This Is Not Caffeine by Hormone Paris: Quiet Energy in a Bottle
Written by Kristina Kybartaite-Damule
Perfume is often described as emotional, but rarely as functional. Hormone Paris approaches fragrance from a different angle, exploring how scent can influence mood, focus, and behavior through the body’s natural responses.
Photo credit: Instagram: @kristinakii.scents
Hormone Paris was a new brand to me when I first encountered This Is Not Caffeine. What immediately caught my attention was not only the name, but the concept behind it. The brand is built around hormones—chemical messengers in the body that influence mood, focus, energy, and behavior. Hormone Paris explores the idea that scent can interact with these processes, subtly affecting how we feel and how we act.
As the brand’s website tells, the founders were inspired by the way the body communicates internally through hormones, and by how certain smells can trigger emotional and physical responses. Instead of treating perfume as pure decoration, the brand approaches fragrance as something more functional and intentional. Each scent in the collection is designed to support a specific state of mind, allowing the wearer to choose perfumes based on how they want to feel. Now, I wouldn’t take the concept in a strictly scientific sense, but it’s an interesting way to think about how scent affects us.
I received This Is Not Caffeine for a review just before Christmas, a time when days feel slower and comfort becomes especially appealing. Inspired by caffeine – the most widely consumed psychoactive substance in the world – the fragrance focuses on clarity rather than stimulation. It aims to capture that quiet moment when the mind wakes up and concentration sharpens.
The opening is gourmand, but not overly sweet in an obvious way. Caramel and cinnamon bring warmth, while sage and coconut add freshness and balance. There is a mind note mentioned in the list, but my nose can’t pick it up. Either way, the perfume feels comforting without being heavy – but softly energizing.
In the heart, tonka bean adds depth, while dark coffee appears in a dry, controlled way rather than an intense or bitter one. The base is smooth and long-lasting, with lots of vanilla and benzoin, which feels warm and very cozy. The drydown feels grounded and composed, staying close to the skin – it’s not too heavy or overwhelming, and I appreciate it a lot.
What I find most interesting about This Is Not Caffeine is its take on the gourmand category. It avoids excess sweetness (although don’t get me wrong, it is sweet!) and instead focuses on balance. It’s a gourmand that feels modern and wearable.
For a first experience with Hormone Paris, this perfume feels thoughtful and well-considered. It reflects the brand’s idea of turning science into something personal and emotional.