Eugene Roussel started his Perfumery business in Philadelphia around 1838. Like the business of Jules Hauel, Roussel initially sold imported perfumery, and later he manufactured his own. Roussel imported or was an Agent for most of the popular preparations of the day including Guerlain's Eau Lustral Hair Restorative, Rowland's Macassar Oil, Bears Oil, and a Tricopherous. When Roussel first started out in business, he claimed in advertisements to have previously been the Director of the Laboratory of Laugier, Pere, & Fils: Perfumers of Paris.
Roussel's primary business location was at 114 Chestnut, and he was in business there at least as early as 1845. In 1845, he also had a shop at 44 Prune Street. Xavier Bazin was his lab director for several years, and took over the business in 1840.