Spice Rack: Gingerly Suggesting Ginger Perfumes

When we think of spices in perfumes, we often think of the warm and intense fragrance profiles fit for colder months. Cinnamon, clove, saffron, and the like. Spices aren’t always warm and alluring. Some are bright and invigorating. Ginger functions as a fresh opener to many perfumes without us ever realizing. 

It can be found along the top notes, complementing citruses with a fizz. It can be found alongside warmer spices, bringing a welcome contrast. When added to a sweet gourmand, it automatically makes the fragrance more interesting and prevents it from getting too cloying. In floral fragrances like Givenchy L’Interdit Narcisse Blanc, it adds a cool luminosity. One of the more underrated spices, it’s time we highlighted all the ways ginger makes a fragrance wonderful:

Bvlgari Tygar 

Masculine 

Key notes: Grapefruit, Ginger, Ambrette, Ambroxan 

I’m putting my favorite ginger fragrance at the top and while it’s labeled masculine, I think it’s unisex. It’s such a simple composition and is a linear scent, but it’s just right. No frills attached– an aromatic citrus, the zingy, fizzy ginger and a sweet, unconventional floral musk, all on a dry ambroxan base. When they say less is more, this is what they mean. There’s a lot of complaints about longevity, but this fragrance somehow performs well on my dry skin. 

Twilly d’Hermès Eau Ginger

Feminine

Key notes: Peony, Ginger, Candied Ginger, Cedar

Light and airy peony makes the moment right for the fresh ginger of Twilly d’Hermès Eau Ginger. It’s a well rounded ginger with something cold about it. The candied ginger note brings a gentle sweetness, definitely nothing too sugary or cloying. It’s like burying your face in clean, fresh laundry. Refreshing and invigorating with a hint of comfort. 

Serge Lutens Five O’Clock Au Gingembre

Unisex 

Key notes: Tea, Bergamot, Woody Notes, Cinnamon, Candied Ginger, Pepper

With cinnamon and an ambery base, this Lutens perfume takes a warm direction with spice while not letting go of freshness. Like having tea with cinnamon-ginger biscuits. The woody ambery base with a touch of cacao and patchouli is reminiscent of the holiday season with its spiced baked goods.

Escentric Molecules Molecule 01 + Ginger 

Unisex 

Key notes: Iso E Super, Ginger 

Can’t get simpler than this. Iso E Super is a synthetic woody molecule that they say has pheromonic effects, but in reality just adds a really pleasant smell. It’s warm and comforting with similarities to cedarwood. A neutral woody profile, dry with hints of ambergris, vetiver, and patchouli. A very interesting note that most people find agreeable. 

Place together with ginger, it’s vibrant and fizzy. It’ll keep you bright and ready for the day. It’s best paired with other perfumes, but can be worn by itself if you prefer perfumes that are like ‘your skin, but better’.

Prada Infusion de Gingembre 

Unisex 

Key notes: Green Mandarin, Ginger, Geranium, Vetiver

Les Infusions de Prada is a collection that excels at highlighting a singular note in each perfume, the other only there to enhance it. It’s realistic, fresh ginger like you just peeled and diced it in the kitchen. The geranium complements the ginger with its aromatic rosy floral nuance. Mild, green, and adding intrigue to the ginger’s freshness. The perfume isn’t long-lasting, right for someone who prefers a quiet scent for just their own enjoyment. 

Hugo Boss Boss Bottled Beyond 

Masculine

Key notes: Ginger, Leather, Woody Notes

Boss Bottled Beyond revolves around leather and ginger, creating a fragrance profile that you can wear everyday. Ginger brings the vibrance and leather stays on the smooth and wearable side. It’s a long-lasting scent and is mostly on the woody side after about 3 hours. 

Yves Saint Laurent MYSLF L’Absolu 

Masculine

Key notes: Ginger, Cardamom, Bergamot, Orange Blossom, Patchouli

We took a look at MYSLF L’Absolu back when it was released and I’m happy to report that it’s still good. It opens cool, fresh, and citrusy. The ginger is a beautiful addition to the bubblegummy sweetness of orange blossom. A very mild, masculine floral scent. The orange blossom keeps the bright opening from getting too sharp, allowing for a touch of something pleasantly metallic. 

Burberry Goddess

Feminine

Key notes: Vanilla, Lavender, Ginger, Cacao

While ginger isn’t the star of the show here, it plays quite a significant role. Goddess uses vanilla, vanilla caviar, and vanilla absolute in this fan favorite vanilla perfume. The addition of lavender and ginger keeps it from being all vanilla, adding depth with their freshness. Ginger is more prominent in the opening, but it blends into the background as the scent progresses. Good for when you want ginger, but not really.