Nathalie Benareau’s journey to becoming a Senior Perfumer at Symrise began in the French Alps, where long walks in nature sparked her fascination with scent. Her multicultural background—shaped by Algerian, Spanish, and French influences—played a key role in developing her olfactory sensitivity. The aromas of couscous and Spanish tapas, combined with the natural scents of moss, trees, and flowers from her mountain surroundings, created a rich sensory foundation for her future career.
After studying chemistry at the University of Toulouse and earning a master’s degree in chemistry and chemical engineering, she entered the fragrance industry in 1999 through an internship in the R&D department at Firmenich. She later trained at Intarome and Manheimer, becoming a perfumer in 2006. Since joining Symrise in 2008 and moving to its New York creative studio in 2011, she has built a diverse portfolio spanning both mainstream and niche perfumery.
Benareau’s creative philosophy views fragrance as an art form capable of expressing emotion and intangible ideas. She sees scent as a language for storytelling—including the story of an individual. Her approach blends scientific precision with artistic experimentation, often combining unexpected elements such as leather with cotton candy or fruity notes with traditionally masculine accords. She embraces creative freedom and enjoys exploring uncharted territory to create something entirely new.
