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5 Fragrance Brands with Perfumes Made of Upcycled Ingredients From Oakwood to Roses
Upcycling in the beauty industry refers to making skincare and cosmetic products out of leftover or wasted ingredients from the food and beverage sector. These items include used coffee grounds, leftover fruit from juice, less visually appealing fruits and vegetables, or expired food that would otherwise go bad. These rejected components are repurposed to create skincare products such as scrubs, balms, cleansers, and other cosmetics. Companies that use repurposed materials contribute to a decrease in food waste, a critical environmental issue. In addition to cutting waste and the carbon footprint of food production, the upcycling movement has led to skincare products enhanced with antioxidants and other advantageous qualities that could have otherwise been thrown away.
1. Miller Harris
Instagram | @millerharris
Brand Born in | United Kingdom
Shipping | Worldwide except for Australia, New Zealand, China and Qatar
Miller Harris exemplifies a refined approach to sustainability through the art of upcycling in its fragrance creations. By transforming waste materials and by-products into luxurious, high-quality ingredients, the brand reimagines perfumery with an eco-conscious ethos. In the exquisite Myrica Muse, rose and patchouli are elegantly upcycled from plant extractions, while Hydra Figue incorporates Hydrolat Sage, a fragrant by-product of sage leaf distillation, offering a sustainable alternative to virgin water. The brand further demonstrates its ingenuity by sourcing oakwood from wine barrel remnants and cedarwood from carpentry wood chips, imbuing fragrances like Hydra Figue and Black Datura with rich, natural elements. Additionally, notes such as Orcanox and green mandarin, derived from citrus and hydro-distillation by-products, bring a sophisticated depth to Soufflot. Through this innovative practice, Miller Harris not only champions sustainable luxury but redefines the possibilities of environmentally conscious fragrance design.
2. Sana Jardin
Instagram | @sanajardin
Shipping | Worldwide
Brand Born in | United Kingdom
Sana Jardin masterfully fuses the art of perfumery with a commitment to sustainability, crafting fragrances that blend 15-20% natural plant essential oils with carefully selected synthetic ingredients. Free from phthalates, parabens, and other harmful chemicals, their perfumes strike the perfect balance between nature’s finest botanicals and innovative synthetics, ensuring both longevity and a reduced environmental footprint. The strategic use of synthetics not only preserves endangered species but also enhances the complexity and depth of each scent, embodying the essence of luxury. At the heart of Sana Jardin’s sustainability ethos is their pioneering Beyond Sustainability™ Movement, which transforms the traditional fragrance supply chain. In partnership with female farmers in Morocco, the brand upcycles floral by-products—such as orange blossom, rose, and jasmine—into exquisite scented candles and orange blossom water. This closed-loop system allows these women to repurpose waste materials into marketable products, fostering economic independence and reducing waste.
3. Etat Libre d’Orange
Instagram | @etatlibreorange
Shipping | Worldwide
Brand Born in | France
Etat Libre d’Orange boldly redefines the boundaries of luxury perfumery with their avant-garde creation, I Am Trash. This groundbreaking fragrance, crafted entirely from upcycled ingredients, turns discarded materials into a luxurious olfactory experience. Sourced from food industry by-products, twice-distilled rose petals, and sandalwood chips, I Am Trash offers an unexpected yet alluring blend of fruity, floral, and earthy notes, proving that beauty can indeed rise from waste. Driven by a philosophy of sustainability and respect for nature, Etat Libre d’Orange seeks to reshape how we view what is thrown away. The fragrance’s top notes sparkle with the crispness of upcycled apple essence, bitter orange, and green tangerine, while its heart blooms with upcycled rose absolute and gariguette strawberry. The base is grounded in the richness of upcycled cedarwood, sandalwood, and Akigalawood, creating a scent that is both sophisticated and eco-conscious. The brand emphasizes that I Am Trash isn’t just a perfume—it’s a statement to serve as a reminder that even what we discard holds potential for beauty and transformation, echoing a larger movement toward environmental stewardship in the world of high fashion and luxury.
4. Ellis Brooklyn
Instagram | @ellisbrooklyn
Brand Born in | United States
Shipping | United States and Canada
SUPER AMBER by Ellis Brooklyn is redefining the world of fragrance with its sustainable approach and upcycled ingredients. At the heart of this warm, addictive scent is upcycled Virginia cedarwood, a luxurious, woody note repurposed from waste materials, setting a new standard for eco-conscious luxury. More than just a fragrance, SUPER AMBER is a sensory experience, crafted without traditional top, middle, and base notes. Instead, it evolves with your skin’s unique chemistry, creating a scent that’s entirely your own. PETA-certified vegan and cruelty-free, it also features biodegradable musk, ensuring minimal environmental impact without sacrificing quality. The bottle itself is a testament to sustainability, designed for reuse and recyclability, with a biodegradable cap free from petrochemicals. SUPER AMBER isn't just a perfume—it’s a modern, sustainable take on luxury, proving that eco-friendly can also be irresistibly warm and inviting.
5. La Bouche Rouge
Instagram | @laboucherouge
Brand Born in | France
Shipping | Worldwide
La Bouche Rouge is reshaping the landscape of luxury perfumery with its groundbreaking unisex collection, where upcycling takes center stage. Crafted from 93% natural ingredients and 30% upcycled materials, these fragrances embody a new era of eco-conscious elegance. Infused with organic alcohol, each scent is a harmonious blend of warm spices, exotic woods, and sensual vetiver, creating a provocative and alluring olfactory experience. Encased in sustainable, refillable glass bottles adorned with a handcrafted red leather case, the collection reflects the brand’s dedication to both high-end craftsmanship and environmental responsibility. This innovative approach marks a first in haute perfumery, where natural beauty meets cutting-edge sustainability, offering a truly unique signature for the discerning fragrance lover.
