Perfume Houses Founded by Women

Though beauty and its pursuit is seen as feminine and hence subject to mockery and derision. But most beauty brands are owned by men, and men hold 2/3rd of the executive positions. For Emirati Women’s Day last year, we took a look at women perfumers. Celebrate International Women’s Day on 8th March 2026 with perfumes coming from houses founded by women.

Jo Malone London by Jo Malone

Year Founded: 1990

First Perfume: Nutmeg and Ginger 

Best Perfumes 

Jo Malone began as a florist, simultaneously working as a facialist. The Nutmeg and Ginger bath oil she gave clients as a gift was so wonderful they began to purchase it from her. The brand is known for their elegant, minimalist colognes intended for layering. 

She sold her successful company to Estée Lauder in 1999 and remained its creative director till 2006. Jo Malone went on to found another perfume house Jo Loves in 2011. You can get Jo Malone fragrances in the UAE through their boutiques in City Center Mirdif, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Hills Mall.

Kayali by Mona Katan

Year Founded: 2018

First Perfumes: Collection- Elixir | 11, Vanilla | 28, Citrus | 08, and Musk | 12

Best Perfumes 

Mon Kattan founded Kayali after co-founding Huda Beauty with her sister Huda Kattan. Though the brand is young, it quickly became popular with TikTok’s love for Vanilla | 28. They create perfumes inspired by Mona’s Middle Eastern heritage and are famous for their delicious gourmand perfumes. 

You can get Kayali perfumes in the UAE through Sephora or directly from the Kayali website.

Ôrəbella by Bella Hadid

Year Founded: 2024

First Perfumes:  Salted Muse, Blooming Fire, Window2Soul 

Best Perfumes 

Palestinian model Bella Hadid began her own perfume company prioritizing skin health and cruelty-free processes. The perfume all use a bi-phasic model that comes together with a shake of the bottle. All Ôrəbella perfumes are alcohol-free.

Ôrəbella perfumes are exclusively available through Ulta Beauty in the UAE. 

Nicolaï Parfumeur by Patricia de Nicolaï

Year Founded: 1989

First Perfume: Numéro 1

Best Perfumes 

The direct descendant of Pierre-François-Pascal Guerlain, she grew up with the art and science of perfumery. She became the first woman perfumer to begin her own perfume house. The house also became one of the first to offer home fragrances alongside perfumes with Maharadjah.

You can get Nicolaï Parfumeur perfumes in the UAE through third-party sellers or from the brand’s website. 

Sarah Baker Perfumes by Sarah Baker

Year Founded: 2015

First Perfumes: Leopard, Green Keys

Best Perfumes 

Sarah Baker is an artist, her work extending beyond perfumery into film, photography, and installation. A storyteller through and through, each of her fragrances come with a mini screenplay. Her approach to perfumery has earned her perfume house a cult following.

You can get Sarah Baker perfumes in the UAE directly through the brand’s website.