Scent of Controversy: TikTok's "Inexcusable Evil" Challenges Perceptions of Perfume

As social media platforms continue to shape our perceptions and preferences, TikTok has birthed a niche phenomenon known as "scenttok," where influencers delve into the world of fragrances, sharing their personal favorites and sometimes bizarre concoctions with eager audiences. While many perfumes aim to evoke feelings of allure and sophistication, one particular fragrance has emerged as an unsettling outlier, aptly named "Inexcusable Evil." This perfume is making waves not for its ability to charm but for its audaciously grotesque scent profile that, by all accounts, is designed to provoke discomfort and contemplation. The brainchild of indie perfumer Toskovat, "Inexcusable Evil" defies traditional olfactory norms. Forget the typical floral or fruity notes that flood the market; Toskovat's creation is an exploration of darker themes, a conscious choice to reflect the often grim reality of human existence. The perfume is steeped in an unsettling combination of scents that include blood, gunpowder, and fallen concrete, evoking imagery of war zones and the aftermath of destruction. TikTok user @notJeanGrey described the experience of smelling it as akin to being enveloped in an atmosphere of violence, remarking, “It smells like the air around me is bloody.” The fragrance does not shy away from its controversial essence. Toskovat’s website boldly outlines its composition: top notes of ozone and gunpowder, heart notes of blood, bandages, and iodine, and base notes that include fallen concrete and rain. This is not your typical evening wear scent; instead, it offers an olfactory exploration of trauma and loss, encapsulating visceral memories that many would rather forget. The perfumer has taken a daring approach, claiming that the fragrance embodies the grim realities depicted in news reports of conflict—“fallen buildings on the news, crying babies, burnt flowers”—turning an everyday item into a commentary on societal issues. Perfume as an art form has long been a means of self-expression, but Toskovat's work pushes boundaries that few have dared to tread. By tapping into the intimate nature of smell—a sense that has the remarkable ability to provoke memories and emotions—this fragrance challenges societal norms and invites wearers to confront uncomfortable truths. While some may recoil in horror at the thought of donning a scent that evokes the essence of war, others may find solace in its raw honesty, viewing it as a necessary reflection on the darker aspects of humanity. In many ways, "Inexcusable Evil" serves as a mirror, forcing us to confront the world's complexities through an unconventional lens. Whether the intention is to raise awareness or simply to provoke thought, Toskovat's creation stands as a testament to the power of scent as a storytelling medium. While it may not be suitable for a night out, it certainly opens up a dialogue about the narratives we choose to embrace—or avoid—in our everyday lives. As conversations around mental health, trauma, and societal issues continue to evolve, this perfume might just be the catalyst we didn't know we needed, prompting us to reflect on the human cost behind the headlines.