frequently asked questions

Perfumes

I can’t decide on which perfume, can I try first?

Absolutely! We always recommend trying on your skin first. Our perfume minis are the perfect way to test our scents. Need help choosing? check out our Perfume Guide

How concentrated are your perfumes?

Each Eau de Parfum has a minimum of 15% pure perfume oils. Extrait is 25% concentrate.

Are your perfumes actually 100% natural?

Yes. Creating natural perfume that is chic, modern and long-lasting is our raison d’etre. We use a highly concentrated formula of plant-derived natural oils, concretes and isolates, set in a food-grade (non-denatured), organic alcohol base.

Why is there sediment in my perfume?

Like a natural wine, we choose not to filter our fragrances, either with a physical membrane filter (which dilutes and changes the profile of our fragrances), or with chemical filters. Sometimes sediment can develop after an amount of time in the bottle. It’s nothing of concern and doesn’t impact the shelf life of the perfume nor the fragrance profile, it’s just a natural reaction that has taken place.

How can I make the perfume last longer?

Moisturising (with a fragrance-free cream or oil) before you apply your perfume as the drier your skin, the more quickly it will absorb the fragrance oils. Perfume applied to your hair and/or clothes will last longer than perfume applied to your skin. Applying to pulse points will also help warm and develop the scent. Just remember, when applied near your nose (i.e. your neck), you become desensitised quickly from the constant smell, so although others will smell your perfume, you won’t.

Do your fragrances contain alcohol?

Our perfumes and room sprays use an organic grain alcohol base, so they do contain alcohol. 

Are your fragrances gluten-free?

All of our fragrances are gluten-free. However, if you have celiac disease, we advise caution as our products are not certified under FDA gluten-free labelling guidelines. We apologise for any inconvenience and appreciate your understanding.

We recommend checking out our perfume guide for our full ingredient list and detailed information on each fragrances ingredients.  

Do your fragrances contain BPA, Phthalates, Preservatives, Parabens or Endocrine Disruptors?

NO - We do NOT use BPA, Phthalates, Preservatives, Parabens or Endocrine Disruptors in any of our fragrances. 

Our fragrances are non-toxic, with the full ingredients published. All our fragrances are formulated without harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer experience for all. 

Read more about our non-toxic perfume.

What's your fragrances shelf life?

Our perfumes and room sprays have a use-by date of 24 months after opening. 

Sampling — Perfume Minis (T&C)

Where can I find my perfume mini credit voucher?

You can find your unique credit voucher code in your confirmation email. Check your junk mail if you’re having trouble locating it.

I tried to use my perfume mini credit voucher, but didn’t work?

Please ensure that you are using the discount code for the intended purpose and double-check for any typos.

We recommend copying and pasting the code directly from the email you received. If you're still experiencing issues, please contact our customer service team for assistance.

Please refer to the perfume minis terms and conditions below.

Can I use my Perfume mini credit voucher in stores?

Your credit voucher can only be redeemed online at abelfragrance.com or in person at the Fabriek, our store located in Aro Valley, Wellington.

Can I use my 15% welcome offer code on perfume minis?

Our 15% welcome discount is only valid on first-time orders of full-sized bottles, does not include perfume minis.

The 15% welcome offer does NOT apply to perfume minis, mini sets or bundles, including the Build Your Own set. The welcome offer is only valid on full-price orders, it does not include any items currently on promotion.

EXPLORE our perfume minis. 

Perfume Mini Cashback Offer - Terms & Conditions

Your perfume mini credit voucher is valid for a single use and can only be redeemed for the purchase of 30mL, 50mL, or 100mL bottles. It is NOT valid on 15mL bottles, perfume minis or room sprays. The coupon is valid for 30 days from the date of purchase, so please check that it hasn't expired. Perfume mini codes cannot be combined with other offers or codes on a single order.

Please note that the perfume mini credit voucher is only available with the purchase of an individual perfume mini. Only one cashback voucher can be issued per order, regardless of the number of minis purchased. This offer does not apply to orders containing multiple perfume minis, sets, bundles, or the Build Your Own set.

Do I receive a voucher when purchasing a perfume mini set or bundle, such as the Build Your Own set?

No, the perfume mini credit voucher is only issued with the purchase of an individual perfume mini.

This offer does not apply to orders of multiple perfume minis, sets or bundles, including the Build Your Own set.

Will I still receive the cashback offer if I add an additional mini at half price to my cart during checkout?

No - Our Perfume Mini cashback offer is only available for individual orders of perfume minis.

Safety & Allergens

What is an INCI list?

You’ll find INCI ingredients on the bottom of our perfume boxes and product ingredient list pages. These aren’t our actual ingredients (e.g. what we ‘add’ to the fragrance) but a regulatory requirement to declare any compounds in the overall fragrance formula (which are naturally occurring) that are potentially allergenic. So unless you have sensitivities, you needn’t worry about the INCI list. You can find the full list of ingredients used for each fragrance on our website.

Is an INCI list the same as an ingredients list?

No. The INCI list purely lists molecules found in the scent that are potential allergens. Most (almost all) fragrance houses will not share their full ingredients list, only the INCI list, required by law.Our fragrance Nurture, specifically designed to be low-allergen and pregnancy-safe, is a great example of this. A key ingredient is Bergamot Essential Oil. Because we know that Bergaptene, a molecule that naturally occurs in Bergamot Essential Oil can be associated with pigmentation, something that can be problematic to expecting mothers, we use a special Bergamot Oil that has had the Bergaptene molecule isolated and removed to make the fragrance maternity safe. There is often confusion between petrochemical and plant derived molecules that share the same molecular structure and therefore, name. The distinction lies in the source material. All molecules on our INCI list are molecules that exist in nature and in the ingredients in our scents. We never add these molecules to our fragrances and they are never from petrochemical sources.Below is a list and explanation of specific high-allergen INCI ingredients commonly found on our fragrance INCI lists. Limonene - According to the EWG, limonene is "a scent ingredient and solvent naturally occurring in the rind of citrus fruit." For example, our Golden Neroli fragrance features substantial citrus ingredients, which have a relatively high allergen content. This is because many people have sensitivities to citrus, similar to those experienced with consuming citrus fruits. We do not add Limonene to the fragrance itself.Benzyl Salicylate according to pubchem Benzyl Salicylate is a molecule that is naturally occuring “in the flower oils of hyacinths and ylang-ylang oil”. For example, a key ingredient in our Golden Neroli fragrance is ylang-ylang. We do not  add Benzyl Salicylate to the fragrance itself.We believe in full transparency and as such, you can read our full ingredients list for each fragrance here. 

Is it safe to use your fragrances during pregnancy or postpartum?

All our 100% natural fragrances are safe to wear during pregnancy and postpartum (including breastfeeding). 

Our functional fragrance, Nurture, is specifically designed with ingredients that are naturally low allergens to ensure safety during pregnancy and around little ones. Explore Nurture.

What makes the allergen content in our fragrances appear higher?

Our fragrances can have a higher allergen content than their synthetic counterparts due to plant-derived ingredients tending to have more allergies than synthetic ingredients - we all know friends and family who suffer hayfever and you're more likely to be allergic to plants than to plastic! All the ingredients in our fragrances are naturally occurring allergens derived from plants, not synthetic chemicals. People can have sensitivities to these molecules just as they do to certain foods. 

Why choose Abel if you've had sensitivities to fragrances in the past?

Our 100% natural fragrances are formulated without harmful chemicals, ensuring a safer experience for all.  For individuals with sensitive skin or allergies, non-toxic perfumes are a gentler option. The absence of synthetic chemicals minimises the risk of skin irritation and allergic reactions, making these perfumes suitable for everyday use.

Explore our range of non-toxic perfumes and room sprays.

Orders & Shipping

How do I track my order?

Once your order has been dispatched, you will receive a confirmation email with your order details, including a tracking number and a link to track your shipment.

Please note that tracking information may not be available immediately. It can take up to 48 hours for the tracking number to become active in our system. If there are no updates right away, we appreciate your patience and suggest checking back later.

What if I need to change my order or shipping address?

You can update your order or shipping address as long as it hasn't been fulfilled.

To make changes, please contact info@abelfragrance.com, and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request. However, please note that if your order has already been fulfilled, we are not able to make any changes.

What should I do if my package was lost or misdelivered?

If your package appears lost in transit or misdelivered, please contact info@abelfragrance.com with your order number within 30 days of receiving your shipment notification email (and be sure to check your spam folder). We will investigate and arrange a replacement or credit. After 30 days, we are unable to take responsibility for the order. Thank you for your understanding!

In the case that our carrier is unable to deliver a package due to an incorrect address entered by you, after multiple failed attempts to reach you at point of delivery or otherwise, Abel is not responsible for payment of return shipping costs or costs to resend the package. You are responsible for all shipping costs associated with returned packages due to failed delivery.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes, we do ship internationally. Your order will be shipped from one of our four warehouses, based either in New Zealand, United Kingdom, Europe and the United States. Please ensure that you are visiting the correct version of the website.

What's your shipping costs?

Delivery costs vary based on country and order value. If your order total is below the qualifying amount for free shipping, the shipping costs will be automatically added to the checkout. As soon as your order is shipped you will receive tracking information. 

United States and Canada: Orders are shipped from New York.

United States: Free shipping over USD$50 or $6. 4-7 business days (continental U.S.)
Canada: Free shipping over CAD$150 or $10. Please note, there may be import fees incurred in the shipment to Canada, these are the responsibility of the customer.

If the total amount of your bag is below the minimum order amount for free shipping, the shipping costs will be automatically added in the checkout.

Visit our stockist page to find your local stockist

How long does it take for my order to arrive?

Delivery times vary depending on your country. We aim to dispatch orders within 48 hours (excluding weekends) of your order being placed. While we cannot guarantee exact delivery times, you can refer to the estimated delivery times provided. Once your order is shipped, you will receive tracking information. If you do not receive it, please feel free to contact info@abelfragrance.com

United Sates: Delivery times vary depending on your country. US and Canada orders are shipped from New York. We aim to dispatch orders within 24 hours (excluding weekends, holidays and holiday observance days) of your order being placed. Please note that during certain high volume times (promotions, holiday seasons, etc) it may take us an additional 24-48 hours (excluding weekends, holidays and holiday observance days) to process and ship your order. While we cannot guarantee exact delivery times, you can refer to the estimated delivery times provided. 

Abel is not responsible for delays caused by adverse weather conditions or the customs clearance process. Other factors that may delay your order are other emergency situations, issues with billing and shipping address not matching what is on file with the payment used, and security flags received from the bank or credit card company requiring us to confirm information before completing the shipment.  

Please allow up to 24 hours for your order to be processed before shipment. Note, 2nd day express shipping methods account for transit time only, not including the order processing period.

Please note we do not ship to PO Boxes in the US.

*Our teams are working overtime to produce and ship the top-quality Abel products to you, our customers around the world, as quickly as possible. You may experience delays due to the number of orders being processed and extended lead times for shipping, many of which are imposed by our delivery partners, including and not limited to UPS, USPS, FedEx and DHL. Please check with your carrier for accurate delivery information.

What is your return policy?

We only accept returns on products that are unopened and unused, and in its original packaging. Product replacements are available only if the item is in its original packaging and unopened, if the wrong product was shipped, or if it was damaged during transit. Please note, our perfume minis are not eligible for returns, as they cannot be guaranteed as being unused / unopened. We do NOT offer change of mind returns.

In such cases, please email info@abelfragrance.com within 14 days of receiving your order. In your email please include your order number, the products(s) you wish to return, the reason for return and a photo if required. This information will be shared with our quality team to prevent future issues. You are responsible for the shipping and additional postage charges. Please be aware we do not take liability for any lost or damaged goods in the return process.

If your return is valid, we will refund the full purchase price of your product(s). We will not refund the return costs unless the goods are faulty or have been incorrectly supplied. We will notify you once the refund transaction has taken place. Please be aware that your local bank will take up to 3-5 working days to receive the payment. 

Only items purchased on the Abel Fragrance website abelfragrance.com can be returned for refund or exchange. Items purchased in a department store, specialty retailer or elsewhere must be returned to their original point of purchase.

Should you make an error when ordering online, Abel is will to exchange for the item you intended to purchase. The returned item must be in its original, unopened, unused, undamaged condition and in its original saleable condition before being sent back to us. 

Please note, once a fragrance has been unpackaged, opened or sprayed, we are unable to accept it for return. 

Room Spray

Can you wear Room Spray like an Eau de Parfum?

When you create perfume you are constantly evaluating how the fragrance will wear on the skin and develop throughout the day - the top, heart and base notes specifically. Whereas with home fragrance it's a much more linear process and the focus is around creating a constant scent, that's not reliant on how it interacts with the skin. So you could technically wear it on your skin, but it is not designed for this.

Will the Room Sprays damage my furniture and clothing?

We recommend spraying Room Spray into the open air throughout your interior space. It can also be sprayed directly over robust soft furnishings and natural fibres, such as linen, to prolong the scent. We recommend avoiding direct contact with delicate surfaces or items that cannot be washed easily, such as silk.