Perfume etiquette for the office: A complete guide to scent etiquette in the workplace

Many people want to wear perfume at work, but worry about whether it will bother those around them or what kind of scent is appropriate. Using perfume in the office requires special consideration and etiquette.

In this article, we will explain in detail how to choose the right perfume for the workplace, as well as tips on how to apply it. Learn how to use a scent that will give a good impression in a business setting.

table of contents

• Basic rules for using perfume in the office
• How to choose the right scent for the workplace
• Perfume etiquette by industry and occupation
• Correct application and amount adjustment
• Scents that are bad for you and why
• Different usage depending on the season and time of day
• Summary: Professional scent production

Basic rules for using perfume in the office

Principles of perfume etiquette

There are some basic rules for using perfume in the workplace:

1. Modesty is the priority
   • The scent is such that the other person may or may not notice it.
   • Aim for a subtle fragrance
   • Consideration for others over self-satisfaction
2. Thorough consideration of TPO
   • Adjust according to the content and audience of the meeting
   • Avoid use in situations involving meals
   • Be especially careful when visiting clients
3. Consideration for colleagues
   • Consideration for people with scent sensitivities
   • Considerations for pregnant women
   • Consideration for people with allergies

Check company regulations

Points to check

• Are there written regulations regarding the use of perfume?
• Industry-specific customs and rules
• Usage by superiors and seniors
• Cultural background of customers and business partners

What to do if you're unsure

• Consultation with the Human Resources Department
• Check with your direct supervisor
• Make more conservative choices

How to choose the right scent for the workplace

Recommended scent types

1. Citrus
   • Lemon, Bergamot, Grapefruit
   • It's clean and welcoming to everyone
   • Particularly suitable for morning use
2. Light floral
   • Lily of the valley, freesia, white rose
   • Elegant and understated impression
   • Feminine yet business-friendly
3. Aqua/Marine
   • A refreshing sensation reminiscent of the sea and water
   • Modern and clean look
   • Popular with people of all ages and genders
4. Green Aromatic
   • A natural scent reminiscent of herbs and greenery
   • Has a relaxing effect
   • It is also expected to improve concentration

Perfume concentration selection

Eau de toilette (EDT) is the best

• Concentration : 5-10%
• Duration : 3-5 hours
• Features : Lightweight and easy to adjust
• Pros : Less risk of overdosing

Cologne is also an option

• Concentration : 2-5%
• Duration : 1-3 hours
• Features : Very light
• Pros : Fewer mistakes

Concentrations to avoid

• Eau de parfum : Possibly too concentrated
• Parfum : Not suitable for the office

Perfume etiquette by industry and occupation

Hospitality and service industry

Features

• Contact with an unspecified number of people
• Close customer service scenes
• Customers with diverse values

Recommended Usage

• Very sparing use : barely noticeable
• Choose Unscented : Play it Safe
• Shift work considerations : Considerations when taking over

Recommended perfume types

• Light citrus
• Light floral fragrance
• Fragrance-free as needed

Sales/Outside job

Features

• Contact with various companies and people
• Lots of movement
• Making an impression is important

Recommended Usage

• Moderate presence : memorable
• Long-lasting : Effective all day long
• Seasonal considerations : Environmental changes during travel

Recommended perfume types

• Elegant woody
• Professional citrus
• Refined aromatics

Administrative/desk work jobs

Features

• Long hours working in the same space
• Working with colleagues in close proximity
• Concentration is key

Recommended Usage

• Be considerate of your coworkers : Use sparingly
• Refreshing effect : Supports concentration
• Time of day: Light exercise for those who are tired in the afternoon

Recommended perfume types

• Peppermint for improved focus
• Relaxing lavender scent
• Light green

Medical and educational fields

Features

• High demands on hygiene
• Consideration of impact on patients and students
• Emphasis on professionalism

Recommended Usage

• Generally, avoid using it : Play it safe
• Fragrance-free recommended : the best choice
• Follow workplace rules : There are often clear rules

Finance and legal affairs

Features

• Conservative industry culture
• Reliability and reliability are important
• Formal environment

Recommended Usage

• Extremely subtle : barely noticeable
• Classic Choice : Avoid the Unusual
• Emphasis on quality : High-quality and elegant fragrance

Recommended perfume types

• Traditional chypres
• Elegant woody
• Classic floral

Correct application and amount adjustment

How to wear it for the office

1. Select the location to attach
   • Inside of wrist (one light push)
   • Behind the ears (very small amount)
   • Chest (lightly around collarbone)
2. Places to avoid
   • Neck (the scent is too strong)
   • Hair (the scent spreads too much)
   • Clothes (can cause stains)

Volume control techniques

In the case of spray type

• Basic : Start with one push
• Adjustment : Increase or decrease while observing the effect
• Limit : Not to exceed 2 pushes

For roll-on type

• Basic : Lightly rotate once
• Adjustment : Use by stretching thinly
• Caution : Do not press hard directly against the skin

Time of day adjustment

Morning (when going to work)

• A light start to the day
• Consider your commute time
• Pleasant scent on arrival

Lunch (after lunch)

• Light correction if necessary
• Reset the smell of food
• Getting ready for the afternoon activities

Night (when leaving work)

• Generally, do not add
• Only if you have a private appointment

Scents that are bad for you and why

Fragrance types to avoid

1. Excessively sweet scent
   • Rich vanilla scent
   • Caramel or chocolate
   • Reason: Some people find it annoying.
2. Strong spicy scent
   • Cinnamon or clove
   • Pungent peppery aroma
   • Reason: Too much stimulation
3. Musk and animal scents
   • Strong animal fragrance
   • A sexual scent
   • Reason: Not suitable for the workplace
4. A heavy oriental scent
   • Amber and patchouli
   • Heavy and dense fragrance
   • Reason: It creates a feeling of pressure

Scenes to pay special attention to

Meetings and Presentations

• Long periods in enclosed spaces
• Concentration is key
• Many participants

Customer service and visitor support

• Close distance to the opponent
• First impressions matter
• Unclear about the other person's values

Business meetings involving meals

• Effect on taste
• Effect on appetite
• Mixture of scents

Different usage depending on the season and time of day

Spring perfume selection

Features

• Fresh and light impression
• The start of a new school year
• Flower Season

recommendation

• Fresh floral : cherry blossom, peony
• Green : Reminiscent of fresh greenery
• Light citrus : lemon, lime

Choosing a Summer Perfume

Features

• Heat enhances aroma
• Considering mixing with sweat
• Cool Down Effect

recommendation

• Marine/Aqua : Creates a cool feeling
• Mint : Cool and refreshing
• Light Citrus : Grapefruit

Choosing a Fall Perfume

Features

• Calm impression
• Deep fragrance
• Dealing with temperature differences

recommendation

• Light Woody : Warm scent
• Spicy Floral : Depth and Gorgeousness
• Amber : Elegant sweetness

Choosing a winter perfume

Features

• Drying by heating
• Suppressing odors by wearing thick clothes
• Warm fragrance

recommendation

• Woody : Sandalwood
• Soft Oriental : subtle sweetness
• Cashmere : soft and warm

Using Ranjatai Eau de Parfum in the workplace

Our Ranjatai Eau de Parfum can also be used in business situations:

Office Use Features

1. Elegant woody notes
   • A classy fragrance based on Japanese fragrant wood
   • A calm impression that is not too assertive
2. Moderate concentration design
   • An eau de parfum with a subtle finish
   • Just one push for the right amount of fragrance
3. Cultural background
   • Respect for traditional Japanese culture
   • Intelligent and cultured impression

Recommended Use

• Lightly push once onto the chest
• Use it in the morning and it will last until the evening
• Making an impression during important business meetings

Learn more about Ranjatai Eau de Parfum

Summary: Professional scent production

Tips for using perfume in the office:

Basic posture

1. The ultimate in modesty
   • Always be mindful of not being too fragrant
   • Consideration of others is the top priority
   • If in doubt, avoid use
2. The right choice
   • Scents suited to industries and occupations
   • Consideration of the season and TPO
   • Choosing a quality perfume
3. Correct usage
   • Use in moderation
   • Proper application
   • Consideration of time zones

Things to keep in mind

Using perfume in the workplace is a balance between self-presentation and professionalism. Scent is a powerful tool for making an impression, but if not used properly, it can also have the opposite effect.

By always being considerate of those around you and making sure to use an elegant and understated scent, you will be able to effectively showcase your charm in business situations.

Related articles

• Perfume Business Etiquette Complete Edition - More detailed business perfume etiquette
• How to make your perfume last longer - Basic techniques for applying it correctly