A scent can transport us—back to a memory, a place, a feeling. With Hinoki Forest, Chiaki Nomura, perfumer at fragrance house IFF, has bottled the essence of tranquility, inspired by the deep, extensive forests of Japan. A creation within the Kiseki Collection by NatureLab.TOKYO, this fragrance is more than just a woody composition; it is an experience, an invitation to forest bathe in scent.

Nomura’s love for the outdoors, particularly hiking through evergreen landscapes, is at the heart of Hinoki Forest. Her most unforgettable trek through Yakushima—a lush island draped in emerald moss and ancient cedar trees—inspired her to recreate the emotions she felt in that moment. "I was inspired by the feeling of walking in the forest. I love the concept and experience of forest bathing, a practice that originated in Japan. With Hinoki Forest, I wanted to transport myself—and others—back to that peaceful, grounding experience."

Unlike traditional woody fragrances, Hinoki Forest is a study in contrast—crisp and fresh at the top, warm and enveloping at its core. Each note plays a role in creating the illusion of sunlight streaming through forest canopies, leaves rustling underfoot, and the clean, earthy atmosphere of a mountain at dawn. Bright bergamot and green notes evoke dappled sunlight and fresh air. Aromatic incense and muguet bring a therapeutic calmness, reminiscent of deep inhalations in nature. Hinoki and cedarwood provide the grounding essence of towering trees, while musk and amber impressions add  a velvety texture that deepens the scent with warmth and dimension.

Beyond its evocative fragrance, Hinoki Forest holds wellness benefits that align with the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku (forest bathing). Eucalyptol, found in the fragrance’s aromatic notes, is widely associated with mindfulness and well-being. Hinoki, revered in Japanese culture, has long been used in temples and bathhouses, offering its soothing and therapeutic properties. The combination of these elements makes Hinoki Forest more than just a scent—it’s a ritual of relaxation and presence.

The journey from inspiration to formulation is one of meticulous artistry. For the beauty expert, crafting a fragrance begins with storytelling—an exploration of emotions, places, and memories. "Every ingredient has a purpose. I believe in minimalism, not just as a design principle, but as a philosophy in perfumery. Each note must contribute to the story we’re telling." From selecting the finest raw materials to perfecting the balance of each accord, her process involves countless refinements. "A variation as small as 0.01% can change the entire scent," she reveals. Achieving perfection often requires hundreds of iterations, each tested on blotters and skin to observe its evolution over time.

For the global perfumist, fragrance is deeply personal. Many of her choices as a perfumer stem from her Japanese heritage—whether consciously or subconsciously. Hinoki, in particular, holds special significance. It is a sacred wood in Japan, used to build temples and shrines. Growing up, the Japanese expert remembers keeping hinoki blocks in her closet, bathing in hinoki-scented water, and experiencing its calming aroma in traditional hot springs. "It’s a spiritual wood for me. The mix of dry and wet hinoki, often found in hot springs, is incredibly nostalgic. It brings me home." Though her artistry is shaped by global influences, this connection to her roots infuses her work with authenticity and meaning.

While Hinoki Forest is designed for hair care, developing fragrance for hair differs from fine perfumery. Unlike alcohol-based scents that evolve clearly on skin, hair care fragrances must work within shampoo, conditioner, and treatments. This means amplifying certain characteristics to ensure the fragrance lingers beautifully without overpowering. And yes—just as scent interacts uniquely with different skin chemistries, hair type and scalp conditions can also influence the way a fragrance unfolds. "It all depends on what messages and styles the product wants to convey," Chiaki explains. "We ensure the fragrance is optimized for longevity and clarity in different hair care formulations."

Crafted within the renowned laboratories of IFF, Hinoki Forest comes from a lineage of fragrance excellence. With numerous accolades from the Fragrance Foundation in New York, Paris, Milan, and beyond, IFF is a powerhouse in olfactory artistry. From fine fragrances to body and hair care, their expertise ensures that every bottle encapsulates the highest level of craftsmanship.

With Hinoki Forest, that beauty is a meditative journey—one that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and immerse yourself in the quiet magic of the woods.