Fougere

4 perfumes

About

Fougere is a traditional fragrance accord characterized by a fresh, herbaceous blend of lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin, often accented with citrus and woody notes. It evokes the scent of a damp forest floor, combining green, aromatic, and slightly sweet facets. Fougere accords are especially popular in classic and modern masculine fragrances.

Scent Profile

Fougere accords are defined by a fresh, herbaceous character with prominent notes of lavender, oakmoss, and coumarin, creating a green, slightly sweet, and mossy scent. They often feature cool, aromatic facets accented by citrus top notes and a woody or earthy base. The overall impression is reminiscent of a shaded forest floor with both crisp and soft elements.

Citrus 3%

Floral 10%

Fruity 1%

Green 30%

Sweet 13%

Warm 6%

Woody 7%

Earthy 20%

Animalic 2%

Fresh 15%

Signature Notes

Notes most distinctively associated with Fougere fragrances.

Geranium 401

Tonka Bean 857

Musk 2576

Coumarin 51

Oakmoss 585

Vetiver 956

Bergamot 1773

Lavender 550

Common Notes

Notes most frequently found in Fougere fragrances.

Geranium 401

Tonka Bean 857

Musk 2576

Cedar 1508

Mung Bean

Coumarin 51

Oakmoss 585

Vetiver 956

History

The fougere accord originated in 1882 with the creation of Houbigant's 'Fougère Royale,' which established the template for this fragrance family. Its name derives from the French word for 'fern,' though the scent is an abstract interpretation rather than a direct botanical replica. Fougere has played a foundational role in the development of masculine perfumery, particularly throughout the 20th century.

In Perfumery

Perfumers use the fougere accord as a backbone for many men's fragrances, often building around its aromatic, green, and woody structure. It is commonly paired with additional herbal, spicy, or citrus notes to enhance freshness or complexity, and may be enriched with amber or vetiver for depth. Fougere typically forms the heart of a composition, bridging fresh top notes and a mossy, woody base.