Jean-Christophe Hérault

Jean-Christophe Hérault is a senior perfumer at IFF in Paris. His fascination with scent began in childhood near Grasse, the world’s perfume capital. A teenage encounter with a bottle of Joop! for Men sparked his lifelong interest. After studying chemistry, he interned at Fragrance Resources in Grasse, where he fell in love with raw materials. Under the mentorship of Pierre Bourdon, he was encouraged to absorb culture and literature—especially In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust—before undertaking a four-year formal perfumery training.

Hérault’s signature style is built on refined contrasts, emotional resonance, and reverence for raw ingredients. He is best known for composing the pineapple accord in Creed’s Aventus, and for iconic fragrances like Florabotanica (Balenciaga), Spicebomb Extreme (Viktor & Rolf), and The One for Men Intense (Dolce & Gabbana). His quiet, thoughtful approach blends smoky, leathery, and floral elements to evoke memory and wonder with cultivated elegance.