The top 17 niche fragrance houses that you’ve never heard of

Fragrance is such an integral part of a beauty routine. It isn’t just a scent to simply not smell bad, we have deodorant for that. Instead, fragrances are often a reflection of our personalities and essentially an extension of ourselves. Whether it’s a soft and feminine rose or a deep and seductive vanilla, we match our fragrances to the different stages of our lives and even the different moods we have during that time. Often, we will pick a signature scent that is so quintessentially “us” in every way possible. Whenever your friends and family get a whiff of that scent, they’ll instantly think of you.

When choosing a signature scent, everyone wants to have one that is uniquely their own. Designer houses are great for mass-appealing fragrances that tend to garner compliments. But it isn’t great to catch a whiff of someone on the street and realise that he/she is wearing the exact fragrance you have on. Or worse, to go for dinner and your date is suddenly reminded of his/her ex.

This is where niche perfume houses come into the picture. In recent years, we have seen an incredible spike in popularity and demand for niche perfumes as more and more people are discovering unique scents that speak to them, beyond just crowd-pleasing fragrances.

Scroll through for the niche fragrance brands that you might never have heard of before but should totally get your noses on. Their artistic and one-of-a-kind scent offerings will leave a memorable trail that’ll linger in the air for you and others to enjoy.

1. Amouage

An ultra-luxurious niche fragrance brand from Oman, Amouage is almost always associated with impeccable quality and unrelenting potency. Established in 1983 by the Sultan of Oman himself, Amouage seeks to allow the world to dive into the world of Arabian perfumery. Expect to experience heady aromas of oud, incense, rose, musk and spices in their impressive library of 86 concoctions. Their fragrances are often inspired by one word (ie. Jubilation, Honour, Reflection, etc) and two creations are made—one for him and one for her.

Their bottles also pay homage to the Middle East, from the crest at the front to the lavish-looking caps that look like grand buildings in that region. Their scent profiles are not for the faint of heart. While they do have some mass-pleasing compositions in their range, the overall scent is still far superior due to the ingredients used to create them. For those who are looking for a bold scent that will distinguish you from the crowds instantly, and basically make you feel like Arabian royalty, this is the niche brand to look into.

2. Amouroud

Though Amouroud itself is a relatively new line that started in 2016, the company that created it is no stranger to the perfume industry. Amouroud was born out of The Perfumer’s Workshop, a respected fragrance company from the US that has created iconic fragrances such as Tea Rose. This is their more niche offering that is catered to people who are looking to smell different and intriguing. Amouroud boasts high-quality ingredients that are both natural smelling but also long-lasting. This brand is not for the faint of heart. The juice is so strong that one needs to go easy on the trigger. Pick a daytime oud scent such as the Oud du Jour or a sensual syrupy rose in Midnight Rose. Plus, all its offerings are labelled as unisex for both you and your partner to enjoy.

3. DS & Durga

DS & Durga is a niche fragrance house from the US, created by a male-female duo, DS & Kavi. They started from humble beginnings, mixing and creating scents from scratch in their Brooklyn homes before finally building their brand to the cult status it has reached today. Inspired by artistic expression, each fragrance in their line tells a distinct story. For instance, ‘Burning Barbershop’ tells an olfactory story of a fire that broke out in the Curling Bros. barbershop in Westlake, N.Y. in 1891. Hence, smoke, spearmint, lavender and shaving tonic come together in a bottle to tell this tale. With so many stories to choose from, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a story you won’t fall in love with.

4. Editions de Parfums Frédéric Malle

Though many in the fashion world are well-versed in all things Frederic Malle, few outside of the beauty and fashion realm are quite as intimate with the brand. Probably the end all be all of the niche fragrance industry, Frederic Malle has employed some of the greatest noses of our time and had them created without any boundaries or restrictions. An editor of fragrance, as he affectionately calls himself, he has collaborated with Dominique Ropion, Maurice Roucel and more to create potent, creative and intoxicating scents with the best ingredients available in perfumery. They cost a pretty penny and prices differ depending on what goes into each perfume, but the result is a lingering trail that will stand out and be seared in the memories of many.

5. Etat Libre D’Orange

If you are looking for something truly unique and quirky, this French house is all about being different. Calling themselves the ‘Free State of Orange’ in French, the house celebrates freedom of expression through scents, away from societal norms and boundaries.

Priding themselves in creating avant-garde scents, Etat Libre D’Orange is all about standing out. With controversial names such as ‘Putain Des Palaces’ (which translates to ‘sluts of the palace’) and ‘Fat Electrician’, their fragrances are cheeky, carnal and have an unusual composition of notes. Despite that, they are still uber-wearable and add an aura of interest around you.

6. Fort & Manle Perfumes

An Australian perfume house that has gained a lot of hype and recognition in the fragrance world, Fort & Manle will be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. With a dark, gothic, old-worldly type bottle, each plate on the bottle is embossed with intricate illustrations that indicate the fragrance within it. Perfumer and founder Rasei Fort meticulously blends and creates with artisanal oils and raw materials to create authentic scents that do not lean sharp or synthetic. With names like ‘Confessions of a Garden Gnome’ and ‘Mr Bojnokopff’s Purple Hat’, his eccentric approach to fragrance is refined by the high-quality ingredients he works with, thus creating fragrances that are not only beautiful but utterly imaginative as well.

7. Henry Jacques

Henry Jacques is a French haute parfumerie that epitomises luxury, artistry, and tradition. Founded in the 1970s by Henry Cremona, the house began as a bespoke perfumer, crafting personalised scents for private clients seeking fragrances that reflected their individuality. Over decades, Henry Jacques has remained steadfast in its commitment to using the finest raw materials and time-honoured methods of perfume creation.

The house offers two distinct expressions of its craftsmanship: Les Classiques, a curated collection of ready-to-wear perfumes, and bespoke creations, where fragrance becomes deeply personal. This bespoke experience is available exclusively at the Henry Jacques boutique in Marina Bay Sands, offering clients the opportunity to create a scent that is entirely their own.

A notable hallmark of Henry Jacques is its presentation. Perfumes are housed in exquisite crystal flacons, such as those in the Les Toupies collection, where sculptural designs elevate the fragrance to a tangible work of art.

Henry Jacques transcends trends, offering scents that feel both timeless and intimate. For perfume connoisseurs, the brand represents not just olfactory luxury, but a celebration of heritage, refinement, and individuality. It’s a rarefied experience where every drop is imbued with intention and artistry.

8. Histoires de Parfums

Histoires de Parfums is a luxury French fragrance house founded by perfumer Gerald Ghislain in 2000. Its bottles are reminiscent of an old encyclopedia, which is exactly what the brand represents. Inspired by history, this brand creates scents that are based on famous people in the past or a specific era. From Ernest Hemingway in 1899 to the Moulin Rouge in 1889, the fragrances are time portals to days of yore. Histoires de Parfums calls its fragrances volumes in a library of scents and you can collect a bunch to line them up like actual books. Scent stories aside, the fragrances are rich, opulent and long-lasting. For those who want to travel to a different era, this niche house is exactly what you should check out.

9. Imaginary Authors

Imaginary Authors is an indie perfume company that has blown up in America, thanks to its unique concept that marries storytelling and perfumery. As its name suggests, each fragrance is inspired by an imaginary story told by an imaginary author and inside each scent is an imaginary note. The note breakdown and scent composition are evocative of the stories told. You can read more about the story and the author who inspired the scent on their website. All the fragrances have an incredible backstory created by the perfumer, Josh Meyers. Expect interesting notes of shipwrecks, evening air and burnt matches. This is one for those who want to be taken on an olfactory journey every time they spritz their perfume. It’s an escape in a bottle!

10. Jovoy Paris

One of the most underrated perfume brands that is actually well-respected in the field of perfumery is Jovoy Paris. For those of you who often take trips to Paris, you might recognise this as a multi-brand niche perfume shop at Rue de Castiglione. What you didn’t know is that Jovoy has its own line of fragrances and it is high-perfumery at its best.

The perfume house was started in 1923 and was given a new lease of life in 2007. Now, they have over 26 perfumes in the line and they are all the epitome of Parisian perfumery. With names like Rouge Assassin and L’enfant Terrible, they combine the French quirk with a host of heady notes to create interesting and luxurious scents. Each fragrance is very distinct and thus is likely to be a love-it-or-hate-it sort of situation. However, when you do find the one, trust us, you will fall head over heels for it.

11. L’Artisan Parfumeur

L’Artisan Parfumeur is a house that celebrates the artistry of perfumery, offering perfumers the freedom to explore their creativity without limitations. Founded in 1976 by Jean Laporte, the brand was built on the principle of allowing scents to tell stories—unbound by trends or commercial pressures. This approach has led to a collection of fragrances that feel authentic, imaginative, and distinct.

By fostering an environment where creative expression takes centre stage, L’Artisan Parfumeur has given rise to olfactory masterpieces that continue to resonate with fragrance enthusiasts. Perfumes like Mûre et Musc, with its unexpected pairing of fruity and musky notes, and Premier Figuier, which captures the fig tree in its entirety, highlight the house’s willingness to embrace new ideas and push boundaries.

This dedication to creative freedom allows perfumers to craft compositions that are both personal and timeless. Whether inspired by nature, fleeting moments, or abstract concepts, each fragrance becomes a story told through scent. L’Artisan Parfumeur’s commitment to artistry ensures that every creation is a true reflection of the perfumer’s vision. For those seeking to experience the house’s offerings, their boutique at Takashimaya provides an intimate setting to explore these singular works of olfactory art.

12. Le Galion

If you are all about feeling like royalty, this is the niche brand for you. Created by Prince Murat in 1930, this French perfume house exudes that je ne sais quoi in buckets. From the understated elongated bottles to the simple logo that pays homage to its Napoleon-esque roots, Le Galion is aloof, austere and proud. With scent names like ‘Snob’, the fragrances are made to feel light in the air and leave an alluring trail behind you. Most importantly, they smell expensive. If you love vintage scents that have a heavy French, aristocratic touch, you will love this niche brand.

13. Maison Crivelli

The founder of Maison Crivelli, Thibaud Crivelli, describes perfume as a living experience. Like all living things, his niche perfumes are unpredictable and constantly evolving. Crivelli’s gender-free creations aim to convey the unique sensations he experienced in his search for raw materials. There’s Santal Volcanique, “inspired by the discovery of scorched sandalwood on an erupting volcano” or Absinthe Boréale, inspired by “taking a shot of absinthe under the Northern lights”. This one’s for the jetsetters, globetrotters and explorers at heart.

14. Nasomatto

Italian niche perfume house Nasomatto is known for its distinct-looking bottles. Its bottle caps, to be more specific. Each scent in the line has a unique bottle cap that is made of different materials (eg. cork, wood), in different finishes. No two caps are exactly the same as they are made organically from real, raw materials. The caps are as large as their bottles, which house 30ml extrait de parfum concentration of fragrance. These fragrances are powerhouses and one spray is all you need! Be it the boozy, whiskey notes of ‘Baraonda’ or the dark oud notes of ‘Black Afgano’, Nasomatto’s fragrances make a statement every single time.

15. Ormonde Jayne

A niche brand hailing from London, Ormonde Jayne is elegance in a bottle. Employing the experienced and talented nose of Geza Schoen (creator of cult brand, Escentric Molecule) to create the 28 perfumes in the line, Ormonde Jayne has a versatile library of dense and effervescent perfumes. As with the luxurious packaging, its scents are equally decadent using a rich melange of notes to create a perfect blend. The prices of each bottle may vary due to the number and quality of the ingredients that go inside it, but one thing’s for sure, you are paying for quality with this one. From ethereal florals to deep, sweet amber, you may well find your signature scent here. And trust that no one else will smell like you.

16. The Different Company

Low-key and showcasing beautiful restraint, The Different Company is one to check out if you are looking to be quietly different. Nothing loud or obnoxious about this French niche brand at all, which started in 2000 and now has a collection of over 20 fragrances to choose from. The unique bottle design is both simplistic and eye-catching, encapsulating the very essence of the brand.

With a mission to create luxurious scents that make you feel like a million bucks, The Different Company works with world-renowned perfumers such as Jean-Claude Ellena and Bertrand Duchaufour. While they have a wide range of scent profiles in their range, each one is never too loud or brash, giving you the air of that French je ne sais quoi that we all want.

17. Zoologist Perfumes

Based in Canada, the founder of Zoologist Perfumes, Victor Wong, works with esteemed and highly regarded perfumers to create truly one-of-a-kind scents. Each perfume line is named after an animal. Once you spray the juice inside, Wong aims to transport you to the habitat of these animals. Think: the lush rainforests where the elephant resides or the floral garden where the nightingale flourishes. Each scent is almost eerily realistic and natural smelling too. Not to mention, the bottle design and illustrations of each animal are just to die for. The perfumes are all extrait de parfum concentration, which means they are going to be mega strong and long-lasting.

This article first appeared in Harper’s BAZAAR Singapore.