Etienne Aigner 1986 EDP

F ££ Acquired

Explosive

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Etienne Aigner Explosive is an Eau de Parfum launched in 1986. Explosive opens with Bergamot, Coriander, and Aldehydes, settles into a heart of Rose, Iris, Geranium, and Lily of the Valley, and dries down to a base of Musk, Sandalwood, Vetiver, and Patchouli. Etienne Aigner's Explosive carries an Acquired verdict, a floral-led wear.

A love-it-or-hate-it chypre beast from the 80s, Explosive lives up to its name with a dark, complex rose that demands attention. Not for the faint-hearted, this one splits opinions but delivers incredible longevity for those who dare.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Mysterious
  • Sophisticated
  • Classic
  • Edgy
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Explosive Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend

Top, heart and base are the brand's own listing, not a timing claim - the industry classifies a note by its character as much as by how fast it fades. Each curve here is modelled from that material's own volatility, so groups can overlap when a house lists long-lasting materials in its heart.

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Performance & Mood

Performance

Longevity
Long (6-10h)
Projection
Strong
Intensity
Strong

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Fall Winter

A cold-weather scent - best worn in autumn and winter.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its "beast mode" performance and aggressive sillage make it unsuitable for the office, as many reviews confirm it can be overwhelming for others. However, its dark, sensual rose and strong character are perfect for special evenings or formal events where making a statement is desired.

Declarable allergens

We derive these from the materials behind this fragrance's notes, not from the bottle. Each one is likely, not confirmed. The list is partial - the box can name others.

In standard patch-test panels

  • Geraniol from Rose
  • Oakmoss Evernia prunastri extract from Oakmoss

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk

The large name is the everyday one. The small name is the INCI form on the box, so you can compare the two. Reactions differ between people. A patch-test panel is not a ranking of risk. How we derive this

About

Explosive unleashes a potent blend of aldehydic freshness and piquant coriander, quickly giving way to a rich, shadowy rose heart. Deep and earthy vetiver, sandalwood, and patchouli wrap around a prominent oakmoss base, creating a dark, almost gothic floral chypre. Hints of powder and a subtle, intriguing spice linger, conjuring an aura of vintage sophistication.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once. See what layers well with Explosive Eau de Parfum - the blends worth trying, and how each one scores.

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Explosive Eau de Parfum - fragrances that pair with it, worn side by side.

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·

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Drawn from community reviews and editor-reviewed before publishing on . See our methodology and disclosure policy.