- Verônica Kato Perfumer:
Company:Natura
Web:naturabrasil.fr
Verônica Casanova: The Pioneering Brazilian Perfumer
Born in Bastos, a small town in São Paulo state, Brazil, Verônica Casanova grew up enveloped in the rich, diverse aromas of her homeland. After earning her degree in Pharmaceutical Biochemistry from Unesp (São Paulo State University), she embarked on a journey to redefine perfumery through a uniquely Brazilian lens.
In 1990, Verônica launched her career at Dragoco (now Symrise), where her talent led to studies at the company’s perfumery school in Holzminden, Germany. She further specialized in Hadley, England, and Grasse, France—global epicenters of olfactory art—mastering the craft of creating scents for everything from household detergents to luxury fragrances. This international training became the foundation for her ability to blend cultural nuances with technical precision.
Since 2006, Verônica has shaped the olfactory identity of Natura, a leading Brazilian cosmetics giant. As the only Latin American perfumer within a major global beauty brand (a role akin to perfumers at Louis Vuitton or Chanel), she has become a trailblazer. While she’s lost count of her creations, notable lines includeFaces,Una,Amó,Kaiak,Ekos,Humor,Biografia,VôVó, andSou—each a sensory ode to Brazilian spirit.
Verônica’s creative philosophy revolves around distilling the soul of Brazil into fragrance: its vibrant colors, exuberance, and joie de vivre. This requires meticulous research to source raw materials and craft blends that evoke deep emotion. Working with a palette of over 2,500 ingredients, she collaborates with international perfumers to design scents that evoke comfort, seduction, well-being, or sensory adventure. A single fragrance can take up to three years and involve 20 team members, ensuring every scent bears Natura’s distinct signature.
Among her most celebrated works:
Natura Essencial Oud: A sumptuous blend of oriental and woody notes, exuding exotic luxury.Natura Ilía Secreto: A mysterious composition weaving floral and fruity accords into an enigmatic scent.Natura Humor 1: A playful, uplifting fragrance that captures the joy of celebration.
By anchoring her art in Brazilian culture, Verônica Casanova has not only created unforgettable fragrances but also pioneered a new paradigm for perfumery—one where regional identity meets global olfactory excellence.
