With spring on its way (we’re already in countdown mode), now is a good time as any to present our selection of the best green fragrances.
What exactly does “green” mean in perfumery? It often evokes the freshness of nature, being outdoors and surrounded by the smells of leaves, branches and flowers. But there’s more to it than that.
It’s a huge genre and variations of it can be found across all the main fragrance families (floral, amber, woody, fresh).
It runs the gamut from the intensely green (for example, galbanum, the gum resin from the evergreen shrub) to those with nuances (for example, citrus notes of neroli, bergamot, lime, and petitgrain) and a spicy spin (for example, mint).

Unsurprisingly, many floral notes can have green aspects. Geranium, rose, jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, and lavender are just a few examples here. Ditto fruity notes such as green apple, cassis, blackcurrant, and fig leaves.
For something we equate with nature, there’s, of course, often a fair amount of synthetic tinkering going on in laboratories to achieve that verdant effect.
Where known, the name of the perfumer is included in brackets after the name of the fragrance.
Our Shortlist For Best Green Fragrances
Chanel No 19 EDP (Henri Robert)
Launched in 1970 and created by Chanel No 5 creator Ernest Beaux’s successor, Chanel No 19 refers to the birth date of Coco Chanel, who was born on August 19, 1883.
It was also the last Chanel fragrance to be created while the grande dame was still alive (she died in 1971). Historical significance aside, we love this classic for its unusual floral-woody-green character.
It begins with citrus-fresh notes of bergamot and neroli.
But they are secondary to the large dose of galbanum, which gives this scent its outstanding bitter green profile.
Iris pallida softens the initial impact with powderiness, while notes of ylang-ylang, lily-of-the-valley and rose bring floral intensity to the mix.
The woody base notes of oakmoss and vetiver keep it resolutely sharp.
More than 50 years after its initial launch, this EDP remains a complex and compelling beauty. It’s probably the least crowd-pleasing Chanel fragrance.
Sisley Eau de Campagne EDT (Jean-Claude Ellena)
This fragrance is significant for the following reasons:
*It was one of the first creations of the great Jean-Claude Ellena, who went on to become the in-house perfumer of Hermès.
*It was the debut fragrance from the French beauty brand founded by Jean-François Laporte (after leaving Sisley, he founded the pioneering niche brand L’Artisan Parfumeur).
* And it’s an absolute green classic.
So what does this 1976 release smell like? It commences in breezy style with citrus notes (bergamot, lemon) mixed with the aromatic herbaceousness of basil and bitterness of galbanum.
Tomato leaf, with all its vegetal, acidic greenery, is what makes this scent so memorable. It’s supported by the floralcy of geranium, jasmine and lily-of-the-valley notes.
Featuring an oakmoss accord, patchouli, vetiver and musk, the drydown is in classic woody chypre territory and concludes this expression of French living with effortless elegance.
Creed Green Irish Tweed (Pierre Bourdon)
Okay, so let’s get the controversy out of the way first. Legendary perfumer Pierre Bourdon is now being recognized as the true creator of this 1985 release and not Olivier Creed.
With the trio of top notes of lemon, Indian verbena, and peppermint, this fragrance makes an immediate and distinctive impression. It’s bracingly fresh, crisp, and clean.
The heart of the fragrance belongs to an airy violet leaf note. It builds on the fresh, green vibe of the opening.
The base has a slight creamy focus, courtesy of the sandalwood note, and the Florentine iris adds an element of powderiness. And what about the “ambergris” that’s commonly listed in Creeds? Well, that’s more than likely the musky synthetic Ambroxan at work.
Green Irish Tweed is one of the Paris-based niche brand’s big sellers and it’s easy to understand why. If signature scents are your thing, this one is for you.
Bvlgari Eau Parfumée Au Thé Vert (Jean-Claude Ellena)
The Italian luxury jewellery brand made a fine debut, in 1992, with this celebration of Japanese green tea.
It starts out with fresh citrus notes of bergamot, lemon and mandarin orange. They mingle with the spices and herbs of cardamom, nutmeg and clary sage to help create a green tea accord that’s aromatic and uplifting.
Hints of florals – jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, Bulgarian rose – add to the refreshing vibe.
This is a softie, so “beast moders”, please move on. Anyone else will appreciate the artistry of this trend-setter that paved the way for other scents such as Elizabeth Arden Green Tea EDT and Kilian Bamboo Harmony EDP.
Tommy Hilfiger Tommy EDT (Alberto Morillas & Annie Buzantian)
Tommy Hilfiger Tommy Girl EDT (Calice Becker)
We’re having a bit of a 90s moment with these debut fragrances from the American fashion brand. Both green in different ways, created by top perfumers and sure to put prep in your step.
Released in 1995, Tommy EDT is a fresh and spicy take, with distinctive notes of mint, citrus and lavender. Notes of Granny Smith apple and cranberry add fruity touches.
His sister followed in 1996 and is not as obviously green at first. A citrus burst of mandarin orange and lemon is given a green spin with notes of blackcurrant, mint and jasmine. With lotsa florals, in particular apple tree blossom and honeysuckle, it’s as pretty can be.
Diptyque Philosykos EDT (Olivia Giacobetti)
For good reason, this 1996 release from the Paris-based niche brand is considered one of the best fig fragrances. That should come as no surprise, as its creator, Olivia Giacobetti, also produced the first fig fragrance in perfumery, Premier Figuier, for L'Artisan Parfumeur in 1994.
Philosykos showcases the entire fig tree and begins with the fresh, slightly bitter leaves, green nuances at the fore. The fruit is honeyed, almost coconut-ish.
The rest of the tree comes through in a most skilful use of woody notes that maintains the illusion of walking through an orchard of fig trees.
This superb scent is also available as an EDP.
Comme Des Garçons Amazingreen EDP (Jean-Christophe Hérault)
The Japanese designer brand can always be relied upon to do something different. And that’s exactly what this 2012 release does to perfection.
Yes, there’s vibrant greenery from notes of palm tree leaves, green pepper and ivy leaves.
And there’s also the fresh spiciness of coriander and powderiness of orris.
They’re all given mineral smokiness with notes of flint, gunpowder and smoke, with earthiness from vetiver.
It’s green, for sure, in such a clever way that mixes naturals with synthetics.
Comme des Garçons Play Green EDT (2012) is also worth checking out.
Orto Parisi Viride Parfum (Alessandro Gualieri)
Green juice? Green fragrance? Yip.
Viride is one of the launch fragrances from the Amsterdam-based niche brand Orto Parisi (along with the equally good Bergamask, Boccanera, Brutus and Stercus).
Perfumer-founder Alessandro Gualtieri wants his creations to have a bit of mystery, so doesn’t list any notes for this 2014 release.
That doesn’t stop us from picking up a hefty helping of the strong herbal aromatics of artemisia in the opening. Its bitterness is lightened with lavender.
There’s a lot of woody-spicy-muskiness after that (patchouli meets Ambroxan?) in this parfum with a twist.
It’s potent stuff, so apply with caution.
Carven Vétiver EDT
Launched in 1957, Carven Vétiver EDT is one of the classics of the genre and is not to be confused with this 2014 edition, which is a standout in its own right.
It makes its mark right from the start with a lively green freshness, courtesy of grapefruit, bergamot and lemon notes. The unusual lemongrass and lavender notes amplify the clean effect.
Led by vetiver, together with notes of cedarwood and sandalwood, the base is wonderfully woody.
While you’re exploring Carven fragrances, make sure to look out for the fantastic freshie Carven L’Eau Intense EDT (2016).
Cacharel Anaïs Anaïs L’Original EDT (Roger Pellegrino, Robert Gonnon, Paul Leger & Raymond Chaillan)
A generational favourite, this 1978 classic was also the debut fragrance from the French fashion brand. Those of us of a certain vintage will remember the romantic advertising that accompanied its release.
It was re-launched in 2014 as Cacharel Anaïs Anaïs L’Original and while not as complex as the illustrious original, it still retains enough of its floral beauty to warrant your attention.
The fresh greenery of hyacinth and honeysuckle beckons in the opening.
The fresh spiciness of lily meets the soapiness of lily-of-the-valley, with a dewy rose in support.
With earthy base notes of oakmoss and vetiver, in tandem with musk, it never tips into sweetness and delivers wafts of French elegance.
Acqua Di Parma Colonia Club Eau de Cologne
Acqua di Parma Colonia is one of the best sophisticated fragrances on the market. A lot of that has to do with the way this cologne conjures up all sorts of images of the good life, Italian style.
Launched in 2015 (almost a century after the original’s release in 1916), Acqua di Parma Colonia Club is the most barbershop-ish of all the Colonia flankers so far.
There's plenty of sunny citrus in the opening, including bergamot, neroli and Sicilian lemon notes. But what really stands out is the mint. Cool and fresh, it gives this scent a green profile.
A note of galbanum brings pleasing sharpness to the mix, while lavender and vetiver keep it green and clean.
Berdoues Selva Do Brazil EDP (Jennifer Riley)
The fourth-generation Grasse-based brand Berdoues celebrated its centenary in 2022. That’s quite an achievement and an indication they must be doing something right.
We’ve enjoyed all the releases we’ve tried so far from the Collection Grands Crus for their straightforward but evocative travel-inspired vibe.
Taking its cue from the Amazon rainforest, Berdoues Selva do Brazil (2015) opens with a super-fresh note of petitgrain from Paraguay. It’s invigorating and lushly green in character.
Notes of tonka bean from Brazil and guaiac wood from Argentina add to the forest-y ambience.
A simple composition, yes, but it never fails to give us a refreshing lift.
Nishane Ambra Calabria Extrait de Parfum (Jorge Lee)
While the Turkish niche brand is known more for their heavier fragrances, they also excel at quality freshies with a difference, such as this 2015 release from the Miniature Art Collection.
The opening is crisply green with notes of green leaves, galbanum and the softly spicy tones of Calabrian bergamot, in particular, in play. It’s fresh without being overly sharp and bitter.
Coriander and jasmine add an element of subtle sweetness to the mix.
The drydown takes it in an unexpected direction with an elegantly sweet vanilla-dominant amber accord. Clean powdery musk gives it extra(it) oomph.
Beautifully refreshing from start to finish.
Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Pure EDP
The Italian fashion brand launched their more upmarket Velvet Collection in 2011 (the beautiful packaging is part of the pricier deal). This 2016 addition to the range gets our vote for its luxe take on the theme.
An olfactory recreation of the reseda flower (also known as mignonette), it opens with a large dose of galbanum. Its bitterness is balanced with notes of jasmine and fig leaf to create a honeyed floral-green effect.
Floral notes of narcissus, neroli and geranium add to the fresh and sunny ambience.
Although the vetiver and orris drydown is somewhat muted, its earthiness concludes the scent with finesse.
It seems to have been discontinued but is well worth looking out for.
Penhaligon’s the Revenge of Lady Blanche EDP (Daphné Bugey)
We’re feeling ever so posh. And that’s because we’ve been wearing this 2016 release from the British heritage brand.
It’s part of their Portraits Collection, an irreverent take on the idea of the fragrance family. Jolly good, we say. Apologies, we’re channelling again…
It starts out with a note of daffodil (also known as narcissus) – richly green and somewhat spicy.
Hyacinth isn’t listed as an official note, but we get wafts of that too. We digress… What can we say, the name of this perfume sounds sinister but the scent itself is delightfully distracting.
The earthy powderiness of orris leads to the creamy sandalwood drydown.
If you’re wondering why it’s more expensive than most of the company’s fragrances, that’s because the packaging, including the leopard-head top, is fabulously fancy too.
Memo Eau de Memo EDP (Alienor Massenet)
Created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Paris-based niche brand, the 2017 release Memo Eau de Memo is gorgeous stuff from the get-go.
That’s mostly due to the generous green tea accord. Its herbal greenery is beautifully blended with fresh citrus notes of bergamot, lemon and orange.
Jasmine absolute, fruity and fresh, boosts the uplifting ambience, while iris concrete adds a touch of powdery earthiness.
The leather accord has all the sophistication we’ve come to expect from the brand. Its clean elegance is partnered with white musk and the woody earthiness of moss.
Simone Andreoli Malibu Party in the Bay EDP Intense (Simone Andreoli)
This 2018 release is the first fragrance we’ve tried from the Italian niche brand and we’re impressed by how its travel inspiration is translated to produce the olfactory equivalent of a daiquiri.
The multi-facedness of lime is revealed in the opening in exemplary style: fresh, bright, invigorating, juicy, green, sweet and sour.
The tropical tones of coconut nectar and sugar are added to the blend for just the right amount of dusk-to-dawn sunny sweetness.
The rum, warm and fruity, comes through in the drydown, with creamy support from sandalwood.
What a deliciously uplifting cocktail from start to finish. Fantastically festive stuff!
Ex Nihilo Viper Green EDP (Nadège Le Garlantezec)
This 2018 release from the Paris-based niche brand’s Les Interdites Collection might not be as venomous as its name suggests, but there’s still plenty to seduce the senses in the style the company does so well.
It opens with a fresh citrus burst of green mandarin. The slight bitterness is amplified by a big dose of galbanum.
Iris is one of the listed floral notes, but we can’t detect it among all the hyper greenness.
Angelica root adds to the effect, while dashes of patchouli and vetiver bring an earthy and woody dimension to the drydown.
Maison Crivelli Fleur Diamantine EDP (Bertrand Duchaufour)
In the five years since its emergence in 2018, the Paris-based niche brand has made a big impact with fragrances inspired by founder Thibaud Crivelli’s experiences.
Part of the launch collection, this EDP takes its cue from “walking through an idyllic white garden with jasmine and orange trees, while eating saffron ice cream”.
We get that feel right from the start with the crisply green treatment of neroli essential oil and jasmine absolute. Mint essential oil adds spicy freshness.
The combo of saffron and bitter almond is surprisingly creamy.
Settling with clean white musks and earthy oakmoss, it’s one we keep coming back to when the heat gets to us.
Christèle Jacquemin Impermanence EDP (Christèle Jacquemin)
Inspired by photographs (the starting point of her creative process) she took in Jin Ze, a village in the suburbs of Shanghai, this 2019 release (nominated in The Art and Olfaction Awards 2020 in the Artisan category) from French perfumer Christèle Jacquemin is deeply evocative stuff.
It opens with the powerful citrus-greenery of hinoki (the Japanese cypress), accentuated by the fresh spiciness of blue ginger and bergamot.
The freshness keeps on coming with floral accents of palmarosa and rose, while rosemary brings an aromatic aspect.
Ending with the slightly bitter grassiness of yerba mate (the herbal tea) and the woodiness of vetiver in support, the perfumer succeeds admirably in capturing the feelings of harmony and tranquillity she experienced during her visit to China.
Parfums de Marly Greenley EDP
No prizes for guessing the vibe of this 2020 release from the French niche house.
The opening notes – green apple, Sicilian bergamot, mandarin – set the crisp tone. The synthetic Cashmeran (also known as cashmere wood), accentuates the effect with its musky spiciness.
Petitgrain brings an element of citrus greenery, with more woodiness from cedar. There’s a dash of powderiness, courtesy of violet, while the synthetic Pomarose contributes to the generally fruity ambience.
Musk and oakmoss are prominent in the drydown.
Although not quite the “walk into the woods” the brand claims it to be, it’s still invigoratingly escapist.
Mercedes-Benz Man Bright EDP (Olivier Cresp)
The more fragrances we try from the German luxury automotive brand, the more we approve.
That could also have something to do with the fact that master perfumer Olivier Cresp (creator of Mugler Angel EDP, Gentleman Givenchy EDP and Tom Ford Noir de Noir EDP, among others) has produced most of their releases, including this 2021 addition to the Mercedes-Benz Man range.
It announces itself in fresh style with notes of bergamot and pink pepper. The spicy greenery of the mint is subtle, as are the smokiness of the incense and aromatics of the lavender notes.
The drydown is warmer in style, with spicy vanilla-ish tonka beans given woody support by notes of cedar and patchouli.
It’s ideal everyday stuff.
Frédéric Malle Synthetic Jungle EDP (Anne Flipo)
Frédéric Malle has tended to work with the same perfumers over the years (for example, Jean-Claude Ellena, Dominique Ropion and Carlos Benaïm).
So good to see Anne Flipo – the master perfumer behind creations such as Coach for Men EDT, L’Artisan Parfumeur La Chasse aux Papillons EDT and Yves Saint Laurent L’Homme EDT – making her debut for the Paris-based niche house with this 2021 release.
Inspired by the classics of the 1970s, the opening is full-on green (almost galbanum-ish, although not officially listed) with notes of basil and synthetic blackcurrant.
There’s lots more greenery from floral notes of lily-of-the-valley, hyacinth and jasmine, emphasised by the synthetic styrallyl acetate, with earthy depth from patchouli in the drydown.
Bravo to the brand for not going the easy route with this one.
The 2007 Pierre Bourdon creation Frédéric Malle French Lover EDP is another standout green fragrance from company.
Hermès Eau de Basilic Pourpre EDC (Christine Nagel)
We started wearing this 2022 addition to the French brand’s top-notch Colognes Collection because we’re not particularly seasonal when it comes to fragrances, but must admit it pops in all sorts of wonderful ways in the heat.
Opening with the sparkling citric freshness of Calabrian bergamot, it doesn’t take long for the star of the show, green basil, to make its entrance (FYI: the name of the scent references purple basil, the original inspiration for the perfumer, but that variety can’t be distilled).
Yes, it’s fresh and herbal, but Nagel shows its aromatic and subtly spicy facets too, supported by the greenery of geranium. Light touches of patchouli and spice conclude this beauty with musky warmth.
For an EDC, this one has better staying power than most.
If you tell us we smell like a Mediterranean salad, we’ll take that as a compliment, thank you.
Marc-Antoine Barrois Encelade EDP (Quentin Bisch)
We’ve become big, big fans of the brand founded by Parisian couturier Marc-Antoine Barrois. His collaborations with perfumer Quentin Bisch always result in something unique. For example, this 2022 release.
On paper the listed notes – rhubarb, cedar, vetiver, leather, sandalwood and tonka bean – seem ordinary enough. But in the hands of Quentin Bisch, they’re pushed in dazzlingly different directions.
So you’ll get densely aromatic and earthy greenery contrasted with animalic smokiness and creamy woodiness.
As with the house’s previous releases, Marc-Antoine Barrois B683 (2016) and Marc-Antoine Barrois Ganymede (2019), it’s idiosyncratic, love-it-or-hate-it stuff.
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Richard Goller is a fragrance and grooming blogger. His blog is called Fragroom. A senior editor with 20 years' experience, his blog allows him to combine two of his passions: engaging content and the always-intriguing world of fragrances. When he isn't blogging, you'll find Richard indulging in his newly found passion for balcony gardening.