Nathalie Benareau

France Born 1974 Rabanne

Benareau’s creations stand out for their energetic, multicultural flair and the inventive use of gourmand and woody notes, often anchored by her distinctive coconut water accord. She brings a fresh, vibrant perspective to both mainstream and niche fragrances.

About

Nathalie Benareau is a highly regarded senior perfumer whose multicultural upbringing between Algeria, Spain, and France has profoundly influenced her approach to fragrance creation. Born in Thonon-les-Bains, France, in 1974 and holding a chemistry degree from Toulouse University, she entered the world of perfumery with a pivotal internship at Firmenich in 1999. She further developed her expertise at Manheimer and Intarome before joining Symrise’s Creative Studio in New York in 2011, where she was named Senior Perfumer in 2023. Benareau is known for her versatility, working across a spectrum of products from fine fragrance to personal care, and for collaborating with both major mainstream brands like Bath & Body Works, Victoria’s Secret, and Avon, as well as exploring the innovative edges of niche perfumery. Her signature is often marked by the use of wood, gourmand notes, and her celebrated “coconut water” accord, reflecting her energetic personality and cultural diversity.