Bright and sparkling with a powdery, soapy twist, the best perfumes with aldehydes for women are breathtaking and glamorous. Although the 1905 release of Rêve D’Or by Armingeat is arguably the first scent with aldehydes notes, Chanel No.5 is the most recognised.
What Are Aldehydes In Perfume? Aldehydes are organic compounds either man-made or found naturally in ingredients such as vanilla bean (vanillin) and cinnamon bark (cinnamaldehyde). Aldehydes were reportedly discovered by chemist Justus von Liebig in 1835.
What Do Aldehydes Smell Like? Aldehydes add a fresh, sparkling, almost metallic smell to perfume. They can also bring a soft floral powdery scent and a touch of luxurious soapiness.
Best Perfumes With Aldehydes
The best perfumes with aldehydes for women bring sparkle, powder and an undercurrent of soapy luxury. After testing no less than 20 fragrances for this review, here are 7 of my favourites to fall in love with.
1. Tom Ford Metallique Eau de Parfum
Review
Sparkling upfront aldehydes and sensual vanilla steal the show with Métallique Eau de Parfum from Tom Ford. This fragrance has zing with a capital Z and is somewhat Chanel in its delivery, yet very modern.
This fragrance opens with a blast of metallic aldehydes dusted with pink pepper and a splash of bergamot supplying hints of fresh citrus. A floral heart delivers a trio of flowers. Hawthorn, lily-of-the-valley, and the marzipan scent of heliotrope work well with aldehydes and citrus.
Upon dry-down, notes of musky ambrette, sandalwood and resinous balsam provide depth. Vanilla is soon to dominate, providing a contrasting sweetness that soaks up some of the initial aldehyde sparkle to keeps things interesting.
I would say that this is an autumn/winter/spring fragrance that is suitable for both day or nightwear. When layered with Sole Di Positano Acqua, the additional burst of ylang-ylang and jasmine creates an almost vintage, any-season fragrance.
Métallique is a reasonably long-lasting fragrance that is well-balanced with citrus, florals, aldehyde and musk. It does need re-application after 4+ hours to give an extra boost. Sillage and projection are both pretty good.
The bottle design is striking metallic with clean and crisp lines. The silver bottle is finished with a gold-coloured metallic label & cap. Reminds me of a rather fancy oversized bottle of nail varnish!
Overall, Métallique Eau de Parfum is a sparkling citrus & floral fronted autumn/winter fragrance with a metallic edge. It becomes more vanilla and musky as it dries down, so give this beauty some time before you make your decision as it’s well worth the wait.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Bergamot, Pink pepper
Mid Notes:
Hawthorn, Lily-of-the-valley, Heliotrope
Base Notes:
Ambrette, Balsam, Vanilla, Sandalwood
Season To Wear
Longevity
Price & Reviews
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2. Amouage Dia Woman Eau de Parfum
Review
Dia Woman Eau de Parfum from Amouage is a radiant mix of aldehydic and fresh floral notes that smells utterly divine. Released in 2002, the perfumer behind this stunning fragrance is Jean-Claude Ellena.
A bright opening of nose-tingling aldehydes, lily-like cyclamen, fig, bergamot and herbs is first to delight. A heart of peony and rose bloom to add more feel-good floral notes, supported by gentle peach blossom and powdery orris root.
The dry-down is mainly musk and wood, with hints of the almond/marzipan scent of heliotrope. Settles to a chic soapy aldehyde and floral duo with musk and delicate fruit.
Dia Woman is a versatile any-season fragrance that is ideal for day wear. I can see myself wearing this scent for casual lunches, shopping trips, garden parties, and visiting friends.
You can expect 5+ hours of wear from this delightful scent. Sillage and projection are both excellent and will undoubtedly get you noticed.
The bottle is stylish with its squat straight-lined design, and the fragrance inside emits a golden glow. A fancy gold cap provides a beautiful finishing touch. The outer packaging is also first-rate.
Overall, Dia Woman Eau de Parfum is a classy, luxurious and incredibly feminine aldehyde/floral fragrance that lifts your mood in an instant.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Fig, Cyclamen, Bergamot, Tarragon, Sage, Violet Leaves
Mid Notes:
Bush Peach Blossom, Rose Oil, Orange Flower, Peony, Orris
Base Notes:
White Musk, Frankincense, Vanilla, Heliotrope, Cedarwood, Sandalwood, Gaiac Wood
Season To Wear
Longevity
Price & Reviews
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3. Madame Rochas Eau de Toilette
Review
Madame Rochas Eau de Toilette is a floral aldehyde fragrance with enticing moss and green notes that dates back to 1960. This is an intoxicating feminine fragrance with a vintage feel and abyss-like depth.
Hyacinth, neroli and citrus are instantly lifted by lighter-than-air aldehyde notes that dazzle the senses. Powdery iris and violet leap out and are further boosted by narcissus, orris root and exotic ylang-ylang.
Dry-down brings sensual, earthy/woody oakmoss supported by musk and vetiver. Settles to a bright aldehyde fragrance with sumptuous flowers, wood and green notes.
I would wear this fragrance any time of year as it has something unique to offer every season. In the warmer weather, the aldehydes and flowers really sing. During colder climates, the oakmoss, wood and powdery notes are beautiful. It can be worn for both formal and casual occasions, day or night.
After 5+ hours, I could still smell this fragrance on me at arm’s length. Sillage and projection are both pretty good as the aldehydes seem to help emphasise the florals and woods.
The bottle looks fantastic with its tall, slender figure and graceful vertical lines. A tall gold cap finishes off everything nicely.
Overall, Madame Rochas is an effortlessly stylish feminine fragrance whose aroma will transport you back in time to an era of vintage chic. Go on, you know you want a bottle!
Check out my review of 8 Intoxicating Rochas Perfumes.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Bergamot, Lemon, Hyacinth, Neroli, Broom, Galbanum, Green notes
Mid Notes:
Rose, Lily of the valley, Jasmine, Orris, Ylang-ylang, Violet, Narcissus, Tuberose, Iris
Base Notes:
Sandalwood, Cedarwood, Amber, Vetiver, Musk, Tonka bean, Benzoin, Oakmoss, Coumarin
Season To Wear
Longevity
Price & Reviews
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4. Chanel No 5 L’Eau Eau de Toilette
Review
When perfumer extraordinaire Olivier Polge creates a fragrance, you know you are in for a wild ride. Chanel No 5 L’Eau Eau de Toilette is a refreshing, bubbly version of Chanel No 5, released in 2016.
Sparkling aldehydes, lemon and mandarin are the first to tease your senses with a sensation of champagne bubbles. Chanel’s trademark floral, ylang-ylang casts its exotic magic to the heart of this scent. It is soon joined by fragrant neroli and a hint of rose.
No 5 L’Eau reveals sensual white musk and fresh woody notes that never detract from the striking opening and heart upon dry-down. Settles to a sparkling lemony feminine fragrance with exotic florals and light musk.
I personally wear this fragrance all year round. In the spring/summer, it is bright and fresh for both daytime and evening wear. In the colder months of autumn/winter, I love to wear this even in the darkest cold mornings to get me ready for the day.
Performance is good, considering this is such a fresh fragrance. 4+ hours of longevity with reasonable sillage and projection. Longer if you spray clothing.
The bottle is pure Chanel, effortlessly classy and stylish with sharp edges giving a timeless look. A silver neck with the Chanel logo adds even more refinement.
Overall, If you find the original No 5 too intense, Chanel No 5 L’Eau is a revelation. It is wonderfully bright and airy yet retains the sophisticated, feminine glow of something that is classic Chanel.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Lemon, Mandarin, Orange & Neroli
Mid Notes:
Rose, Ylang-Ylang & Jasmine
Base Notes:
Cedar & White Musk
Season To Wear
Longevity
Price & Reviews
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5. Estée Lauder White Linen Eau de Parfum
Review
White Linen Eau de Parfum is a classic floral-aldehyde that balances a harmony of aldehydes, flowers, wood, amber and musk. Said to be inspired by the purity of white Linen that dries in the sun, this feminine Estée Lauder fragrance was created by perfumer Sophia Grojsman back in 1978.
Opens with a fanfare of aldehydes and floral notes of Bulgarian rose, jasmine and lily of the valley that brings powdery elegance. A heart of sweet violet and buttery orris add a little warmth but never overpower.
The dry-down is discreet with earthy/grassy vetiver, light moss and a hint of amber that hardly alters this delightfully fresh feminine fragrance.
White Linen is a reasonably long-lasting fragrance at 4+ hours with a moderate sillage and projection. It is excellent for daytime wear and works best in the spring and summer months, where this linen-inspired scent can be fully appreciated.
The bottle has had an update since its original launch but still nods to the first iteration. A curved matte gold cap with soft vertical lines and an understated logo make this unmistakably Estée Lauder.
Overall, White Linen is a nose tingling combination of aldehydes and fresh flowers with a light woody undercurrent.
Top Notes:
Bulgarian Rose, Jasmine, Lily of the valley
Mid Notes:
Violet, Orris
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Moss, Amber
Season To Wear
Longevity
Price & Reviews
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6. Frederic Malle Superstitious Eau de Parfum
Review
Superstitious Eau de Parfum is an attention-seeking aldehyde fragrance from Frederic Malle fused with white florals, wood and smokey notes. Master perfumer Dominique Ropion created this intriguingly beautiful feminine scent in 2016.
The opening of Superstitious is almost pure unadulterated aldehydes with a cheeky dash of sweet peach. A floral heart of sweet jasmine and delicate rose provide a smooth transition into something glamorous and chic.
Dry-down unleashes smokey incense and dry vetiver. Earthy (and slightly musky) patchouli dances in and out throughout this olfactory performance. Settles to a sparkling mix of aldehydes, florals and light smokey notes.
This fragrance can be worn in any season for any occasion. Equally wearable for casual days out or when you are fully dressed to impress for a fancy event or evening out. Either way, this fragrance will feel tailor-made.
Performance is excellent—7+ hours of longevity with respectable sillage and projection for most of that time. The aldehydes, florals and patchouli perform well.
This fragrance is presented in a shining black curved bottle with a gold cap and matching gold drawn eye on the front. The outer packaging is also black with gold detail.
Overall, Superstitious is a beautiful fusion of expensive vintage soapiness and modern florals that is a delight to wear.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Peach
Mid Notes:
Jasmine, Rose
Base Notes:
Incense, Vetiver, Patchouli, Amber
Season To Wear
Longevity
Price & Reviews
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7. Clive Christian Art Nouveau Water Lily XX EDP
Review
Art Nouveau Water Lily XX Eau de Parfum is a luminous fusion of green, floral and aldehyde notes and part of the stunning Clive Christian ‘Noble’ collection launched in 2018.
This fragrance opens with sparkling aldehydes and green notes that seem to fizz to infinity. A powdery floral heart of iris, tuberose and water lily soon dazzle and delight with an almost oriental vibe.
The dry down unveils soft and exotic cashmere musk enhanced by the vibrancy of patchouli and grassy vetiver. Settles to a fresh floral masterpiece infused with energising aldehydes that just keep on coming.
I would wear this fragrance during the more temperate seasons of spring and autumn. Ideal for more formal daytime occasions, so think of garden parties, weddings, and other fancy events when you want to smell your best.
Performance is excellent, and I could still smell this on me after 7+ hours of wear. It projects well for at least 4+ hours then hovers above the skin.
The matte black bottle donned with Queen Victoria’s crown demands your complete attention. The outer packaging is just as refined and elegant, providing additional wow-factor to your collection.
Overall, Art Nouveau Water Lily XX is floral, effervescent and breathtakingly complex. This enchanting fragrance is alas not cheap, but it is beautifully presented and made with 25% perfume concentration for maximum performance and impact.
Top Notes:
Aldehydes, Green Leaves
Mid Notes:
Tuberose, Water Lily, Iris, Heliotrope
Base Notes:
Vetiver, Patchouli, Musk
Season To Wear
Longevity
Price & Reviews
You can check the latest pricing, see customer reviews and shop online:
Which Aldehydes Perfume Smells The Best?
The best smelling aldehydes perfume for women is Amouage Dia Woman. Striking aldehydes are balanced by soft cyclamen, sweet fig, bergamot and herbs. Peony and rose bloom add soapiness. Dry-down reveals musk and wood, with hints of the almond/marzipan scent of heliotrope. Longevity is 5+ hours.
Conclusion
Choosing the best perfumes with aldehydes for women has been both a challenge and a joy, and I have left no stone unturned. Perfumer giants such as Tom Ford, Chanel, and Clive Christian all made it to my list, so did the smaller fragrance houses such as Amouage and Rochas.
You may have noticed that although the original Chanel No. 5 is the most well-known scent containing aldehydes, it did not make it to the final seven. I personally find its other notes too intense, which prevent the aldehydes from fully shining.
Further Reading
Below are some additional articles from Viora London’s blog. We write articles on a number of interesting lifestyle topics such as fragrance, beauty, luxury accessories and more.
