Makoto Arii of Diffar
In conversation with Makoto Arii, Founder & Director of Diffar, a sophisticated line of Japanese natural perfume oils for the hair and body.
Diffar was born at the foot of Mt. Fuji, launched in Japan, and has since expanded internationally. How does creating the brand in this unique environment influence the fragrance and the overall sensory experience of the product?
The foot of Mount Fuji is a place blessed with some of Japan's clearest air and a profound, crisp silence. For us, creating our products here is more than just a choice of manufacturing location; it is central to our identity. Crafting and blending our fragrances in this serene environment allows us to meticulously control the subtle nuances of scent that might be lost in the hustle and bustle of a city. The unique, dignified atmosphere of this region—looking up at the peaks of Fuji—is imbued in every Diffar product, resulting in a pure, transparent fragrance and a clean, effortless feel.
Diffar’s fragrances are described as six complex and refined scents, created by blending natural ingredients from around the world through a distinctly Japanese sensibility. Compared to conventional fragrances, what differences do you hope people will notice when experiencing Diffar?
While conventional fragrances often assert themselves and dominate a space, Diffar’s scents are designed to blend into one’s presence and color the "empty space" around them. We select the finest natural ingredients from around the world and re-imagine them through the lens of traditional Japanese aesthetics, focusing on concepts like 和Wa (harmony) and the beauty of transience. Our six fragrances are never one-dimensional; they evolve in complex ways as they meld with the warmth of the skin and hair over time. Rather than masking the individual, our "fragrance layering" is sophisticated and understated, designed to enhance the wearer's inherent charm.
All components, including the fragrances, are made with 100% natural, plant-based ingredients. What led you to this decision, and were there any defining moments during development? How does this choice affect the texture of the oil and the longevity of the scent?
Choosing "100% natural and botanical ingredients" was the most challenging path we could have taken. The cost of natural aromatics varies wildly—from a few dozen dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram. At Diffar, we use rare and precious ingredients like Agarwood (Oud) luxuriously. While synthetic fragrances offer a cheap and easy way to maintain a strong scent, we sought the authentic comfort that makes one want to breathe in deeply.
While conventional fragrances often assert themselves and dominate a space, Diffar’s scents are designed to blend into one’s presence and color the "empty space" around them. We select the finest natural ingredients from around the world and re-imagine them through the lens of traditional Japanese aesthetics, focusing on concepts like 和Wa (harmony) and the beauty of transience. Our six fragrances are never one-dimensional; they evolve in complex ways as they meld with the warmth of the skin and hair over time. Rather than masking the individual, our "fragrance layering" is sophisticated and understated, designed to enhance the wearer's inherent charm.
All components, including the fragrances, are made with 100% natural, plant-based ingredients. What led you to this decision, and were there any defining moments during development? How does this choice affect the texture of the oil and the longevity of the scent?
Choosing "100% natural and botanical ingredients" was the most challenging path we could have taken. The cost of natural aromatics varies wildly—from a few dozen dollars to tens of thousands of dollars per kilogram. At Diffar, we use rare and precious ingredients like Agarwood (Oud) luxuriously. While synthetic fragrances offer a cheap and easy way to maintain a strong scent, we sought the authentic comfort that makes one want to breathe in deeply.
Development Episode: The process of capturing the delicate nature of natural aromatics in a final product was an exercise in extreme patience. We conducted hundreds of trials for each product. For example, our "Spicy Wood" carries the number 51823. The last three digits represent the specific trial that became the final product—meaning it took 823 iterations to perfect this single scent. This obsessive level of ingredient selection and blending ensures a luxurious, multi-layered fragrance that lingers gently without the oxidation odors common in lesser oils.
In a market filled with fragrance-focused products, what do you consider to be Diffar’s most unique and defining characteristic?
Diffar’s greatest uniqueness lies in the high-level fusion of professional-grade hair care and sophisticated fragrance. We define this category as "Fragrance Hair Oil." It is not just a scent, nor just a treatment. It achieves salon-quality hair restoration while providing a sensory experience that feels like "tuning" one’s mind. The brand’s ability to balance high-performance functionality with deep emotional value is what sets us apart from anything else on the market.
Diffar is often praised for its light, smooth texture. Which hair types or concerns do you believe this product is especially well suited for?
It is also ideal for those struggling with dryness, frizz, or hair that has begun to lose its luster with age. The oil absorbs quickly into the hair shaft while enveloping the exterior in a weightless veil, making it perfect for anyone seeking a "natural, hydrated glow that looks like it comes from within."
Diffar is often praised for its light, smooth texture. Which hair types or concerns do you believe this product is especially well suited for?
Diffar was co-developed with professional hair stylists to address the real-world concerns of modern individuals. Specifically, those who dislike the typical heaviness or stickiness of hair oils, or those with fine or thin hair who do not want to sacrifice volume, will be surprised by our remarkably lightweight texture.
It is also ideal for those struggling with dryness, frizz, or hair that has begun to lose its luster with age. The oil absorbs quickly into the hair shaft while enveloping the exterior in a weightless veil, making it perfect for anyone seeking a "natural, hydrated glow that looks like it comes from within."
Although Diffar is a hair oil, it is also designed to be gentle on the skin and enjoyed as a fragrance. What are some of your favorite ways to incorporate it into everyday life?
The beauty of Diffar is its versatility, allowing it to transcend the role of a mere hair oil and seamlessly integrate into your lifestyle.
Morning Ritual: Use it as the final touch for your morning styling. After applying it to your hair, rub any remaining oil into your wrists or neck. The scent, warmed by your body heat, creates a calm and graceful start to the day.
Working Scene: When you need a moment to refresh during work. The natural aroma that rises as you run your fingers through your hair acts as a form of self-care, helping to sharpen focus or soothe the mind.
Night Relax: Apply as an out-bath treatment before bed. The gentle, natural scent on your pillow invites you into a state of deep relaxation for a high-quality night's sleep.
Find Diffar at Covet + Lou.
