FAQ
BRAND
What defines 32.Juli fragrances?
32.Juli creates perfumes exclusively from natural aromatic materials – botanical extracts, absolutes, essential oils, CO₂ extracts, resins, and tinctures.
Each composition is built with the rigor of botanical science and the sensibility of contemporary perfumery.
We work with nature as an intelligent collaborator: complex, layered, and inherently alive.
Why work exclusively with natural materials?
Because naturals possess a molecular complexity that synthetics cannot replicate.
For example:
- A single drop of rose oil contains over 300 identifiable aromatic compounds.
- Natural jasmine includes both indoles and benzyl acetates, creating a tension of radiance and depth.
- Oakmoss, when used responsibly, adds a gravitating mineral earthiness derived from its unique evernic acid content.
Natural perfumery is a study in volatility curves, terpenes, oxygenation, and skin chemistry.
It behaves more like a living organism than a formula.
How do you design a fragrance?
Our process integrates:
- classical perfumery structure
- botanical research
- olfactory anthropology
- and the emotional dimension of scent
We begin with a scene and identify a material in it that demands a narrative.
Then we build a volatile architecture:
- top notes to spark
- heart notes to unfold
- base notes to anchor
It is both intellectual and sensory — a study in contrasts, balances, and relationships between aromatic molecules.
Where are your fragrances made?
All perfumes are composed, blended, matured, and bottled in our atelier in Hamburg – Germany in small batches with great love and care by hand. This is also where we craft our porcelain caps.
SAFETY
Are the perfumes safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Natural perfumery uses active botanical compounds.
We advise consulting with a healthcare professional before use.
If worn, apply minimally and avoid direct contact with infants.
A patch test is recommended, as physiology can shift during pregnancy.
What if I have sensitivities or allergies?
Natural extracts contain complex molecular structures that may trigger reactions in some sensitive individuals.
Allergens occur naturally in many botanical extracts (for example, linalool in lavender or limonene in citrus).
These are listed transparently on each product page.
A 24-hour patch test is strongly recommended for anyone regardless of previous sensitivities:
apply a small amount to the inner forearm and observe for irritation.
Our ingredient lists are transparent to support informed choices. Natural does not mean neutral.
NATURAL PERFUMERY
How do natural perfumes develop on the skin?
They evolve in three organic dimensions:
- Top notes (high-volatility molecules)
- Heart notes (floral and resinous bodies)
- Base notes (dense fixatives with long molecular chains)
Unlike synthetics, naturals do not project uniformly—they adapt to the pH, temperature, and lipid balance of your skin.
Wearing a natural perfume is less linear and more symphonic.
Do natural perfumes last as long as synthetic fragrances?
Longevity depends on the molecular weight of the ingredients used.
- Light citrus terpenes evaporate quickly.
- Florals linger harmoniously.
- Base materials like labdanum, vetiver, patchouli, and sandalwood bind to the skin for hours.
A typical 32.Juli perfume lasts 4 to 8 hours, sometimes longer depending on conditions.
Reapplication is not a failure—it is part of the ritual. We recommend to also spritz on clothing and hair while applying on pulse points.
Can the fragrance vary slightly between batches?
Yes—and that is a hallmark of authenticity.
Natural materials reflect:
- soil variation
- seasonal differences
- rainfall patterns
- harvesting conditions
A natural perfume is not a mass-produced replica; it is a botanical expression of a specific time and place.
Why are natural perfumes more expensive?
Natural raw materials are among the most valuable substances on earth:
- Orris butter requires a 3- to 5-year aging period.
- Real sandalwood contains culturally and ecologically protected santalols.
- Jasmine absolute demands thousands of blossoms harvested pre-dawn.
- Resins like frankincense involve slow, careful tapping practices.
You are paying for rarity, for terroir, for time, and for the expertise required to work with materials that are exquisitely temperamental.
What is sillage like in natural perfumes?
Natural perfumes radiate within a intimate close to moderate halo, not a synthetic cloud.
This is due to the lower presence of large synthetic aroma molecules designed for maximal diffusion.
Our fragrances are created to be felt, not broadcast—a part of your personal atmosphere rather than an architectural feature.
What is the difference between essential oils, absolutes, and CO₂ extracts?
Each extraction method produces a unique aromatic profile.
Essential oils
Produced via steam distillation. They capture volatiles but can miss the subtler, heavier molecules.
Absolutes
Produced with a solvent process. They retain the full, nuanced depth of delicate flowers like jasmine or tuberose.
CO₂ extracts
Produced under high-pressure carbon dioxide. They capture an incredibly true-to-plant aroma, often closer to smelling the raw material itself.
At 32.Juli, we choose the format that best represents the botanical’s character and emotional intention for each scent.
Do natural perfumes oxidize?
All botanical materials can oxidize over time, but proper formulation minimizes this.
Oxidation can slightly alter:
- color
- brightness of top notes
- overall roundness
Well-stored natural perfumes often mature gracefully, similar to aged spirits or vintage wines, developing warmer nuances.
Do you use preservatives?
We do not use preservatives in the conventional cosmetic sense.
Alcohol itself is a natural preservative and stabilizer, ensuring microbiological safety and aromatic longevity.
Are your perfumes vegan?
Yes.
We do not use animal-derived materials such as ambergris, musk, civet, or castoreum.
Where classical perfumery would use these ingredients, we use botanical and resinous alternatives that offer similar depth and texture.
GENERAL
Are the perfumes gendered?
No.
The idea of gendered scent is a cultural invention of the 20th century.
Botanical materials are inherently nonbinary in their aesthetics and chemistry.
Wear what resonates with your skin and your sense of self.
How should I store my perfume?
Natural aromatic compounds are sensitive to:
- heat
- light
- oxygen
Store your fragrance in a cool, dark environment, tightly sealed.
Proper storage preserves the integrity of volatile compounds and prevents oxidation.
Bathrooms are discouraged.
Bookshelves, dressers, and low-light cabinets are ideal.
Do you test on animals?
Never.
Our work is guided by modern scientific ethics and botanical integrity.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes.
We ship internationally using trusted carriers and ensure that each product is packaged to protect its precious cargo throughout transit. If shipping is not (yet) possible where you live in, please reach out to us.