Ambroxan is a term that gets used a lot in the fragrance world, but you may be wondering what exactly it is and, more importantly, what exactly it smells like or adds to the value of a perfume. Ambroxan is a pretty mysterious ingredient, but is also widely beloved and lovely when used in a beautiful fragrance.
What Is Ambroxan And How Does It Smell
Ambroxan is a synthetic compound that is usually used as a base note for many fragrances. It is an animalic substance that has a musky and ambery order, hence why it is mostly present in fragrance base notes.
Part of the appeal of ambroxan in perfumes is mostly beyond the actual scent of the ingredient itself. It tends to magnify and add an emphasis on other ingredients present in a fragrance. That is, it will extend the longevity and sillage of fragrance notes that are typically more subtle. Additionally, when ambroxan is used on human skin alone it enhances each person’s natural “skin scent.”
When looking for some of the best ambroxan perfumes for women on the market, you will find many of these types of “skin scents” that are marketed as subtle, light fragrances that are meant to bring out each person’s natural human aroma. This list will look at some of the most popular ambroxan scents and the different ways in which this mysterious compound is used in the modern fragrance world.
1. Glossier You
It would be very silly to discuss ambroxan fragrances at all without giving proper mention to one of the most trendy scents in this category on the market today. Glossier’s You, launched in 2017, has been a wildly popular ambroxan scent that is marketed as “the ultimate personal fragrance.”
Glossier You is a floral, woody, musky scent. Its scent varies based on the person wearing it, and that is because it enhances the natural “scent” of each wearer. The fragrance is incredibly subtle, but it can be noticed and, again, will adapt to each wearer’s natural skin chemistry.
This perfume will smell woodsy and slightly sweet. The ambrox ingredient will also give Glossier You a slightly amber aroma to it. You smell clean and warm, with very subtle notes of powdery iris shining through as well.
Glossier You is an incredibly versatile scent when it comes to seasonal use. It is so subtle and simple that it will feel beautiful and fitting in any type of weather or season. This is true for many ambroxan scents because they are so low maintenance and fresh smelling.
Keeping this in mind, Glossier You is definitely more of a casual scent. It is not a fragrance that inspires fantasy or aspirational glamour; it truly is meant to highlight each woman’s natural beauty. That being said, You is a perfect everyday scent to wear while running errands or even spending time with some friends watching TV. It will be very comforting, down to earth, and lovely in situations that are also comforting, down to earth, and lovely. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
2. Giorgio Armani Si
Giorgio Armani has long been one of the most impressive and consistent fragrance producers in the industry. Si, launched in 2013, is not only one of their most popular scents on the market, but it is also one of the most highly regarded and mainstream ambroxan scents you can get your hands on. Si is a perfect choice for someone interested in ambroxan scents who do not want something too out there or unpredictable.
Si is considered to be a chypre floral scent and its note profile is very simple. Si has a top note of cassis, middle notes of freesia and May rose, and is completed by the classic base notes of ambroxan, patchouli, vanilla, and woody notes.
This fragrance is a very woody, earthy, and aromatic perfume. The scent is also very reminiscent of vanilla and amber making it a primarily autumnal scent. However, even in the spring or summer, this fragrance will be great.
Because Si is so classic and graceful, it is actually quite versatile. It won’t be too overwhelming to wear during casual daytime activities, but it is also beautiful and luxurious enough to be dressed up in more formal circumstances. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
3. Juliette Has A Gun Not A Perfume
Juliette Has A Gun has long been an innovative and quirky brand with fragrances that are always unexpected but widely adored. With Not A Perfume, launched in 2010, it is easy to see that this legacy has continued.
Not A Perfume is a tricky one to explain, particularly because the scent is almost undetectable. In this fragrance, ambroxan is not used as a base note, but instead, it is the only note in the entire fragrance composition.
Much like Glossier You, Not A Perfume is meant to be an extremely fresh and natural scent. The only fragrance detected when Not A Perfume is spritzed will be a very subtle musk note, caused by the ambroxan ingredient. Not A Perfume is a skin scent and it will take each person’s natural aroma and amplify it. The result is a fragrance that is sexy and highly sensual.
Not A Perfume is very light and clean smelling, so it makes it a much better choice for the warm weather months. Spritz on Not A Perfume during a warm, spring day and you will feel energized and beautiful in a very nonchalant way.
In a similar vein, Not A Perfume is a very casual and underwhelming scent. It will be inoffensive enough for more formal settings and will flourish wonderfully during casual and familiar circumstances. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
4. Givenchy Accord Particulier
There are few fashion houses that have such a strong reputation for class and elegance quite like Givenchy. With Accord Particulier, Givenchy is throwing their hat into the elusive ambroxan fragrance ring.
Accord Particulier was launched in 2020, so it is a very recent release. It is categorized as a chypre floral fragrance, and it is a unisex scent that will be a great choice for both women and men.
This perfume is, once again, designed to be a little different on each wearer depending on their personal skin chemistry. However, most people can agree that the general scent of Accord Particulier is a floral, amber, and woody aroma.
Because of these warmer fragrance notes, Accord Particulier is best worn during the cold winter months. Furthermore, it is a very autumnal scent and will be perfect for the first cool, crisp golden days of fall.
Additionally, Accord Particulier is the type of scent that leans a little bit more towards being a nighttime scent. The aroma can be a bit too heavy and dramatic to be worn casually during the day. Try Accord Particulier to enhance your natural aroma during a romantic date night with that special someone. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
5. By Kilian Vodka On The Rocks
By Kilian has recently made huge waves in the fragrance world, as many of their signature scents are incredibly popular and worn by some big, big names (Rihanna is known to be obsessed with their scent Love, Don’t Be Shy.) Their exciting fragrance Vodka On The Rocks is an aromatic, unisex ambroxan scent that is also indicative of this brand’s innovative genius.
Vodka On The Rocks opens with very unique top notes of aldehydes, coriander, and cardamom. The floral middle notes that follow are pink rose, rhubarb, and lily of the valley. Finally, Vodka On The Rocks is completed by base notes of sandalwood, ambroxan, and oakmoss.
This fragrance leans a little bit more towards being a spring and summer scent, as some of the floral and aromatic notes are more reminiscent of the lush and warm moments of spring. However, it is not so heavily floral as to be alienating when worn in the fall or winter months.
Whether Vodka On The Rocks is worn during the daytime or nighttime events is pretty much up to the wearer. Most people like it a little more during casual daytime activities, but it can definitely be dressed up as to be worn during romantic or formal scenarios. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
6. Kenzo Kenzo World
Kenzo is an incredibly multifaceted brand. Their skincare and clothing lines are beloved and admired almost as much as their delicious and creative fragrance products. With Kenzo World, launched in 2016, Kenzo has created a stunning floral scent that is both mysterious and classic.
Kenzo World opens with a delicate top note of red fruits followed immediately by the delicate middle notes of Egyptian jasmine, peony, and floral notes. Finally, the base note of (you guessed it) ambroxan rounds out the scent to make it feel fuller and headier in its composition.
This enticing scent is not too limited in when it can be worn. Some of the floral notes will make it perfect for spring and summer days, however, it is not too fresh or floral that it will feel out of place in the fall and winter months.
However, Kenzo World is a bit more of a casual scent. It’s not too overpowering or intense, so it’s perfect to be worn during casual and lowkey events. It might be a bit too underwhelming to be worn during formal or more glamorous events, but it is dependable and understated if you prefer fragrances that are not so over the top. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!
7. Juicy Couture Majestic Woods
Few fashion houses walk the fine line between youthful creativity and mature beauty quite like Juicy Couture. With their fairytale-inspired perfume Majestic Woods, they paint a playful and sensual scene that is very true to the fashion house’s whimsical genius.
Majestic Woods is classified as an oriental woody scent that is addictive and alluring. It is rich, golden, and warm in its composition. The ambrox adds a woody amber scent to it in its initial spritzes. As the scent wears for a little, you are left with a very natural and earthy musky and vanilla fragrance that will lure people towards you and garner many compliments.
This scent is pretty strictly a fall and winter fragrance. It will feel much too heavy and warm for the spring and summer months and warmer temperatures. Keep Majestic Woods in your fragrance arsenal as a perfect comfort scent for the colder, harsher weather days of fall and winter.
Majestic Woods leans only slightly more in the direction of a night time scent rather than a daytime scent. As mentioned, it is extremely sensual and attractive which is why nighttime events such as a romantic date or a night out on the town will be more appropriate for this enchanting fragrance. If you’re interested in this fragrance, you can check it out over here on Amazon!