Few fragrance brands have managed to fuse all-natural formulations with luxury perfumery quite like Abel. In a world where most designer scents rely on synthetic aroma chemicals, Abel has charted a different course, proving that perfumes can be 100% natural and utterly sophisticated. Founded in 2013 by New Zealander Frances Shoemack, a former winemaker turned fragrance visionary, Abel began with a simple but radical mission: create the world’s best natural perfume without sacrificing ethics or aesthetics. Frustrated by the toxic chemicals in conventional perfumes and their environmental impact, Shoemack teamed up with master perfumer Isaac Sinclair to revolutionize an industry that doubted natural fragrance could stand alongside the finest classics. The result is a line of perfumes that are modern, non-toxic, and every bit as artful as their mainstream counterparts.
Abel’s rise from a boutique brand (born in Amsterdam and now headquartered in Wellington, NZ) to a cult favorite in high-end natural perfumery is a story of art meeting science. The brand merges the artistry of traditional perfume-making with cutting-edge biotechnology to push the boundaries of what 100% natural ingredients can do. Each Abel scent is composed entirely of plant-derived extracts, essential oils, and nature-identical molecules produced via green chemistry. By leveraging innovative techniques like upcycled plant extracts and biotech-derived musk and ambergris notes, Abel achieves complexity and longevity in their fragrances that defy the old stereotype of natural perfumes fading quickly. Today, Abel has an eclectic collection of scents loved by fragrance connoisseurs and casual spritzers alike for their purity, creativity, and wearability.
What Makes Abel Fragrances Special
- 100% Natural & Non-Toxic Formulas: Abel commits to using only natural ingredients in all its perfumes. There are no parabens, phthalates, synthetic aroma chemicals or petrochemicals. Each scent is crafted from botanicals, essential oils and nature-derived compounds.
- Ethical and Sustainable Perfumery: Abel takes a thoroughly ethical approach to production. The perfumes are cruelty-free and vegan and use sustainably sourced ingredients. Even the packaging is eco-conscious, featuring biodegradable materials, caps made of bio-plastic, and boxes from FSC-certified paper.
- Artisan Craftsmanship Meets Science: While proudly natural, Abel’s fragrances are also on par with high-end designer perfumes in terms of craftsmanship. Founder Frances Shoemack, perfumer Isaac Sinclair, and chemist-perfumer Dr. Fanny Grau work together to blend artistry and science into modern, inventive, and high-performance scents.
- Unique, Inclusive Scent Profiles: Each Abel perfume has a distinct personality and signature. The scents range across genres, from bright citrus florals to deep smoky ambers, but all share a contemporary finesse. Abel fragrances are gender-neutral, such as Pink Iris, which is described as a “truly genderless floral” wearable by anyone who loves a modern iris accord.
- Modern Luxury Without Compromise: Abel feels like a luxury niche fragrance house without the synthetics and excess. From minimalist chic bottles to nuanced scent structures, Abel delivers a full luxurious experience.
Abel Fragrances Available at eCosmetics
Golden Neroli Eau de Parfum: A Bright, Citrus Floral
Inspired by sunlit orange blossoms, Golden Neroli opens with honeyed neroli and a hint of fresh matcha tea for an herbaceous glow. In the heart, jasmine sambac and ylang ylang mingle with petitgrain, while a base of sandalwood adds creamy warmth.
Usage tip: Perfect for spring or daytime wear. Try spritzing on your hair or scarf for a delicate trail.
Green Cedar Eau de Parfum: A Velvety, Rich Wood
Built on two types of cedarwood (Texas and Atlas Mountain), Green Cedar is earthy yet soft, with top notes of magnolia and cardamom and a smooth base of guaiac wood and cypriol.
Usage tip: Ideal for cooler weather or evening wear when you want a grounding, nature-inspired scent.
White Vetiver Eau de Parfum: A Cool, Fresh Take
This fragrance pairs lime and mint top notes with refined Haitian vetiver and a caramelized wood drydown. The result is fresh, crisp, and stylish.
Usage tip: A versatile fragrance for everyday wear, especially in spring and summer.
Black Anise Eau de Parfum: A Vibrant, Smoky Amber
With bold notes of star anise, blackcurrant, and cacao, drying down to tobacco, Black Anise is sultry and unforgettable.
Usage tip: A perfect evening or date-night fragrance. Two spritzes last through the night.
Pink Iris Eau de Parfum: A Contemporary Floral
Modern and genderless, Pink Iris combines Sichuan pepper, raspberry leaf, and grapefruit with a heart of orris root, rose, and jasmine, softened by vanilla and musk.
Usage tip: Everyday-friendly, this chic floral works beautifully for daytime wear or casual gatherings.
Nurture Eau de Parfum: A Soft, Gentle Musk
Created with new mothers in mind, Nurture features orange blossom, rose, and jasmine, accented by ginger and grounded in sandalwood. It is low-allergen and comforting.
Usage tip: Perfect for sensitive noses or as an intimate, close-to-skin fragrance.
Pause Eau de Parfum: A Confident Floral
Designed to soothe and empower, Pause features violet leaf, mimosa, narcissus, and hay absolute for a calming, textured floral.
Usage tip: Wear during stressful days for balance and calm, or as a refined daytime scent.
Laundry Day Eau de Parfum: A Verdant, Sun-Filled Citrus
This uplifting scent captures fresh cut grass and aldehydes, blended with lime, passionfruit, and a base of vetiver.
Usage tip: The ultimate weekend fragrance, fresh, casual, and optimistic.
Cyan Nori Eau de Parfum: A Sweet and Salty Musk
Abel’s best-seller combines marine nori, fruity tangerine and peach, with a musky, mineral drydown of ambrettolide.
Usage tip: Perfect for summer days, beach outings, or whenever you want an ocean-inspired vibe.
Abel proves that fragrance can be both luxurious and natural. With clean formulas, inventive ingredients, and stunning scent profiles, Abel is rewriting what perfume can be. Whether you are drawn to crisp citrus, rich woods, or sultry ambers, there is an Abel fragrance ready to become your new signature.
For questions, concerns, or article ideas, feel free to reach out to our eCosmetics Beauty Editor directly at beauty@ecosmetics.com
