Written by Ally Santos

From the moment she sipped what she believed was a fizzy cola—actually an aromatic experiment by her father—Ozge Erdogmus-Altinel has been captivated by the magic of scent. Today, as a second-generation perfumer and Creative Director of EPS Fragrances, she carries on her family’s fragrance legacy with a modern twist. Based in Turkey, Ozge merges scientific precision with artistic flair, carving out a unique space in the global perfume industry.

“A Sip of Perfume”: The Early Years

The allure of fragrance took hold early in Ozge’s life, thanks to her father, Huseyin Erdogmus, a prominent master perfumer and founder of EPS Fragrances.

“I vividly remember Dad creating a Coca-Cola-inspired fragrance,” Ozge laughs. “It smelled so real that I actually drank it. Of course, it wasn’t soda—but that moment taught me how a powerful scent can trick our senses.”

This playful introduction to the craft left a lasting imprint on Ozge. As she grew older, it became clear that her father’s workshop was more than a playroom; it was a gateway to a mesmerizing world where art and chemistry collided.

Bridging Science and Art

While her father instilled a deep respect for traditional perfumery, Ozge’s passion for chemistry shaped her path into adulthood.

“I always saw fragrance as a blend of science and creativity,” she explains. “That’s why I pursued a formal education in chemistry before fully diving into the family business. I wanted to understand the molecules and processes behind a perfume’s magic.”

After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Yildiz Technical University in Turkey, her scientific pursuits led her to train under master perfumers Pierre Alain Blanc (ex-Firmenich) , Chief Perfumer Mike Evans (ex-Givaudan) and her father Huseyin Erdogmus.

“They showed me how to balance the classics of French perfumery with modern innovations,” she recalls. “That mentorship pushed me to experiment—and sometimes break—the traditional rules of fragrance composition.”

A Global Canvas of Scents

One of the defining features of Ozge’s career has been her desire to live abroad and immerse herself in different cultures. From Asia’s bustling spice markets to the tucked-away perfumeries of Europe, she sought out novel experiences to expand her aromatic repertoire.

“Scent is inherently tied to place,” she says. “I didn’t just want to hear about exotic materials; I wanted to see, smell, and touch them in their natural environments. Traveling became my classroom.”

These global adventures have shaped the way she approaches perfumery at EPS Fragrances.

“I learned that culture and tradition can influence the way people experience scent,” Ozge observes. “What smells warm and comforting in one country might be bold or unfamiliar in another. Understanding these nuances allows me to create fragrances that resonate universally.”

The Birth of “Neo Oriental”

One of Ozge’s most celebrated contributions to the modern fragrance world is the “Neo Oriental” category, her reimagining of traditional Oriental perfumes.

“I adore classic Oriental scents for their rich spices and resins,” she explains. “But I felt there was room to lighten them—infuse them with airy top notes and surprising twists.”

In a typical Neo Oriental creation, Ozge might pair deep amber with a zesty citrus accord or blend dark oud with a delicate floral whisper.

“I want these fragrances to feel rooted in tradition but tailored for a modern nose,” she says. “Neo Oriental is my way of celebrating heritage without being confined by it.”

Nurturing Nature: The EPS Botanical Garden

At the heart of Ozge’s work lies a profound commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing—exemplified by the EPS Botanical Garden, a living laboratory she leads with pride.

“When we talk about fragrance, we often focus on what’s in the bottle,” she notes. “But the journey starts in the soil. The garden allows us to grow some of our own ingredients organically, while also encouraging biodiversity.”

Beyond cultivation, the Botanical Garden stands for fair partnerships with local farmers and an ongoing quest for eco-friendly extraction methods.

“I believe in a holistic cycle,” she insists. “Plants, people, and the planet should all thrive in harmony. Every note in our fragrances carries that ethos.”

Modern Technology Meets Tradition

As a next-generation perfumer, Ozge sees herself as a bridge, melding her father’s artisanal traditions with 21st-century innovations.

“I love pushing boundaries, but I also love the romance of classic perfumery. They can coexist beautifully.”

This blend of old-world craftsmanship and high-tech experimentation yields fragrances that feel both timeless and cutting-edge.

“I never want to lose the human touch, the intuition that comes from years of experience and personal connection to the materials,” she adds. “Yet, modern science helps me refine and perfect what we create.”

Inspiration Beyond the Bottle

Ozge’s creativity extends well beyond the lab: “I’m fascinated by how fragrance can be shaped by unexpected influences,” she explains. She finds sparks of inspiration in the mesmerizing, data-driven installations of Refik Anadol, whose fluid, ever-evolving digital creations mirror the “transformative, ephemeral quality of scent.”

Travel also plays a critical role, as “every new place offers unique ingredients and cultural perspectives that broaden my olfactory vocabulary.” She speaks of long walks in nature, describing it as “my way of being one with the earth—listening to the wind, the leaves, the quiet hum of life, and letting those sensations guide me to new fragrance ideas.”

In gastronomy, she sees an echo of her own craft: “Chefs layer flavors much like I layer fragrance notes—carefully balancing intensity, texture, and surprise.” Meanwhile, multi-sensory installations - “where sound, sight, and aroma converge” - push her to discover new frontiers in olfactory artistry.

Music, with its intricate rhythms and chords, “echoes the structural interplay of a perfume’s notes, showing how each element can shine while maintaining harmony.”

“I see perfume as a conversation with the senses,” she explains. “The more you engage those senses—through art, food, music—the richer your fragrance story becomes.”

Musks, Agarwood, and a Personal Signature

When it comes to her favorite raw materials, Ozge gravitates toward musks for their comforting warmth and agarwood (oud) for its hypnotic depth.

“Musks feel like a second skin,” she muses. “They have a way of making a perfume intimate and enveloping.”

Agarwood, on the other hand, taps into her spiritual side: “Oud is almost mystical,” Ozge reflects. “Its complexity transforms a composition, giving it an aura of timelessness.”

A Bright Future, Rooted in Heritage

From a curious child tasting “perfume soda” to a chemist shaping the future of fragrance, Ozge Erdogmus-Altinel has cultivated a life story as compelling as her scents.

“I want every fragrance to tell a story—my story, our collective story, and the planet’s story,” she says softly. “When people wear our perfumes, I hope they feel that sense of connection and possibility, just as I did the first time I smelled my father’s lab.”

For those eager to experience Ozge’s inventive scents in person, EPS Fragrances will be featured at Bologna Cosmoprof, March 2025 and Dubai Beauty World, September 2025.

“We’re excited to connect with fellow fragrance lovers,” Ozge says. “We want people to step into our world—where craftsmanship, science, and global cultures unite in every bottle.”

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