Strategies for cultural dissemination and training.
THE SCIENCE OF FRAGRANCE: BEYOND PASSION AND INSTINCT.
In my role as a fragrance designer, I firmly believe that the creation and interpretation of scents cannot rely solely on instinct or intuition. On the contrary, they require in-depth olfactory culture, along with a strong scientific and educational foundation.
This is the basis of all my professional activity — from formulation to communication.
I am increasingly convinced that spreading accurate knowledge of cosmetics, and particularly of olfactory science, is essential to connecting professionals across the industry. It also serves as a powerful message to new generations aspiring to specialize in this field: the only way to acquire distinctive expertise is through rigorous and ongoing study.
Although the profession of a fragrance designer may evoke an image of pure creativity, it is deeply rooted in multidisciplinary training, including academic degrees, perfumery school, and continuous professional development.
In my own case, a well-rounded educational path — with a degree in Pharmacy, training at ISIPCA, Guerlain’s perfumery school in Paris, and constant professional updates — has been vital. This preparation includes not only the ability to identify raw materials but also a deep understanding of their chemical-physical properties, molecular interactions, and impact on the olfactory system.
ESSENTIAL OILS AND GERIATRICS: SUMMER SCHOOL LABORATORY AT UNIVERSITÀ CATTOLICA.
A noteworthy example of synergy between research and education is the fragrance workshop I led during the Summer School of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Rome. I am deeply grateful to Prof. Maura Di Vito for this opportunity.
The workshop focused on the application of essential oils and integrative medicine in the prevention and treatment of geriatric conditions.
This growing field of study explores how integrating essential oils with complementary medicine can offer new avenues for healthy aging. My session aimed to present an alternative perspective on geriatric care and prevention, highlighting the empirical richness of the olfactory world.
Such initiatives serve as a crucial bridge between scientific research and clinical practice, equipping healthcare professionals with tools to integrate complementary approaches into treatment pathways.
Understanding the potential of smell and the interplay between different disciplines not only enriches therapeutic options, but also supports a more holistic, person-centered approach to elder care. Investing in training and knowledge-sharing is essential to cultivating a culture of well-being that envisions the future of healthcare in a more integrated and human-centric way.
KOSMETICA: 10 YEARS OF DISSEMINATION AND INNOVATION IN THE ITALIAN COSMETICS INDUSTRY.
In parallel, my editorial collaboration with Kosmetica — a leading publication for the Italian cosmetics industry — highlights the importance of scientific communication as a fundamental channel for knowledge dissemination.
The year 2025 is particularly significant for the Italian cosmetics landscape, marking the 10th anniversary of the Kosmetica congress. The magazine has established itself as a trusted reference point in the industry. Through columns and expert-written articles on scientific and technological topics, Kosmetica offers in-depth insights into critical areas of the sector — from raw materials to the production chain, from R&D to marketing strategies.
In this context of excellence and dissemination, and to celebrate this important anniversary, I had the honor of creating Numero 10 Eau de Parfum — a fragrance designed to embody the values of Kosmetica and its forward-thinking vision in the Italian cosmetics arena.
My deep understanding of Kosmetica’s editorial ethos comes from the privilege of contributing specialized articles aimed at promoting olfactory culture. None of this would have been possible without my mentor and dear friend, Prof. Giovanni D’Agostinis, founder and director of Kosmetica and the mind behind the Congress. Over the years, we have achieved many milestones together, and thanks to his expertise and guidance, I’ve been able to shape a truly fulfilling professional path.
FRAGRANCE IN TRICHOLOGY FOR HAIR WELL-BEING.
The recent TricoItalia congress shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of hair care: the powerful connection between cosmetic trichology and fragrance.
As I presented in my talk “Sensory Experiences: The Importance of Fragrance”, the sense of smell is uniquely linked to the limbic system — the seat of emotion, memory, and instinct.
“A scent can trigger vivid memories and deep feelings, making the fragrance of a cosmetic product far more than a decorative element. It becomes an identity marker — emotional, even therapeutic. While texture, packaging, and performance are crucial, the first emotional contact is almost always olfactory.”
It’s fascinating to observe how more and more companies are developing targeted fragrances to meet specific needs within trichological product lines. This recognizes the intrinsic value of smell as part of the haircare experience. The act of application becomes a full sensory journey — one of care, treatment, and scent, bringing holistic enjoyment.
A key point in my presentation was the strategic role of fragrance in the professional salon setting. Imagine a client returning home and still perceiving the distinct scent of the treatment they received. That fragrance becomes a true olfactory signature, a lasting emotional imprint.
THE VERSATILITY OF A FRAGRANCE DESIGNER: FROM CELEBRATION TO SOCIAL AWARENESS.
My professional activity extends far beyond the creation of bespoke fragrances. It encompasses the full spectrum of the olfactory sector.
From creating a commemorative fragrance for the centenary of Baxi — a leading Italian brand in heating and climate control — capturing the essence of tradition and innovation, to working with the nonprofit cooperative Comgiova, a support center for young people with addiction challenges, where I launched a series of fragrance-based talks.
The aim is not mere storytelling but an invitation to explore a sensory universe rich with meaning and emotion — a tool for processing and coping with difficulty, through smell — a medium that can communicate where words, blocked by mental structures, sometimes cannot.
OLFACTORY TASTINGS: UNEXPECTED EXPERIENCES.
Finally, my initiative with Confartigianato Vicenza and the support of Viart, the Olfactory Tasting project, demonstrates how the role of a fragrance designer can be translated into personalized sensory experiences. These experiences allow individuals to explore their unique relationship with scent, culminating in a deeper understanding of the art of tailor-made fragrances — like haute couture for the senses.
With this article, I hope to have conveyed a concept very dear to me: fragrance is not simply an accessory — it is an invisible care.
Investing in education and dissemination is fundamental to fostering an olfactory culture that is ever more conscious, scientifically grounded, and professionally recognized.
