisex bottle to pack a memorable punch.

Shop our picks:Savoir Faire Soul Cafe($135);Sin Santo & Sage($135);The Whiskey Rose($135)

Perfumer Oswald Paré created主题Olfactifin 2019 after immersing himself in the world of fragrances for years. Whether it was smelling fragrances at the mall or learning about the community through YouTube, Paré took careful note of everything before making some of his own scents. Inspired by his memories, family and experiences, each bottle features a unique story and is placed in a chic bottle that’ll catch your eye.

Shop our picks:Moments($110);Mon Oasis($130);Sérénade($145)

While working at the front desk of a luxury condo, founder Darryl X. Simpson II noticed how fragrance boosted the confidence of the residents he interacted with. Soon after, he began developing a business plan for his own luxury brand. Inspired by his mother’s nickname for him (she was also responsible for introducing him to fragrance),Zavies诞生了。品牌的进攻rs both feminine and masculine picks that include a blend of citrus and musk notes. The bold and colorful bottles make it a staple (and statement piece) on our dressers.

Shop our picks:Virile($60);Enamor($60)