Penhaligon's 2008 EDP

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Elixir

by Olivia Giacobetti

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Penhaligon's Elixir is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2008, created by Olivia Giacobetti. Elixir opens with Cardamom, Cinnamon, and Eucalyptus, settles into a heart of Mace, Orange Blossom, Rose, and Jasmine, and dries down to a base of Cedar, Sandalwood, Guaiac Wood, and Rosewood. Penhaligon's's Elixir carries a Favourite verdict, a spicy-led wear.

This one is a properly divisive scent, but a true cult classic. Elixir is a deep, warm amber-woody perfume that conjures images of old churches, gothic romance, and mysterious, contemplative moments. If you appreciate a challenging blend, this discontinued gem is well worth hunting down.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Bold
  • Warm
  • Mysterious
  • Sophisticated
  • Cozy
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Elixir 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.

ScentArt

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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:
Fall Winter

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal
Also Works:
Casual

Its moderate sillage and longevity make it versatile, though the strong, 'churchy' incense and spices mean it's probably too intense for the office. It excels in cold weather settings, making it perfect for an intimate date or a sophisticated formal event.

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

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

Elixir opens with a uniquely fresh, almost mentholated blast of eucalyptus, cardamom, and cinnamon, quickly ushering in a heart of smoky incense intertwined with soft rose and hints of orange blossom. The journey settles into a rich, woody base of rosewood, sandalwood, and guaiac wood, made even deeper by balsamic resins like benzoin and a whisper of vanilla, creating a cool, dark, and enigmatic aura.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

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