About Rotting Turtle

We make indie perfume that shouldn’t work… but somehow does. Small batches. Big opinions. Surprisingly wearable.

"Much like you’d never be able to sell a perfume called Rotting Turtle"

These were the words written in a script in 2021 on the Business Blaze Youtube channel from Simon Whistler.
Seeing that as a challenge, Simon reached out to Dr. Will, who he was already doing his range of beard oils with (BeardBlaze.com), and asked if Will had any experience with perfumes.
He did. But he could only make them smell amazing.
And that’s how the first fragrance, Rotting Turtle was born, and how it came to smell amazing. Then came more absurdly named scents. And suddenly a joke had become a range of perfumes, including other names like "Rotten Badger" and "Corpse Flower".
Please enjoy our novelty-named, but super-smelling scents, because apparently you can sell a perfume called Rotting Turtle.

Our Not-So-Serious Origin Story

Rotting Turtle started as a dare: could we build a perfume house that’s fun, fearless, and still smells incredible in real life? We said yes (too quickly), mixed until 3 a.m., and learned that playful ideas and serious materials are not enemies.

The result is a collection of indie niche fragrances with bold openings, addictive drydowns, and names that spark conversations. Art that fits your calendar, not just a gallery.

How We Build a Rotting Turtle

  • ✅Concept → Skin: We design for the drydown you’ll live in, not just the first five minutes.
  • ✅Materials Matter: We pair modern aroma molecules with naturals for clarity, lift, and longevity.
  • ✅Small Batches: Tight, repeatable production with time to rest—because maceration isn’t a myth.
  • ✅Wearable Weird: Edgy ideas, balanced so you can actually wear them to work, dates, or court (long story).

What We Stand For

  • Independence: No boardroom sign-off. If it makes us grin, we ship it.
  • Honest Copy: Real note pyramids and plain-English descriptions.
  • Thoughtful Sizing: Samples and travel sizes so you can test on your skin chemistry.
  • Quality First: If it isn’t ready, it doesn’t launch. Chaos is for the names, not the QC.

A Short Timeline

2021: Experiments, broken pipettes, and a growing list called “don’t blend those again.”
2021 - 2022: First public micro-batches sell out (to our shock, and our moms’ confusion).
2023 - Now: New releases, better processes, same unhinged naming committee.

Materials, Safety & Care

Our perfumes are alcohol-based and designed for pulse-point application. We formulate with care and follow current safety guidance. If you’re new here: start with a Discovery Set, patch-test on a small area, and see how your skin chemistry plays.

  • • Store upright, away from heat and direct light.
  • • Expect natural variances across batches—beauty of small-batch work.
  • • Avoid spraying near eyes or open flames (obviously).

People Are Talking (Against Their Will)

  • “Somehow both weird and sexy. 10/10 would confuse coworkers again.”
  • “Opens like a dare, dries down like a hug.”
  • “I bought it for the name. I kept it for the compliments.”

Read more reviews

FAQ

Are you an indie or designer brand?
Indie, through and through. Small team, independent ownership, questionable jokes.
Do you offer samples?
Yes—build a Discovery Set and test several on skin before you commit.
How strong are the perfumes?
Expect confident projection up front and a balanced drydown. Longevity varies by skin, climate, and how generously you spray.
Shipping & returns?
We ship fast and pack carefully. Unopened full bottles are typically returnable within the stated window; samples and opened bottles are final sale. See Returns for specifics.

Want early access to limited drops?

Join the list for chaotic naming polls, behind-the-scenes, and occasional discounts.

Browse the Collection