Ethically Sourced Ingredients: The Journey Behind Our Scents
At the heart of Antonio Chartrand is a philosophy that embraces not just luxury but also sustainability, transparency, and ethics. As a perfumer, I believe that the ingredients I use should not only be of the highest quality but should also be sourced in a way that respects both the environment and the communities that provide them. The journey of crafting a fragrance is as much about the care that goes into the ingredients as it is about the art of blending them into something unforgettable.
Why Ethical Sourcing Matters
I’ve always felt strongly about the importance of ethical sourcing. Sourcing ingredients responsibly is not just a trend; it’s a necessity. As a creator, I want to know that every ingredient I use is harvested with care, that the farmers and artisans behind the ingredients are treated fairly, and that the environment is respected. When I source an ingredient for a fragrance, I take the time to learn about its journey—from the land it was grown on to the people who harvested it. This transparency is key to the process, ensuring that the fragrances I create are as beautiful for the planet as they are for your senses.
Lavender from Provence, Oud from Bangladesh, and the Ethics of Ambergris
Let’s start with one of my favorite ingredients—lavender. The lavender I use is grown in the lush fields of Provence, where the climate and soil conditions create some of the best lavender in the world. Provence is known for its commitment to sustainable farming practices, and I work with local growers to ensure that the lavender is cultivated in a way that preserves the delicate balance of the ecosystem. The result is a lavender that is not only fragrant but also pure, with a soft, floral scent that is a cornerstone in many of my fragrances.
Oud, another essential ingredient in my collection, comes from the forests of Bangladesh. Oud is often called "liquid gold" because of its rarity and depth, but it’s a controversial ingredient due to over-harvesting. That’s why I’ve chosen to work with a supplier who follows strict sustainable practices to ensure that healthy trees aren’t harmed in the process. The oud I use is rich, woody, and smoky, and it adds a luxurious depth to certain fragrances.
When it comes to ambergris, this is one of the most fascinating—and at times challenging—ingredients to source. Ambergris is a rare, natural substance produced by sperm whales, and it has been used in perfumery for centuries for its musky, sweet scent that adds longevity and complexity to fragrances. However, it’s extremely important to ensure that any ambergris used is ethically sourced. I only use ambergris when I can find it through ethical, sustainable practices—typically, this means sourcing it from washed-up pieces found naturally on beaches. When I can’t find it, I turn to ambroxan, a synthetic compound that mimics ambergris’ rich, musky aroma without any ethical concerns.
Creating Fragrance with Integrity
The commitment to using ethically sourced ingredients doesn’t stop with lavender, oud, or ambergris. Every note in my fragrances is chosen with care. From the rose harvested in Bulgaria to the sandalwood sourced from Australia, each ingredient is part of a broader commitment to sustainability and fairness. I believe in honoring the land, the people, and the animals that make these ingredients possible.
As a creator, it’s important to me that the fragrances you wear not only bring joy but also represent a commitment to ethical craftsmanship. When you choose a fragrance from Antonio Chartrand, you’re choosing luxury that respects the environment and the communities that bring it to life.
Jared Antonio Chartrand
Founder & Perfumer
Antonio Chartrand