A fragrance company and a dermocosmetics laboratory have joined forces to tackle one of the most socially isolating metabolic conditions known as trimethylaminuria, or “fish odor syndrome".
This, with a new cosmetics range designed to neutralize the characteristic smell and restore confidence to patients.
Eurofragance and MartiDerm have launched a joint initiative that blends perfumery science with dermatological formulation to support people affected by the incurable disorder, which prevents the body from properly processing certain nitrogen-containing compounds, leading to a persistent fish-like odor.
The condition can also appear in patients receiving high doses of carnitine, including those with carnitine transporter deficiency, further expanding the population affected by the symptom burden.
At the center of the project is a new cosmetics line developed through collaboration between industry and medicine: three products—a cologne, a lotion and a body oil—offered in citrus and green tea variants. The products are designed to be used individually or together, with combined use showing the strongest effect in neutralizing odor.
A dedicated website titled “Cosmetics and Fragrances That Change Lives” now allows individuals to request the products free of charge, paying only shipping costs. Distribution is currently limited to Spain.
The project traces its origins to 2021, when clinicians at Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona identified several pediatric cases of the condition. Pediatrician Beatriz Mínguez initiated contact with Eurofragance to explore a joint solution, launching a multi-year research effort focused on improving quality of life for affected children and adults.
Magdalena Rey, Technical Perfumer at Eurofragance and project lead, said: "Perfumery has a transformative power that goes beyond evoking emotions. This project clearly demonstrates that a fragrance can be much more than a scent: it can provide relief, confidence and well-being.
"Our goal has always been to find a solution that improves the quality of life of people living with this condition. It has been highly rewarding to be part of this collaboration and to achieve such a positive social impact."
Clinical testing involving 20 volunteers reported strong outcomes, with 80% experiencing near-complete odor neutralization when using all three products together. Overall satisfaction exceeded 80% during warmer months, and nearly half of participants reported high satisfaction.
While the full regimen delivers the strongest results, researchers note that each product also provides noticeable improvement when used independently.
MartiDerm joined the initiative after the study phase to help scale production and distribution.
"At MartiDerm, we understand cosmetics as a tool for health and well-being. By joining this project, we can further our social commitment by providing tangible solutions to individuals facing challenging situations due to less common conditions.
"Our purpose is clear: to improve people’s quality of life through science and innovation,” states Montserrat Marimón, Chief Sustainability & Operations Officer at MartiDerm.
Beyond the clinical results, the initiative highlights the social impact of the condition itself, which can lead to stigma, isolation, and psychological distress. By targeting odor reduction, the companies aim to ease not only a physical symptom but also a significant emotional burden.
Positioned as a corporate social responsibility effort by both firms, the project underscores a broader push to merge science, design, and healthcare innovation in service of patient well-being.
