How Long Does It Take to Develop a Votivo Fragrance?Updated an hour ago
The fragrance development process at Votivo typically begins 24 to 36 months before a launch. Creating one of our one-of-a-kind scents is a careful, thorough process that can't be rushed.
Why Does It Take So Long?
Developing a truly unique fragrance that performs beautifully in a candle isn't as simple as mixing ingredients together. Our in-house perfumers go through multiple stages to ensure every new scent meets Votivo standards.
The Development Process
Initial Creation (Months 1-6)
Our perfumers begin experimenting with fragrance combinations, balancing top, middle, and base notes to create something unique. This phase involves countless iterations and refinements.
Consumer Paneling (Months 6-12)
Once we have promising candidates, fragrances are paneled among a select group of qualified consumers. We gather feedback on how people respond to the scent, whether it fits their lifestyle, and if it creates the emotional connection we're looking for.
This step is crucial. A fragrance might smell beautiful in the lab, but we need to know how real people experience it.
Product Stability Testing (Months 12-18)
We test how the fragrance performs in our proprietary soy-blend wax over time. Does it maintain its scent profile throughout the candle's life? Does it burn cleanly? How's the fragrance throw in different room sizes?
Stability testing ensures that the candle you burn months after purchase smells just as good as it did on day one.
Safety and Compliance Review (Months 18-24)
Every fragrance must be reviewed for safety and compliance with International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards. We verify that all ingredients meet regulatory requirements and that the fragrance is safe for use in candles.
This includes documentation, testing, and approval processes that take time but are essential for your safety.
Final Production Preparation (Months 24-36)
Once a fragrance passes all testing and approval stages, we prepare for production. This includes finalizing the formula, setting up manufacturing processes, creating marketing materials, and planning the launch.
Why We Launch Twice a Year
This lengthy development timeline is why Votivo launches new fragrances only twice per year. It allows us to maintain our high standards while keeping our fragrance library fresh and exciting.
We typically discontinue one or two fragrances per season to make room for new scents, ensuring our collection stays curated and relevant.
The Result: One-of-a-Kind Fragrances
This careful, extended process is what allows us to create fragrances you can't find anywhere else. Unlike competitors who buy pre-made scents from fragrance houses, every Votivo scent is developed in-house by our team of perfumers.
That means when you light a Votivo candle, you're experiencing a fragrance that took years to perfect and exists nowhere else in the world.
The Bottom Line
It takes 24 to 36 months to develop a Votivo fragrance from initial concept to launch. This timeline includes consumer testing, stability testing, safety reviews, and compliance verification. The result? One-of-a-kind scents that perform beautifully and become part of life's moments.
More questions for us? Call 1.877.7VOTIVO (1.877.786.8486) or send an email to [email protected].