The Story Behind The Lab

It All Began With the Scent of Roses

A grandmother's garden in Alsace. A childhood memory that became a 30-year scientific journey.

From Alsace to Geneva

In the rose garden of her grandmother in Alsace, a young Anne Abriat discovered something invisible yet unforgettable — the power of scent to unlock memory, emotion, and wonder. That moment planted a seed that would grow into three decades of scientific exploration.

Trained as a chemical engineer at ISIPCA — the world's premier perfumery school — Anne spent 15 years in R&D at L'Oréal, developing fragrance technologies that touched millions. Then 10 years leading marketing innovation at L'Oréal Luxe for Lancôme, followed by Coty. She saw the lab. She saw the shelf. She understood the entire journey.

In 2017, she founded The Smell & Taste Lab in Geneva — not just a consultancy, but a bridge between two worlds that rarely speak: rigorous neuroscience and the art of creating products people love. Today, with 30+ peer-reviewed publications and 3 patents, she guides companies from first molecule to market launch.

Our Mission

To decode the invisible language of scent — where molecules meet memory, and science meets emotion.

Our Vision

A world where every product is designed with deep understanding of the human sensory experience.

Our Values

Science First

Every claim backed by peer-reviewed research. No marketing fiction.

Human Connection

Scent is the most intimate sense. We never forget the human at the center.

Swiss Precision

Geneva-based. Innosuisse, HES-SO, Swissmedic networks. Quality without compromise.

Lab to Launch

We master the entire value chain. From ingredient to shelf. From research to revenue.

Key Milestones
1990
Professor at ISIPCA
Teaching at the world's premier perfumery school in Versailles
1995
L'Oréal R&D
15 years developing fragrance technologies
2005
L'Oréal Luxe & Coty
10 years leading marketing innovation for Lancôme, DKNY, Coty
2017
The Smell & Taste Lab
Founded in Geneva. The bridge between science and business.
2024
Estée Lauder Publications
Fragrances as therapeutic tools. The frontier of sensory science.

Trusted by Industry Leaders

Firmenich · L'Oréal · Estée Lauder Companies · Coty · LVMH Research · Deinove · TU Dresden · CNRS Lyon · Monell Chemical Senses Center · EPFL

The Smell and Taste Lab was born from my passion for fragrances, sparked by my experiences in the rose garden of my grandmother.
— Anne Abriat, Founder

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