Matière Première – Aurélien Guichard Reveals the Raw Beauty of Natural Ingredients
Matière Première was founded in Paris in 2019 by perfumer Aurélien Guichard with Caius von Knorring and Cédric Meiffret. Aurélien Guichard is a unique figure in world perfumery: he is the only perfumer in the world who grows his own ingredients — rose centifolia, tuberose and lavandin — in organic farming in Grasse. His concept: a natural raw material in overdose, a short, readable formula, an immediate and lasting trail. Between 85% and 92% natural ingredients · vegan · phthalate-free. Kering Beauté is a shareholder. Flagship at 306 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris.
Matière Première: Aurélien Guichard transforms an ingredient into a perfume
The farmer-perfumer: from Grasse to Paris, a unique case in the world
Aurélien Guichard is an unparalleled figure in world perfumery. Between Paris and Grasse, he is the only perfumer in the world to grow his own ingredients: Rose Centifolia, Tuberose and Lavandin in organic farming in Grasse — every morning, roses are harvested following an ancestral family tradition. His philosophy is radically clear: "My goal is to transform an ingredient into a perfume. My formulas are short. I want people to feel the raw beauty of the material." Result: legible, linear, contemporary perfumes — one central natural ingredient used in overdose, between 85% and 92% natural ingredients, vegan, phthalate and dye-free. In 2024, Kering Beauté invested in the house — confirmation that Matière Première is one of the world's most promising niche brands. The Paris flagship is at 306 rue Saint-Honoré, designed by the architects behind Acne Studios and Alaïa.
The collection: EDP and Extracts, ingredient portraits
Radical Rose — floral · Grasse Rose Centifolia absolute in overdose, organically grown by Aurélien Guichard — is the most iconic signature. Vanilla Powder — vanilla · Madagascan vanilla in overdose — is the most addictive best-seller. Crystal Saffron — spicy · Greek saffron oil from Kozani — is the most intense and masculine. Santal Austral — woody · Australian sandalwood — is the creamiest and most enveloping. Encens Suave — oriental · Somali incense, coffee, vanilla — is the deepest. Falcon Leather — leather · Finnish birch tar, saffron — is the most masculine and leathery. Parisian Musc — musky · ambrette seed, cedar, fig — is the most Parisian and urban. Six creations are available as Extrait de Parfum — a more concentrated, textured version with an additional guest ingredient.
Frequently asked questions about MATIERE PREMIERE perfumes
Who is Aurélien Guichard?
Aurélien Guichard is the founding perfumer of Matière Première. His absolute singularity: he is the only perfumer in the world to grow his own ingredients — Rose Centifolia, Tuberose and Lavandin in organic farming in Grasse. Every morning, roses are harvested following an ancestral family tradition. His vision: "Nature in my fields in Grasse inspires me, but also my daily life in Paris, the people I encounter, what I see during my travels. I seek to create perfumes of today."
What is the "matiere premiere in overdose" concept?
Every Matière Première perfume is built around a single central natural ingredient, used in overdose. The formula is short and legible: few components, all the purest possible. "My goal is to transform an ingredient into a perfume." — Aurélien Guichard. Result: an immediate, vibrant, lasting trail — "an addictive comfort". Formulas contain between 85% and 92% natural ingredients, are vegan, phthalate and dye-free.
What is the difference between Matière Première EDPs and Extraits?
The Eaux de Parfum form the core collection — short formula centred on the main ingredient in overdose. The Extraits de Parfum are more concentrated and textured: Aurélien Guichard adds a guest ingredient that brings a new facet to the central note. For example, Santal Austral Extrait enriches the sandalwood with cardamom. Encens Suave Extrait amplifies the incense with an even deeper accord.
What is the best Matière Première perfume to start with?
Kering Beauté — the beauty arm of luxury group Kering (Gucci, Saint Laurent, Bottega Veneta…) — took a minority stake in Matière Première in 2024. A powerful signal: Matière Première is recognised as one of the world's most promising niche perfumery houses, driven by a unique model (farmer-perfumer in Grasse), irreproachable quality (85-92% natural, vegan) and strong international distribution growth. The Paris flagship at 306 rue Saint-Honoré is designed by the architects behind Acne Studios and Alaïa.
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