The History of Perfume Making in Los Angeles

South view down Fort Street, know today as Broadway.

The history of perfume-making in Los Angeles is a rich and storied one, dating back to the early days of the city's founding. The first perfumes made in Los Angeles were created by the indigenous Tongva people, who used native plants and flowers to create fragrances for ceremonies and rituals.

As the city began to grow and attract settlers from all over the world, the art of perfumery continued to evolve. In the late 19th century, a number of European immigrants, many of whom were trained perfumers, brought their skills and expertise to the city. They established small businesses and began to produce a wide variety of perfumes, colognes, and other fragrances. These early perfumers used locally sourced ingredients such as orange blossoms, jasmine, and roses to create their scents.

In the early 20th century, the perfume industry in Los Angeles began to flourish. The city's mild climate and abundance of natural resources made it an ideal place for growing and harvesting the raw materials needed for perfumery. The industry continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and by the 1960s, Los Angeles had become a major center for the production of perfumes, with several large companies and numerous smaller businesses operating in the city.

Today, the perfume-making tradition continues in Los Angeles. With a strong focus on using natural and organic ingredients and a commitment to sustainability, many small businesses like us are now producing high-quality, all-natural perfumes that are not only good for you but also good for the environment. The history of perfumery in Los Angeles has been shaped by a diverse group of people, each bringing their unique skills and perspective to the art of creating beautiful scents. And we are proud to be part of this legacy, making perfumes with natural ingredients, and keeping the tradition alive in the city of Los Angeles.

Roots Rose Radish is proud to be part of the beautiful history of this city.