Naroma develops nano water-based perfumes with a ‘Vietnamese identity,’ aiming to captivate international visitors

VOH – A group of students from Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (VNU-HCM) has recently developed Naroma perfumes inspired by Vietnam’s cultural heritage, featuring scents of rice, lotus, and tea.

A new perfume technology – safer for users

Earlier, the team had researched and created a type of perfume applying advanced nano technology to replace alcohol with distilled water, reducing alcohol content from the traditional 70–80% down to just 5–10%. This innovation eliminates the sharp alcoholic odor, prevents dryness or skin irritation, and enhances scent longevity, delivering a soft and natural feel.

Targeting international tourists – who often seek unique products rich in local identity – the group focused on combining modern technology with Vietnam’s natural essence to craft fragrances deeply imbued with national character, such as rice, lotus, and tea.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Đình Quân, Head of the Biofuel & Biomass Laboratory (Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology), explained:
“Essential oils and aroma compounds are typically organic and dissolve better in oil than in water. That’s why, for centuries, the global perfume industry has relied on blending fragrance compounds with organic solvents. However, the use of such solvents poses certain health risks.”

Recently, some perfume houses have introduced oil-in-water dispersions to create emulsion perfumes, which possess several advantages over traditional alcohol-based formulas. Still, the recipes and synthesis methods of these emulsions remain closely guarded secrets.

Meanwhile, Phạm Kim Quốc Cường, a chemical engineering student, together with his teammates, spent countless hours studying documents and conducting hundreds of experiments with thousands of formulations to master a stable nano-emulsion perfume formula that has now been warmly welcomed by the market.

Their strength lies not only in building a science-based startup story, but also in a unique know-how that Cường continues to refine and upgrade.

“I believe that with passion and persistence, Quốc Cường will one day become a leading expert in perfumery and a pioneer in creating Vietnam’s own nano-emulsion perfumes to stand alongside international brands,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Đình Quân.

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A “souvenir” product rich in Vietnamese identity

According to Quốc Cường, the team’s signature perfumes include Ancient Capital Whisper, Royal Blossoms of the Sacred Land, and Rice Field Rhythm, each capturing the soul of different Vietnamese regions.

• Ancient Capital Whisper opens with notes of black tea, mint, and Thanh Hóa tobacco tincture, followed by everlasting flowers and jasmine, and dries down to tonka bean and saffron.

• Royal Blossoms of the Sacred Land begins with bergamot and green leaves, transitions into jasmine, rose, saffron, and cinnamon, and settles into mahogany, frankincense, agarwood, and patchouli.

• Rice Field Rhythm is crafted with tincture from ST25 rice – Vietnam’s world-renowned variety – to recreate the rustic aroma of rice fields. It features fresh rice, frankincense, and bamboo leaves at the top, lotus and primrose in the heart, and a grounding base of vetiver, cedarwood, and patchouli.

Quốc Cường explained that tincture is a traditional extraction method in which natural ingredients such as herbs, spices, or seeds are soaked in alcohol for 1–6 months to capture their natural, long-lasting scent.

These tinctures not only create authentic, familiar aromas but also “breathe life” into each product, transforming perfumes into carriers of cultural stories and regional heritage.

By sourcing natural ingredients harvested and produced in Vietnam, the team ensures that their perfumes are eco-friendly, safe for consumers, and culturally meaningful. They are designed as refined gifts, allowing visitors to take home a piece of Vietnam’s nature, culture, and people – a unique addition to the souvenir market.

Looking ahead, the team plans to expand their product line and export their perfumes to global markets, bringing Vietnam’s cultural heritage to the world through distinctive scents.

Dr. Võ Thanh Hằng (Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology) commented:
“The team’s development direction is both appropriate and unique. They not only focus on fragrance itself but also embed cultural values within, which is exactly what makes their products stand out. If promoted well and targeted at the right customer segment, this project could generate high economic value and sustainable growth.”