Asia Perfume Foundation
APF International Home > APF / ISIPCA 3 day Advanced Fragrance Formulation & 4 day Advanced Mastery in Fragrance Formulation
An advanced fragrance formulation class open to perfumers or perfume passionates.
For perfumers or perfume passionates who have prior experience to the subject, this qualification offers a dual qualifications offered by both Asia Perfume Foundation (APF) and Institut supérieur international du parfum, de la cosmétique et de l'aromatique alimentaire (ISIPCA). The course will be conducted in France, the heart and origin of world's perfumery. The 2025's class was completed in May 2025, the 2026's class will be conducted in October 2026.
To apply for APF / ISIPCA advanced fragrance formulation class, please contact us at apf@asiaperfumefoundation.com or your local APF centre.
3 Day Advanced Fragrance Formulation (equivalent to APF Level 3)
Embark on your journey into the art and science of perfumery with ISIPCA’s “Advanced Fragrance Formulation” program. Over three immersive days, discover
the secrets of olfactory families, master the formulation of key fragrance accords, and deepen your understanding of both natural and synthetic raw materials.
Guided by industry experts, gain hands-on experience in dedicated fragrance laboratories, developing descriptive skills and learning to create fragrances from
a professional brief. This foundational course is the perfect springboard for advancing your expertise and preparing for creative challenges in the world of
perfumery.
Learning Objectives (max. 4)
1. Deepen your knowledge of fragrance description using professional vocabulary.
2. Master the formulation of key accords across major olfactory families.
3. Develop the ability to create a fragrance from a brief and from foundational accords.
4. Strengthen your understanding of raw materials—natural and synthetic—and their role in perfumery.
Teaching Methods
• Classroom-based theoretical sessions
• Guided olfactory workshops
• Hands-on formulation practice in dedicated fragrance laboratories
• Group discussions and feedback
Day 1 AM: Introduction to Olfactory Families and the Olfactory Pyramid
Content: Overview of the olfactory pyramid (top, heart, base notes), exploration of olfactory families and notes (floral, oriental, woody, eau de Cologne, ambery,
chypre, fougère), olfaction and description of raw materials (natural and synthetic), extraction methods, price regulation, and use in fragrance accords.
Objectives: Understand the structure of fragrances, develop descriptive skills for raw materials and fragrances.
Day 1 PM: Ambery and Oriental Accords – Formulation Practice
Content: Olfaction and description of ambery/balsamic raw materials, formulation of oriental accords (three trials per participant), feedback and experience sharing,
iterative trials and results discussion.
Objectives: Gain expertise in ambery and balsamic raw materials, master the formulation of oriental accords.
Day 2 AM: Fougère Accords – Raw Materials and Composition
Content: Olfaction and description of fougère raw materials (natural and synthetic), formulation of fougère accords (three trials per participant), group
discussion and evaluation of compositions.
Objectives: Deepen understanding of fougère materials, refine skills in fougère accord formulation.
Day 2 PM: Chypre Accords – Raw Materials and Composition
Content: Olfaction and description of chypre raw materials (natural and synthetic), formulation of chypre accords (three trials per participant), group
discussion and evaluation of compositions.
Objectives: Master the formulation of chypre accords, understand their olfactory profile.
Day 3 Full Day: Floral Accords, Mute Flowers, and Creative Application
Content: Identification of raw materials common to various accords, recreation of mute flower scents, control of composition for three floral base accords,
understanding the impact of ingredient additions, development of new fragrances using learned accords, final quiz, feedback, and certification ceremony.
Course Duration in 2026
Oct 14 - 16 (Wed - Fri), 9:00am till 5:30pm
4 Day Mastery in Fragrance Formulation (equivalent to APF Master Level)
Unlock the secrets of high-level fragrance creation with our “Advanced Mastery in Fragrance Formulation and Creative Perfumery” program. Designed for experienced perfumery enthusiasts and professionals, this intensive four-day course immerses you in the world of rare raw materials, complex accords, and technical excellence. Guided by expert instructors, tackle creative briefs, refine your formulation skills, and bring your own signature fragrance to life in a professional presentation before a jury. Elevate your expertise and stand out in the art of perfumery.
Learning Objectives
1. Deepen expertise in complex raw materials and advanced accords in perfumery.
2. Develop the ability to respond to a creative brief and design an original fragrance.
3. Analyze and describe the olfactory universe of both existing and personal creations.
4. Present and defend one’s creation before a professional jury.
Teaching Methods
• Practical workshops in the laboratory
• Guided olfactory sessions and comparative analyses
• Group and individual work
• Personalised coaching for the creation project
Day 1 AM: Exploration of Rare and Innovative Raw Materials
Content: Olfactory study of advanced raw materials (natural, synthetic, niche molecules).
Objectives: Identify and characterise complex raw materials, understand their impact in formulation.
Day 1 PM: Complex Accords and Olfactory Universes
Content: Formulation of advanced accords (woody, leather, gourmand, aromatic, aldehydic).
Objectives: Master the construction of sophisticated accords, explore associated olfactory universes.
Day 2 AM: Creative Brief Analysis and Benchmarking
Content: Study of real briefs, analysis of iconic perfumes, trend decryption.
Objectives: Analyse a brief, identify expectations and constraints, draw inspiration from existing creations.
Day 2 PM: Preparation for Personal Creation
Content: Brief selection, brainstorming, raw material selection, initial olfactory sketches.
Objectives: Structure the creative process, lay the foundations for the personal creation.
Day 3 AM: Formulation and Adjustments of Personal Creation
Content: Practical workshops, trials, adjustments, olfactory tests.
Objectives: Refine the formula, learn to correct, and improve a creation.
Day 3 PM: Building the Associated Universe
Content: Work on storytelling, naming, concept, and olfactory design.
Objectives: Connect the olfactory creation to a coherent and distinctive universe.
Day 4 AM: Finalization and Presentation Preparation
Content: Final adjustments, presentation rehearsal, public speaking tips.
Objectives: Prepare a convincing and professional presentation.
Day 4 PM: Presentation of Creations and Feedback
Content: Oral presentation before a jury, argumentation, collective and individual feedback.
Objectives: Present and defend one’s creation, receive constructive feedback.
Course Duration in 2026
Oct 19 - 22 (Mon - Thu), 9:00am till 5:30pm
