IFF introduces long-lasting light-activated fragrance tech

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) has launched Sensora, a patent-pending pro-fragrance technology touted to make scents last longer and evolve over time. The technology works by using light to trigger the controlled release of fragrance, with its first application in liquid detergents. 

According to IFF, the platform delivers scents that can last up to 20 days after activation and comes amid heightened consumer demand for longer-lasting fragrances.

From a global survey conducted in 17 countries, IFF found that over one-third of consumers want their laundry fragrances to last longer. Moreover, the results showed that nearly one in four people expect scent to remain noticeable for at least four days.

Sensora works through a pro-fragrance mechanism that is activated by both indoor and outdoor light. The mechanism allows the fragrance to release in phases, revealing new scent dimensions over time. 

“Sensora represents a step-change in how we design fragrance performance,” says Mohammed Ashour, VP of innovation at IFF Scent.

“Its light-activated pro-fragrance mechanism gives perfumers a new level of control to orchestrate how scent evolves, revealing new olfactive facets over time while providing a scalable platform for innovation across applications and categories.”

According to the flavors and fragrances company, the technology allows scents to remain noticeable long after washing and beyond everyday use.

Differentiated detergents

The first application of the Sensora technology is in Floral Fusion, a fragrance compound for liquid detergents. It releases refined floral notes onto dry fabrics, which IFF says creates an experience that goes beyond the original scent signature, giving laundry care brands a way to stand out among competitors.

“Sensora gives our customers a powerful new way to differentiate in laundry care, a category where consumers increasingly expect fragrance to deliver both lasting impact and elevated sensorial pleasure,” says Jan Bechtel, senior VP of consumer fragrance at IFF Scent.

“Starting with liquid detergents, this breakthrough offering creates new opportunities to build memorable product experiences, strengthen brand preference, and respond to evolving consumer expectations.”

According to IFF, the platform can make scents last up to 20 days after activation.IFF designed Sensora as a scalable platform for future innovation. The company says perfumers can integrate it into their fragrance compositions and use it to precisely control how scents evolve. 

Fragrance driving home care

Sensora’s launch reflects a broader shift in home care, where fragrance is increasingly being positioned as part of well-being rather than only product performance. 

According to Innova Market Insights, Household Care products are gaining ground, with an average annual growth rate of 18% from 2021 to 2025.

Ingredient manufacturers have noted that consumers demand cleaning and laundry products that deliver immediate fragrance impact and lasting scents. Linking fragrance to emotional comfort and hygiene reassurance, recent reports have found that Gen Z are paying more attention to their home care products for the feeling of “wellness” they deliver.

Long-lasting notes

IFF’s innovation aligns with consumer demands for fragrances that last longer. Innova Market Insights data indicates that “long-lasting” is the third most common positioning in new fragrance launches globally, appearing in 14% of new products.

Last week, Givaudan unveiled Scentaurus Aquamelon, a fragrance precursor designed specifically for hair care. The compound uses oxygen-activated technology to slowly release green melon and orange blossom notes, prolonging the scent over time.

Scentaurus Aquamelon was Givaudan’s second precursor launch this year. In February, the Swiss multinational debuted Scentaurus PolyDoux, with raspberry and powdery vanilla notes, for laundry and hair care products.