The art of scent dates back to ancient civilizations — transforming from divine offerings to intimate self-care. In the Nile Valley, high-end perfume shop was an essential element of worship. Temple priests burned myrrh and frankincense as sacred offerings. Scented oils were placed in tombs to guide souls beyond death. They pressed flowers, spices, and woods into oils, creating some of the earliest known perfumes. The term "perfume" is derived from the Latin phrase meaning "through smoke", reflecting its origins in incense burning.

The Greeks and Romans adopted Egyptian practices and expanded upon them. Scented oils were a staple in Greek grooming and hygiene. They infused their bathing rituals and living spaces with aroma. Roman elites went further, filling their villas with fragrant gardens and spraying perfumed water on floors and walls. Ingredients like Syrian roses and Indian cinnamon flowed into Roman markets through vast trade routes.