Photo of artist Sopheap Pich and perfumer Violaine Collas in perfume studio. Graphic image of Nez Magazine Issue 13 and In the Arboretum perfume bottle.Graphic image of Nez Magazine Issue 13 cover and In the Arboretum perfume bottle on grey background.
NEZ Issue 13 + New Perfume

In the Arboretum

By Violaine Collas & Sopheap Pich
Learn More
Picture of Leatherize bottle next to woman dressed in leather with Leatherize bottles inside her coat.Artistic photo of Leatherize perfume bottle with brown filter and background.
New From DS & Durga

Leatherize

Leather with a capital L.
Sample Now
Photo of three Liis perfume bottles with round white tops. In front of a ceramic vessel with a white seashell in it, next to dark flowers.Photo of three Liis perfume bottles with round caps, on light grey background.
New from California

Liis

Modern, sheer, unisex perfumes.
Try Now
Photo of two black Fischersund perfume bottles on black background with smoke.Photo of two black Fischersund perfume bottles on black background with smoke.
Direct from Reykjavík

Fischersund

Sonic botanicals by the Birgisson family.
Explore
Two Anima Collection perfume bottles, both are white with gold labels and caps. On a black background.Photo of white Anima Collection perfume bottle with gold label and cap, on a black background.
World of Chris Collins

Anima Collection

Long Kiss Goodnight & Citrus Grandis
Sample Now

get it on skin

Our perfume sample program

We're on a mission to bring independent fragrances into your wardrobe — the wild, weird and wonderful. The best way to learn what you love is to try scents on skin. Here's how:

1. Order $5 samples from our site (shipping is just $5).

2. Redeem the price of samples & shipping when you purchase full bottles of the scents you tried.

3. Wear your new fragrances with abandon.

Shop all brands

FEATURED COLLECTIONS

Image of perfume bottle and link to New & Noteworthy collection page.
New & Noteworthy
BEST SELLERS
Best Sellers
All Brands
Photo of DS & Durga Sweet Do Nothing perfume bottle in front of cactus and blue skies. Links to summer scents collection page.
Summer Scents

We Rebranded

New name, same great everything else

Loved Tigerlily Perfumery? We're the same scent-loving people in the same welcoming place, presenting artistic fragrances by independent perfumers and brands from far and wide. Learn a bit more about our new name and fragrant journey...

About Us

NEW & NOTEWORTHY

View all
Image of Kerosene's Follow with black opaque glass bottle in a cubic shape, a black cylindrical cap and brass plaque with the fragrance name stamped on it
Image of 1.5ml sample of Kerosene's Follow with clear glass vial and black spray pump
Followed
A barista gourmand with coffee, cocoa and caramel
Kerosene
from $ 5.00
Leatherize
Leather with a capital L, saffron and smoky cade
DS & Durga
from $ 5.00
Parquet Leather Candle
Basketball, sneakers, oak and maple parquet floor
DS & Durga
$ 65.00
Image of Liis Bo 50ml fragrance with clear, rectangular glass bottle and matte white round cap
Lifestyle image for Liis Bo fragrance with woman's face partially obscured by green plant foliage
Bo
Lightly-smoked woods with a warm nudge of vanilla
Samples out of stock.
Liis
from $ 5.00
View all
117 products

PERFUMER & FOUNDER INTERVIEWS

View all
Checking in with Chris Collins about his latest releases for the Anima Collection.
Checking in with Chris Collins about his latest releases for the Anima Collection.
Lilja Birgisson on Fischersund, Icelandic perfumes by Jónsi Birgisson of Sigur Rós.
Lilja Birgisson on Fischersund, Icelandic perfumes by Jónsi Birgisson of Sigur Rós.
Alia Raza of Régime des Fleurs talks Tears, a scent inspired by the emotional power of art.
Alia Raza of Régime des Fleurs talks Tears, a scent inspired by the emotional power of art.
Photo of Ernesto Collado seated, wearing a dark blue suit.

Ministry of Scent Events

Meet Ernesto Collado

Ernesto Collado of Bravanariz listens to the olfactory language of plants. His sustainable natural perfumes capture his passion for the flora of his home region in coastal Catalunia, Spain. Ernesto will join us for three September events — a workshop, soirée and scent stroll at the SF Botanical Garden. Tickets are selling fast so get 'em while we've got 'em!

Get Tickets

Summer Scents

View all
801: Sea Spray, Cedar & Grapefruit
Italian citrus, sea spray and sun-baked cedarwood
Bon Parfumeur
from $ 5.00
Photo of 50ml bottle of Fort & Manlé's Honiara fragrance
Photo of 50ml bottle of Fort & Manlé's Honiara fragrance with stylized background of wood panelling and blocks
Honiara
Island florals and pine, floating on a sea breeze
Samples out of stock.
Fort & Manlé
from $ 5.00
Image of 35ml Eau de Parfum
Image of 1.5ml Spray Sample
Ray-Flection
A fresh solar blend built around golden mimosa
Masque Milano
from $ 5.00
Sunset Hour
Gourmand, sweet Australian fruit, tropical florals
Goldfield & Banks
from $ 5.00
View all
38 products
Photo depicting a range of materials: citrus, flowers, leaves, herbs, woods, cupcakes and spices
BROWSE BY STYLE OR BRAND
FIND YOUR FAVORITES
Florals, spicy, woods and more — so many scent styles to explore.
STYLES BRANDS

VISIT OUR STORE

973 Valencia Street
San Francisco, CA 94110

(between 20th & 21st Streets)

Mon:   12 – 6 pm 
Tues:   Closed
Wed:   12 – 6 pm
Thurs:  12 – 6 pm
Fri:       11 – 7 pm
Sat:      11 – 8 pm 
Sun:     11 – 6 pm

info@ministryofscent.com

415.896.4665

Get directions

Hear from our vibrant community

★★★★★

The online store and service is superb... Shipping was amazingly fast and the perfumes came nicely protected, but also beautifully presented.... I'm incredibly satisfied with my experience, I'll be doing my perfume shopping here.

Michael B.
★★★★★

Ministry of Scent has so many great fragrances, including ones that can be hard to find in the US. Their staff is also really thoughtful and helpful! I definitely recommend checking them out (whether at the store or on the website).

Wes W.
Google Review
★★★★★

I can think of no better place to purchase and try niche perfumes in all of San Francisco. Make that anywhere for that matter... Exemplary in all areas. From keen pricing, extensive catalog and above all excellent customer service and attentiveness...

Jerry K.
★★★★★

The best. Knowledgeable, friendly staff. Authentic... Best fragrance shopping experience of my life. Will definitely keep returning. Opposite of everything fake, pretentious, snooty, and off-putting about department store fragrance departments, while maintaining elite products and database of knowledge and suggestions and wise network of sellers.

Julie A.
★★★★★

Indulgent enclave, encompassing a unique cornucopia of personally selected fragrances, captivatingly helpful staff and a wonderful community spirit. Always worth a drop by.

Jenny C.
★★★★★

They have an array of diverse niche perfumes you won’t be able to find anywhere else. This place was great, because you can sample some niche fragrances you won’t be able to find anywhere else. 10/10 recommend.

Jordan M.
★★★★★

If you are into niche fragrances and perfumes, this store is a must when visiting San Francisco. Their product line is from all over the world and you’ll find brands not available anywhere else. I highly recommend this store. This store is very unisex as well so go as a couple or go alone. I promise you will purchase multiple bottles, you won’t be able to decide which is your favorite.

Ron Foxworthy
Google Review
★★★★★

Ministry of Scent is truly fantastic, and a wonderful introduction into the world of independent, niche perfumes.... I personally am not a niche/indie fragrance neophyte (though by no means an expert), and I observed the same amount of care, attention, and interest in working with me as I did with other customers who were just starting their "fragrance journeys".  I highly, highly recommend stopping by and investing some actual time into learning about what's out there, and what works for you.

Samantha W.
Yelp Review
★★★★★

My friends and I stumbled upon this gem... We came in with nothing in mind, and had minimal knowledge about scents and what we enjoyed. We all purchased samples of scents that we truly enjoyed and will be testing them out. We'll definitely be back to purchase a full sized perfume soon! Great service all around and we truly enjoyed this experience.

Chloe C.
Yelp Review