Serge de Oliveira’s path into perfumery is a testament to passion and hands-on experience. Unlike many in the industry, he did not begin with a strong chemistry background. After studying cosmetics and pharmacy and completing a brief training at ISIPCA, he started his career in 2002 as a perfumer’s assistant at IFF.

His career evolved through diverse roles across the fragrance industry, including product development at L’Oréal and Dior, as well as quality control at Chanel. These experiences deepened his understanding of scent from multiple perspectives. A turning point came when he joined Robertet, where close interaction with raw materials and perfumers provided him with what he considers the best possible training.

In 2013, he became a full perfumer at Robertet. Since then, he has become known for his expertise in natural perfumery. Based in Paris since 2019, he creates both fine fragrances and functional scents, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with natural ingredients.

De Oliveira’s creations are characterized by warmth, sensuality, and depth. He often builds his compositions on woody foundations such as patchouli, sandalwood, and cashmeran, complemented by florals like rose, geranium, and iris.

His approach focuses on enhancing the complexity and richness of natural materials while maintaining balance and elegance. He is particularly skilled at harnessing the multifaceted nature of botanicals, transforming them into refined and wearable compositions.

His portfolio includes work for niche brands such as 100Bon, Ormaie, Parfums de Rosine, and Bon Parfumeur. One notable creation is Click Song for Une Nuit Nomade, inspired by singer Miriam Makeba, blending spicy, floral, and warm notes into a cohesive and expressive fragrance.

Working with natural ingredients presents unique challenges, including longer maturation times and limitations compared to synthetic materials. However, de Oliveira embraces these constraints as opportunities for innovation, using them to explore new creative directions.

Beyond his own creations, he actively contributes to the growing recognition of natural perfumery. He demonstrates that natural fragrances can be both sophisticated and impactful, playing an essential role in the future of the industry.