metanoia natural perfume

MATCA is an Atelier de Parfumerie based in Sibiu, Romania, with a mission to create bold and clean-label essences made only with ingredients derived from nature. Their fragrances are the modern expression of an ancient craft. In their studio, MATCA bring together precious oils, resins, extracts, absolutes coming from far and mysterious places, and they let themselves be transported and inspired by these elements to create daring, unisex scents that blend so uniquely with the chemistry of your skin. At the core of their work stand unfaltering their love for the living plants, respect for environment, and the wellbeing of their customers. Their products are cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, with no added synthetic preservatives or denatured alcohol.

When I visited MATCA in July, 2025, Georgiana showed me this perfume as we were talking about my passion for oud. It stole my heart. Metanoia, with its enigmatic heart of osmanthus, embodies transformation. This perfume acts like an amulet, ideal for those who seek to transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. 

Osmanthus, the revelation of this creation, is like a sought and recently found treasure. All notes dance around it, enriching its unique floral-fruity aroma, which combines notes of apricot, leather, and subtle tea-like nuances. It is a scent that leaves a strong impression, a hard-to-forget one. The heart of Osmanthus intertwines with equally precious ingredients: Oud – with its rich history and unparalleled aroma, making it one of the most treasured materials in perfumery. It is often referred to as "liquid gold" due to its rarity and value. Bushman Candle is an unusual ingredient in perfumery, but used for thousands of years by tribes in Namibia. The harvesting is done in the wild, almost exclusively by women from the Himba tribe. The resin emits a special, sweet, and balanced fragrance, with notes of vanilla and benzoin. This resonated so hard with me.

Osmanthus, Oud, and Bushman Candle – three ingredients that, when united, create an irresistible alchemy. A rich fragrance that envelops and captivates you, with an unmistakable presence. Each note plays subtly with the senses, leaving behind a deep imprint that obsessively lingers in the most fascinating way. A scent that beckons you to experience it again and again, until it becomes part of you.

top notes:  bergamot + davana
heart notes: cypress + patchouli + cedarwood + hinoki
base notes: osmanthus + leather + yerba mate + treemoss + opoponax + fir balsam + oud + bushman candle + cistus