The Perfumers’ Guide to Aesop Fragrances: Subtle Elegance and Natural Luxury
Aesop, the Australian brand known for its minimalist approach to skincare, haircare, and body care, has also carved out a distinctive presence in the world of fragrance. Since launching its first fragrances in 2012, Aesop has taken a unique approach to scent by focusing on the purity and complexity of natural ingredients. The brand’s fragrances are not about bold, overt statements but rather about subtlety, elegance, and a deep connection to the earth.
Aesop’s perfumes are inspired by the natural world and crafted to feel like an extension of the brand’s philosophy: functional luxury that doesn’t overwhelm. The compositions feature a harmonious balance of botanical and earthy notes, with a sophisticated restraint that feels fresh, clean, and refined. Their perfumes are designed to be worn daily, not for special occasions, providing a natural aura of luxury without excessive opulence.
In this Ellermann Flower Boutique guide guide, we will explore Aesop’s key fragrances, each one reflecting the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship, natural ingredients, and understated sophistication. We will break down the main elements, noting the key florals and how they are layered with other botanical and woody notes.
1. Aesop Tacit – The Fresh, Green Floral
Tacit (2017) is one of Aesop’s most popular fragrances, and for good reason: it’s fresh, clean, and subtly floral, while also offering a unique balance of green and citrus notes. Inspired by the Mediterranean region, Tacit evokes the clarity of coastal air, the gentle warmth of sunlight, and the verdant freshness of an herbal garden.
Floral Composition
Basil: The fragrance opens with a bright, fresh, and herbaceous note of basil, providing an uplifting green edge to the fragrance. This note is both aromatic and slightly spicy, giving the fragrance an invigorating kick.
Yuzu: A yuzu citrus note adds a refreshing and zesty element to the opening, enhancing the feeling of crispness and freshness.
Vetiver: While not a floral note, vetiver plays a key role in the fragrance’s base, offering an earthy, woody foundation that grounds the bright citrus and herbal notes.
Tacit is perfect for those who enjoy a clean, refreshing fragrance that is bright yet understated. The balance between the herbal basil, citrusy yuzu, and grounding vetiver creates a fragrance that feels light but also has depth. It’s ideal for daytime wear, especially in warmer weather, and pairs well with a minimalist, modern aesthetic.
2. Aesop Hwyl – The Smoky, Woody Floral
Hwyl (2014) is Aesop’s answer to a more complex, smoky fragrance. Named after a Welsh word that refers to the spirit or essence of a place, Hwyl has a deep, earthy quality that feels both calming and invigorating. It’s not a typical floral fragrance but rather an exploration of nature’s more rugged side, blending smoky woods with aromatic herbs and subtle florals.
Floral Composition
Rosemary: The fragrance opens with the herbal freshness of rosemary, giving the scent an aromatic and slightly woody touch.
Cypress: Cypress introduces a green, resinous woodiness that gives the fragrance an almost forest-like feel. This adds a rich, grounding layer to the composition.
Incense: Incense provides a smoky, spiritual quality that enhances the earthy depth of the fragrance, giving it a mysterious, meditative aura.
Hwyl is for those who enjoy deep, smoky, and earthy fragrances with a touch of herbal freshness. The aromatic rosemary and cypress are balanced by the smoky incense, creating a scent that feels both invigorating and meditative. It’s perfect for cooler months or when you want a fragrance that evokes the atmosphere of a quiet, serene forest.
3. Aesop Marrakech – The Warm, Spiced Floral
Marrakech (2011) is a warm, exotic fragrance that takes inspiration from the Moroccan city of the same name. It’s an opulent, spicy scent with layers of floral notes and earthy, resinous undertones. Rich with warmth, Marrakech evokes the mystique of North Africa, capturing the vibrancy of the bustling souks, the earthy spices, and the sensual florals that define the region.
Floral Composition
Jasmine: The fragrance features jasmine, a classic floral note that provides a creamy, sensual heart to the scent. Jasmine here is rich and heady, without feeling overly sweet.
Rose: Rose adds a deep, slightly spicy floral quality, enhancing the warmth and opulence of the composition.
Cedarwood: In the base, cedarwood gives the fragrance a dry, woody foundation, balancing the sweetness of the florals with its earthy, aromatic character.
Marrakech is a warm, spicy floral that feels luxurious and exotic. The combination of jasmine, rose, and cedarwood creates a fragrance that is both rich and refined, perfect for evening wear or colder seasons. It’s ideal for those who appreciate a floral fragrance with depth and complexity, paired with warm, aromatic spices.
4. Aesop Cythera – The Earthy, Resplendent Floral
Cythera (2020) is an exploration of floral and woody notes, with an emphasis on earthiness and warmth. Inspired by the Greek island of Cyprus, the fragrance brings together soft florals with rich, grounding woods and resins. It’s a scent that feels luxurious yet deeply connected to the earth.
Floral Composition
Geranium: Geranium serves as the primary floral note, providing a green, slightly rosy, and herbal quality. It’s fresh and subtle, with a hint of peppery warmth.
Ylang-Ylang: The addition of ylang-ylang brings a tropical, sweet floral richness, enhancing the depth and complexity of the fragrance.
Sandalwood: The fragrance is anchored by sandalwood, a soft, creamy wood that adds a smooth, grounding base to the floral notes.
Cythera is for those who enjoy a softer, more subdued floral fragrance with an earthy, almost herbal quality. The geranium and ylang-ylang combine to create a fresh, yet warm scent that feels intimately luxurious. It’s perfect for those who want a sophisticated fragrance that isn’t too overpowering, and it works well for both day and evening wear.
5. Aesop Karst – The Citrus and Mineral Floral
Karst (2019) is a bright, refreshing fragrance that captures the essence of the coastal cliffs of the Mediterranean. It blends mineral and citrus notes with light floral elements to create a scent that feels fresh, clean, and invigorating.
Floral Composition
Geranium: Like in Cythera, geranium is a central note here, contributing a green, slightly minty floral character that enhances the freshness of the composition.
Jasmine: Jasmine adds a light, sweet floral touch to the fragrance, providing balance to the sharper citrus and mineral notes.
Citrus: The fragrance opens with bright, zesty citrus notes, giving it an energizing, fresh burst of vitality.
Karst is an uplifting, citrus-heavy floral fragrance that feels like a breeze by the sea. It’s light and invigorating, perfect for those who enjoy fresh, clean scents with a touch of floral elegance. It’s ideal for daytime wear, especially during the warmer months when you need something that feels refreshing and crisp.
6. Aesop Pallisade – The Spicy, Aromatic Floral
Pallisade (2021) is a more recent addition to Aesop’s fragrance collection, offering a sophisticated blend of spicy, woody, and floral notes. It’s a complex fragrance that balances warmth and freshness with an aromatic depth that feels grounded yet modern.
Floral Composition
Rose: Rose provides the fragrance with a soft, romantic floral element that is both elegant and grounded by the other notes.
Saffron: Saffron adds a spicy warmth to the composition, enhancing the fragrance's depth and complexity.
Musk: The fragrance is anchored by a subtle musk, which adds warmth and sensuality without overpowering the floral notes.
Pallisade is a beautifully balanced fragrance that feels both fresh and warm. The rose and saffron create a spicy, floral experience that is rich yet light, making it perfect for those who appreciate a floral fragrance with a touch of complexity. It’s great for both day and night, especially in transitional seasons like fall or spring.
Aesop’s Fragrance Philosophy
Aesop’s fragrances are a celebration of the natural world, with a focus on subtle, nuanced compositions that don’t overwhelm but instead unfold slowly over time. The brand’s approach to scent is in line with its broader ethos—clean, functional, and rooted in nature. Each fragrance is designed to feel like an extension of a thoughtful, minimalist lifestyle, offering luxurious experiences that are grounded in botanical purity.
Whether you prefer the fresh, citrusy notes of Tacit, the earthy richness of Hwyl, or the spicy warmth of Marrakech, Aesop’s fragrances offer a diverse and refined palette. The brand’s commitment to using high-quality ingredients and creating balanced, nuanced scents makes Aesop fragrances ideal for those who enjoy subtlety, elegance, and a deep connection to nature in their
