Escentric Molecules has built a cult following by doing something deceptively simple: creating fragrances that are not just something you wear but something that becomes a part of you. Since Molecule 01 was launched, 20 years ago now, each scent has been formulated to adapt to the skin, shifting with individual chemistry to create something personal and constantly evolving. The result is a fragrance that becomes a signifier of the wearer rather than a calling card for the brand. At the centre of this idea is Iso E Super, the molecule behind the house’s most iconic creations, prized for its ability to fuse with natural skin scent and leave an intimate, almost elusive trail.

As Escentric Molecules marks the 20th anniversary of Molecule 01, the brand continues to build on its innovative foundation. The latest addition to the M+ line sees the introduction of Molecule 01 + Champaca, a fragrance that pairs the original molecule with one carefully chosen natural ingredient. Using the same stripped-back formula that defines the M+ range, Iso E Super is combined with champaca, an absolute extracted from the red champaca flower found only in India. One of the most prized floral materials in perfumery, champaca is a form of magnolia flower valued for its depth and complexity. Revealing facets of jasmine and orange blossom – and, if you really focus on its layers, hints of tea – it has a soft, creamy character that unfolds gradually.

On skin, it sits lightly, balancing the transparency of Iso E Super with the richer, more textured presence of champaca. The opening carries a gentle floral brightness before moving into heavier layers. As it settles, the familiar smooth, woody warmth of Molecule 01 returns, creating a scent that feels radiant but still light enough to not be overpowering. Stripped of traditional gender coding, Molecule 01 + Champaca sits firmly in the brand’s long-standing approach to fragrance for skin rather than gender.

“I was overwhelmed when I first smelled champaca absolute with Molecule 01. Champaca absolute and Iso E Super form an amazing amalgamation, because they are very contrary. Champaca absolute has so many facets,” explains Geza Schoen, Escentric Molecules’ perfumer and co-founder. “It’s so rich. There’s so much happening in it. The complexity of champaca absolute complements Iso E Super exceptionally well on its own. Because Iso E Super has these very woody yet transparent, very velvety, very cocooning, soft aspects, and then you have champaca, giving it all this complexity, all these different olfactory sensations.”

The packaging, like the fragrance itself, embodies Escentric Molecules’ conceptual and minimalist approach – made with a new ink, specifically developed for the new product. Creative director and co-founder Paul White set out to reflect the richness of champaca without being overly literal. “The challenge with the packaging was to create something that felt as rich and lush as the red champaca flower itself. We were able to produce a package with the life, lustre, quality and beauty of red champaca, without being literal. Because literal has never been our way. We always abstract.”

Molecule 01 + Champaca feels like a natural evolution for the brand and a key moment for the M+ range. Prior to using champaca, previous scents from the M+ line have paired Iso E Super with other single natural ingredients, including iris, patchouli and black tea. It preserves the minimal structure that long-time fans expect, while introducing a floral note that brings warmth, depth, layered texture and a sense of quiet luxury. Like all Escentric Molecules scents, it is subtle and personal, experienced rather than worn, existing less as a traditional perfume and more as a distinct impression.

Head here to discover Molecule 01 + Champaca.