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Writer's pictureShirley

Scent and Sensibility: AI's Foray into Perfume Mastery


Have you ever wondered how fragrances are created? Well, get ready to be amazed because the fragrance industry has just welcomed its newest collaborator: artificial intelligence (AI). That's right, AI has made its way into the world of perfume, and the results are nothing short of extraordinary.

[Reference: Artificial Intelligence Can Now Create Perfumes, Even Without A Sense Of Smell, 2023]


IBM Research and Symrise, in partnership with perfumer David Apel, have created the first-ever AI-developed scent. The AI apprentice, affectionately named Philyra, worked alongside Apel to create two new fragrances for Brazilian cosmetics company O Boticário. This groundbreaking collaboration marks the official launch of AI into the fragrance industry, and the results are truly remarkable.


So, how does it work? Philyra analyzes a massive database of 1.7 million fragrance formulas and evaluates what fragrances sell well among different genders, age groups, and countries. Using a deep-learning algorithm, Philyra suggests perfume formulas that should perform well for a target group. Then, Apel refines the AI-generated formulas to create the final fragrances.


One of the most fascinating aspects of AI in fragrance development is its ability to suggest formulas that humans may not have considered before. While the sense of smell is important, the true art lies in understanding the composition of the perfume. AI algorithms can learn and suggest the novelty of a fragrance, raw material substitutes and complements, dosing of raw material, and even predict the human response.


For O Boticário's Valentine's Day launch, Philyra and Apel created three different versions of the fragrance. And guess what? The overwhelming majority of people opted for the 100% AI-generated perfume. The fragrances, Egeo ON Me and Egeo ON You, combine an enticing blend of fruits, flowers, woods, caramel, and even condensed milk. Talk about a unique and unexpected combination!


Now, I know what you might be thinking. Is AI going to replace human perfumers? Well, not exactly. AI is not seen as a threat but rather as a collaboration. Machines can help humans overcome barriers to creativity and provide novel ideas. And let's not forget that master perfumers still have the emotional advantage over AI. After all, creating fragrances is both an art and a science, and AI can only enhance the process.


Another exciting aspect of AI in fragrance development is the significant reduction in the timeline for creating a new fragrance. With AI's assistance, the process becomes much faster and more efficient. This means that we can expect even more innovative and unique fragrances hitting the market in the near future.


IBM Research and Symrise may have been the pioneers in using AI in fragrance development, but they certainly won't be the last. Other companies, such as Givaudan, are also exploring the potential of AI in creating flavors and fragrances. The possibilities are truly endless.


So, next time you spritz on your favorite fragrance, take a moment to appreciate the artistry and innovation that goes into its creation. And remember, AI is not here to replace humans but to collaborate and push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of fragrance. Now, go out there and find your perfect scent!


[Reference: Artificial Intelligence Can Now Create Perfumes, Even Without A Sense Of Smell, 2023]



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