Kenzo 1988 EDT

F ££ Acquired

Kenzo

by Françoise Caron

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Kenzo Kenzo is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1988, created by Françoise Caron. Kenzo opens with Spicy Notes, Bergamot, Mandarin, and Orange Blossom, settles into a heart of Caraway, Cedar, Sandalwood, and Rose, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Patchouli, and Oakmoss. Kenzo's Kenzo carries an Acquired verdict, a sweet-led wear.

A legendary 80s powerhouse white floral that polarises opinion: some find it a gorgeous, complex masterpiece; others a dated, overwhelming floral bomb. You either adore its vibrant, unapologetic essence or dismiss it as too vintage, harking back to a forgotten era.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Classic
  • Luxurious
  • Sophisticated
  • Warm
£42.95 at Paco Perfumerias 100ml Check price on → Check prices ↓
Kenzo Eau de Toilette 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:
Spring Fall Winter
Also Works:
Summer

Versatile across every season - no clear seasonal preference from wearers.

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Its potent projection and full-bodied nature make it less suitable for office or casual daytime wear where subtlety is preferred. However, its elegance and complexity are perfect for formal events and intimate date nights, as many users describe it as a 'statement' fragrance for special occasions.

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
  • Sandalwood Santalol from Sandalwood
  • Synthetic musk Hexamethylindanopyran from Musk
  • Vanillin from Vanilla
  • Ylang-ylang Cananga Odorata Flower Extract from Ylang-Ylang

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

Opens with a rich, fruity burst of peach and plum, brightened by orange blossom and a hint of bergamot, before evolving into a lavish bouquet of white florals-tuberose, gardenia, and jasmine-interwoven with rose and warm spices like caraway. The opulent heart settles into a grounding base of oakmoss, amber, and patchouli, lending an earthy, musky depth that lingers, creating a full-bodied, almost balsamic trail.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom · · checked 7 October

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