We are introducing
Polaris Olfactive Awards
Most of you know us for Polaris Olfactive Week. But we’re not just an expo, we’re only independent network for independent & artisanal perfumery in Europe. And now we’re taking the next step in our revolution.
Polaris Olfactive Awards is here to recognize and celebrate fragrance not as a commodity, but a true form of artistic expression that is independent, and beyond brand influence and marketing narratives. It’s a community-driven award, created to stay that way.
The ceremony will be held during Olfactive Week AW26 Stockholm, in November.
This year’s categories
Polaris Olfactive Awards consists of four main categories: Independent, Natural, Conceptual, and Hantverk (Swedish for ‘Craft’).
Fragrances can be submitted to all categories, provided they fit the respective category criteria and were created during 2025. To make the application process smoother, we kindly ask that you familiarize yourself with our terms and conditions beforehand. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to us via email at any time.
Independent
Fragrances submitted by a brand that is independently owned and operated, without control or majority stake held by a multinational conglomerate or large corporate group. Typically retain full creative and strategic autonomy, allowing for a more personal vision, experimental approach, and closer connection between the creator and the final product.
Natural
Fragrances composed exclusively of materials derived from natural sources, including botanical, mineral, or animal origins. This category emphasizes the use of essential oils, absolutes, resins, and other raw ingredients obtained through physical processes, without the inclusion of synthetic aroma chemicals, resulting in compositions that reflect the complexity and variability of nature.
Conceptual
Developed from a clearly defined artistic, emotional, intellectual, or narrative idea that serves as the foundation of the creation. In this category, scent is particularly used as a medium for expression, where each composition aims to communicate a story, evoke a specific atmosphere, or explore an abstract concept beyond traditional olfactory structures.
Hantverk
Fragrances produced through a predominantly artisanal and hands-on process, where key stages of creation, such as formulation, blending, maturation, and often even bottling, are carried out manually by the perfumer or a small, closely involved team. Craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a personal involvement in every step of the production. The word Hantverk is the Swedish word for Craft.
Want to join the awards? Submit your work
This year’s jury
The jury is not a singular voice, but a constellation of perfumers, founders, educators, critics, carrying their own ways of sensing and making sense of the world. From different corners of the olfactive landscape, they share attentiveness and sensitivity to intention, and the quietly radical ways that scent can unfold.
This year’s jury are Pia Long, Michael Nordstrand, Andreas Willhelm, Hiram Green, Maya Njie, Danu Seith-Fyr, Ernesto Collado, Clara Buedo, Laime Kiskune, Marina Barcenilla, and Rajesh Balkrishnan.
"To be a jurist is both an honour and a deep responsibility. I think for me it means finding merit in numerous criteria and being as objective in decision making as possible, not allowing personal taste to interfere with that process when possible."
Michael Nordstrand
— Mythologist studio
"I see it as an entrusted task of finding a point of difference in a formula where a story or concept resonates with me and feels harmonious. Technical skill comes into it, but it doesn’t need to be complex or loud."
Maya Njie
— Maya Njie
"Everyone judges scents instinctively on a like–dislike axis, but my role is to look beyond that, to understand intent and whether it was achieved. It remains subjective, but beyond basic competence, it comes down to intent."
Pia Long
— Olfiction
"If I would say I can judge a scent it would be arrogant. I believe I can judge harmonies, raw materials and combinations, maybe also the coherence of a scent concept based on a story. But everything will still be very personal."
Andreas Wilhelm
— Wilhelm Perfume GmbH
"For me, judging a scent is a nuanced process that takes many aspects of the fragrance into account. These include the quality of the ingredients, how well the notes blend together, and how long the scent lingers."
Hiram Green
— Hiram Green
"Judging a scent isn’t about objective truth or personal taste, it’s about using shared frameworks to assess structure, balance, and evolution. It requires revisiting the fragrance over time to ensure a fair and respectful evaluation."
Marina Barcenilla
— AromAtom
“Judging scent uses criteria like structure and originality, yet objectivity lies mainly in the sensory act. The nose captures chemical info and filters it through experience. Scent isn't fixed, but an encounter shaped by memory.”
Laime Kiskune
— UAB Ludus Odoris
“It means discovering something novel and distinct that pushes boundaries. It advances the art of olfaction while challenging perception. It becomes an encounter shaped by new possibilities.”
Rajesh Balkrishnan
— Perfumer
"Judging a scent means diving into someone else’s perception and sensibility. It is an exercise in empathy that expands understanding. It becomes an encounter shaped by shared interpretation."
Ernesto Collado
— Bravanariz
"This is the greatest challenge for a content creator: scent is instinctive, tied to memory and emotion. To evaluate it, you must detach and focus on harmony, composition, and craft. It becomes a question of narrative or broader appeal."
Clara Buedo
— Beauty Matters
"Beyond bias, as in blind tasting, certain parameters can be used – composition, harmony, balance, and nuance. It becomes a question of construction, material quality, olfactory profile, and how the scent develops over time."
Danu-Seith-Fyr
— Ode_r_
Important dates
13 May – 25 Aug
Application phase
15 Sep
Judging begins
05 Oct
Semi finalists
15 Oct
Second round
10 Nov
Finalists revealed
26 – 27 Nov
Winners revealed
Want to join the awards? Submit your work
Who can apply?
All entries are evaluated through blind judging and must meet a defined quality threshold. If the required standard is not reached, no award is given. But more importantly, all brands must be independently owned and operated. For more information, please read our terms, or contact us.
What categories can I apply to?
The categories for this year are Hantverk Independent, Conceptual, Natural, and Hantverk (Swedish for “Craft”). You can read more about them on this page.
Can I submit to multiple categories?
Each brand can submit as many unique entries as possible per category.
Can I apply if one of the judges has created my perfume?
Yes. All submissions are reviewed for conflicts of interest, and entries are assigned accordingly. A judge will never evaluate their own work.
Are submissions anonymized?
Yes. All entries are anonymized prior to evaluation to ensure an impartial judging process. If you happen to hear, or come across anything, please contact us directly.
How does the judging work?
Entries undergo an initial screening, followed by a blind evaluation, and a final jury review of the highest-scoring submissions.
What do judges evaluate?
Technical quality, compositional structure, originality, development on skin, and overall performance. We will also ask for the underlying brief separately.
Why are civet and deer musk not allowed?
Natural civet cannot be reliably sourced under ethical conditions, and deer musk is associated with vulnerable species and harmful harvesting practices. Their use is not permitted.
Why is the Independent category IFRA regulated?
Independent brands typically operate within the commercial market and are expected to meet established safety and cosmetic standards. Applying IFRA guidelines ensures consistency and compliance.
Are the other categories IFRA regulated?
No. Other categories are not bound by IFRA standards, but all submissions must be safe for skin use and supported by appropriate testing.
Can a category have no winner?
Yes. A category may remain without a winner if no entry meets the required standard.
What is the submission fee?
The submission fee is set between €200 per entry. If the number of submitted entries are three or more, we will apply a 10% discount on all entries.
How is the scoring done?
Scoring is based on a structured evaluation system specific to each category, using a standardized framework under blind judging conditions.
Why is the submission fee set at this level?
The fee reflects the cost of administering a structured and impartial evaluation process, including anonymization, logistics, and compensation for qualified judges. You are however always welcome to contact us for more.
Where will the award ceremony take place?
The award ceremony will take place in Stockholm during Polaris Olfactive Week. The exact date and location will be announced.
What happens after submission?
Entries are delivered to us, pre-screened, anonymized, evaluated in stages, and shortlisted before final decisions are made by the jury.
Will I get feedback?
Feedback may be provided to selected participants, particularly finalists, depending on the evaluation format.
What happens if I become a finalist?
Finalists are contacted and selected for presentation and features together and outside of Polaris.
Why is the submission fee set at this level?
The fee reflects the cost of administering a structured and impartial evaluation process, including anonymization, logistics, and compensation for qualified judges. You are however always welcome to contact us for more.