Caroline Mallejac: French Perfumer Mastering Gourmand Innovation

Caroline Mallejac represents the new generation of French perfumers who blend traditional craftsmanship with bold innovation. A graduate of the prestigious ISIPCA perfumery school in Versailles, she has built her career on precision and perfectionism, drawing inspiration from the meticulous craftsmanship of famous French fashion houses.

As a Senior Perfumer at Sozio, the historic fragrance house founded in Grasse in 1758, Mallejac bridges centuries of perfumery tradition with contemporary creativity. Her 13-year tenure at Sozio has allowed her to develop a distinctive style that emphasizes gourmand accords - a passion she actively shares with emerging perfumers through mentorship.

Beyond her work at Sozio, Mallejac co-founded MAW - My Aromatic Wish in 2010, a scented communication agency and private label company. This family venture showcases her entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to creating tailored fragrance experiences for diverse clients, from luxury hotels like Hotel Fauchon Paris and Kyoto to restaurant groups like Big Mamma and Cyril Lignac establishments.

Her approach to perfumery is characterized by conceptual thinking. She views ingredients not just as scent components but as storytelling elements. This philosophy shines through her work with brands like Son Venin, Chaumet, Givenchy, and Le Couvent Parfums, where she consistently pushes boundaries while maintaining olfactory harmony.

Mallejac's most groundbreaking creation, Pain Nouveau, launched in 2025, exemplifies her innovative approach to gourmand perfumery. This fragrance reimagines bread as a luxury scent experience, combining earthy warmth with ripe figs and fine woods. The composition opens with fresh bergamot, black pepper, and fig leaves before revealing its heart of warm cereal bread softened by mimosa and orange blossom. The base of sandalwood, ambroxan, and bourbon vanilla creates a comforting yet sophisticated finish.

Her portfolio spans multiple fragrance categories, from the pure amber interpretation in Ambr Super to the confident sandalwood composition of Santal Super. Each creation demonstrates her ability to transform familiar concepts into unexpected olfactory experiences. Her work extends beyond personal fragrances to home scents for Cote Noire and beauty care formulations for brands like Nuxe and Sothys.

Mallejac's commitment to quality and safety is evident in her adherence to European regulations and preference for natural ingredients - over 95% in her Félicité brand compositions. Her active participation in industry events like Paris Perfume Week 2025 reflects her dedication to sharing knowledge and advancing the art of perfumery.

Through mentorship and collaboration, she continues to influence the next generation of perfumers, ensuring that her passion for gourmand innovation and precise craftsmanship will shape the future of French perfumery.