Jōvan 1998 EDC

M £ Favourite

Ginseng NRG

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Jōvan Ginseng NRG is a Cologne launched in 1998. Ginseng NRG opens with Woody Notes, Bergamot, Lemon, and Tea, settles into a heart of Rosewood, Jasmine, Geranium, and Ginger, and dries down to a base of Musk and Amber. Jōvan's Ginseng NRG carries a Favourite verdict, a fresh-led wear.

A cult classic that's surprisingly sophisticated for a 'drugstore cheapie'. It's a fresh, clean, and unique blend that manages to be both energising and comforting, though its moderate performance might leave you wanting more.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Clean
  • Fresh
  • Relaxed
  • Modern
  • Subtle
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Ginseng NRG Cologne 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
Moderate (4-6h)
Projection
Moderate
Intensity
Moderate

Mood

Mood Energising
Calming
Character Playful
Serious
Sentiment Uplifting
Brooding

When To Wear

Best Seasons

Best For:
Spring Summer

A warm-weather pick - at its best in summer and spring.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Casual Sport
Also Works:
Office Date

Its clean and fresh profile, along with moderate sillage, makes it versatile for casual daytime wear, including the office, and works well as a sport scent. While some find it suitable for formal settings, its generally light and 'freshie' character, plus moderate longevity, might not hold up for longer, more demanding formal events.

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

Other declarable allergens

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • Rose geranium Pelargonium Graveolens Oil from Geranium
  • 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

Ginseng NRG kicks off with a bright, zingy burst of bergamot and lemon, quickly softened by a delicate tea note and hints of woody freshness. The heart introduces a gentle warmth with ginger and rosewood, balanced by a subtle floral sweetness from jasmine and geranium. The dry down settles into a clean, musky amber base, retaining a touch of that herbal, almost metallic freshness throughout.

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Where to buy

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