Penhaligon's 2003 EDP

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Malabah

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Penhaligon's Malabah is an Eau de Parfum launched in 2003. Malabah opens with Lemon, Coriander, and Tea, settles into a heart of Rose, Iris, Cardamom, and Nutmeg, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, and Sandalwood. Penhaligon's's Malabah carries a Favourite verdict, a fresh-led wear.

A divisive scent for the Penhaligon's faithful, Malabah is often described as a sophisticated lemon and ginger tea. Love it or hate it, its fleeting nature is its biggest flaw, leaving many wishing for more potency and longevity from this intriguing spice blend.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Fresh
  • Warm
  • Clean
  • Cozy
  • Elegant
Malabah Eau de Parfum bottle

Scent Profile

Composition

Timeline

Showing: Overall Blend
Heartas listed
Iris14%

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

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
Also Works:
Fall Winter

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Sport

Its fresh, clean, and non-overpowering profile makes it perfect for office or casual wear, as noted by many reviewers. The poor longevity and soft sillage mean it's unlikely to offend, but also doesn't project enough for formal events or bold date nights.

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

  • 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

Imagine a cup of freshly brewed black tea, spiked with bright, zesty lemon and a healthy dose of fiery ginger. This fragrant opening is soon softened by the powdery elegance of orris and a touch of delicate rose, before settling into a warm, inviting base of creamy sandalwood, rich amber, and a clean musk. It's a journey from invigorating freshness to a subtly spiced comfort.

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Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

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

Where to buy

Prices for the United Kingdom ·


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