Miami Split
Eau de Toilette
Abel
Statement
Abel
Natural niche fragrance built around biotech, transparency, and modern performance.
About Abel
Abel was founded in 2013 by former winemaker Frances Shoemack, who launched the brand in Amsterdam before it later became associated with New Zealand.[1][7][8] The company’s stated aim is to create natural perfume using plant-derived materials, biotechnology, natural isolates, and upcycled ingredients, with a focus on modern performance rather than the usual compromises associated with natural fragrance.[4][5]
The brand is known for a clean, contemporary style that sits between natural perfumery and niche fragrance. Its positioning emphasizes transparency, sustainability, and long-lasting compositions, and it has been described as a natural perfume house that works with top perfumers such as Isaac Sinclair and Fanny Grau.[3][4][5] Fragrantica notes that the brand has been active since 2013 and has released a growing fragrance line over time.[1]
Abel’s direction has evolved from a purely natural-perfume concept into a more technical, biotech-informed model, which reflects its effort to improve longevity and diffusion while staying ingredient-conscious.[3][5] That shift gives the brand a clearer identity than many clean-beauty labels: polished, understated, and focused on making natural materials feel more modern and wearable rather than rustic or niche-for-niche’s-sake.
At a Glance
The Brand
Founded
2013
Founder
Frances Shoemack
Country
New Zealand
Category
Niche
Scent Personality
Worth It?
Scent DNA
Green
citrus
aromatic
woody
musky
- Abel scents are recognizably clean and restrained rather than sugary or heavy
- The house leans into natural-smelling citrus, woods, herbs, and sheer musks, often with a polished, contemporary finish
- The use of biotech and natural isolates gives the line better wearability and longevity than many conventional natural perfumes
Top Notes
Heart Notes
Base Notes
Typical Performance
Longevity
Moderate
Projection
Moderate
Positioning
A niche, luxury house known for green compositions.
How It Compares
- → Cleaner and more natural than Byredo
- → Less mass-appealing than Narciso Rodriguez
- → More technically modern than L'Artisan Parfumeur
Who It's For
Best For
- daily wear
- warm weather
- minimalist fragrance wardrobes
- natural fragrance buyers
- office-safe scent profiles
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ingredient transparency
- modern natural-perfume positioning
- wearable, understated compositions
- better performance than many natural-only brands
Weaknesses
- can feel too subtle for users who want strong projection
- narrow aesthetic if you prefer opulent or gourmand perfumes
- premium pricing relative to simplicity
Brand Evolution
Abel started as a natural-perfume project and has steadily moved toward a more biotech-supported approach to improve performance. That evolution makes the brand feel less like a wellness label and more like a serious niche house with a clear materials story. Its recent direction suggests a stronger focus on longevity, transparency, and contemporary wearability.
Quick Verdict
Abel is a credible natural-niche brand with a sharper technical identity than most clean perfume labels. It is best for buyers who want understated, modern scents and care about ingredient philosophy as much as smell.
Perfumers
Abel Perfumes