Carlos Benaim: A Senior and Versatile Perfumer at IFF
Carlos Benaim is one of the senior and versatile perfumers at International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF), one of the leading fragrance companies in the world. He was born and raised in Tangier, Morocco, where he developed his love for scents and aromas. He studied chemical engineering in France, and then joined IFF in 1967 as a trainee perfumer. He learned the art and craft of perfumery under the guidance of Bernard Chant and Ernest Shiftan, two of the most renowned perfumers at IFF. He became a senior perfumer in 1984 and has been creating and collaborating on fragrances for various brands and categories ever since.
Benaim is known for his ability to create fragrances for different markets and occasions, such as fine fragrance, personal care, home fragrance, and air care. He likes to use natural ingredients, such as flowers, fruits, spices, and woods, and combine them with synthetic molecules, such as musks, aldehydes, and ambergris. He is also very innovative and experimental, as he often explores new olfactory territories and challenges the boundaries of perfumery.
He has created and collaborated on hundreds of fragrances for various brands, such as:
• Calvin Klein Eternity: A classic and timeless fragrance that symbolizes love and commitment. It features notes of mandarin, freesia, lily, sandalwood, and amber. It was launched in 1988 and became one of the most successful fragrances of all time.
• Elizabeth Arden Red Door: A glamorous and sophisticated fragrance that celebrates the elegance and beauty of women. It features notes of lily of the valley, orchid, jasmine, rose, honey, and oakmoss. It was launched in 1989 and became a signature scent for many women.
• Ralph Lauren Polo: A masculine and iconic fragrance that captures the spirit and style of the American man. It features notes of pine, leather, tobacco, patchouli, and oakmoss. It was launched in 1978 and became a symbol of status and success.
• Prada Candy: A playful and seductive fragrance that expresses the fun and indulgence of life. It features notes of caramel, benzoin, vanilla, and musk. It was launched in 2011 and became a popular choice among young and fashionable women.
• Febreze: A revolutionary and innovative product that eliminates odors and freshens the air. It features notes of various scents, such as lavender, citrus, apple, and linen. It was launched in 1996 and became a household essential for many consumers.
Benaim is not only a perfumer, but also a mentor and a leader. He shares his knowledge and experience with the younger generation of perfumers at IFF, and encourages them to pursue their passion and creativity. He also participates in various events and interviews, where he talks about his vision and philosophy of perfumery. He lives in New York with his wife, who is a painter. He has three children and six grandchildren, who are also fond of fragrances. He continues to create and collaborate on new and exciting fragrances that delight and inspire people around the world.