Master Perfumer, New York
Carlos Benaïm is one of the world’s most influential perfumers. Renowned for transforming pure sensation into olfactory art, Carlos is IFF’s premier Master Perfumer whose contributions to the fine fragrance industry is immeasurable. Born in Tangiers, Morocco, and a student of the world, Carlos draws constant inspiration from the myriads of cultures and expressions around him. That curiosity has fueled a career defined by imagination, simplicity and a relentless pursuit of beauty.
Initially trained as a chemist, Carlos’s journey into perfumery began in Grasse, where he discovered the poetic intersection of science and scent. After joining IFF, he soon became a mentee of legendary IFF Chief Perfumer Ernest Shiftan. Under Shiftan’s guidance, Carlos’s curiosity, artistic exploration, and technical mastery began to flourish – setting him on the path of creating some of the world’s most iconic fragrances.
His creative philosophy draws inspiration from art and nature, echoing the simplicity and emotional resonance found in the works of Matisse, Cézanne, and Rothko. Carlos believes in bringing invisible connections to light, materializing the world’s rhythms and harmonies through scent.
Carlos has worked closely with major fine fragrance luxury groups such as L’Oreal, Estee Lauder Companies and Puig. Additionally, he has mentored many of the most celebrated perfumers of the day.