Penhaligon's 1977 EDT

F ££ Statement

Ormolu

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Penhaligon's Ormolu is an Eau de Toilette launched in 1977. Ormolu opens with Green Notes, Bergamot, Chamomile, and Mugwort, settles into a heart of Rose, Jasmine, Violet, and Ylang-Ylang, and dries down to a base of Musk, Amber, Sandalwood, and Oakmoss. Penhaligon's's Ormolu carries a Statement verdict, a green-led wear.

Ormolu is a true vintage statement: deeply divisive, either loved for its classic, mysterious charm or decried as an 'aldehyde bomb'. It is definitely not for everyone, but if you appreciate a classic, woody-green chypre, you might just fall for its unique allure.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Classic
  • Sophisticated
  • Mysterious
  • Elegant
  • Luxurious
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Ormolu 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
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 Fall Winter

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Date Formal

Given its strong classic chypre character and

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
  • 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

Ormolu opens with an unexpected, herbaceous blend of mugwort, chamomile, and green notes, brightened by a hint of bergamot. The heart unfolds into a rich floral bouquet of rose, violet, jasmine, and ylang-ylang, creating a powdery, almost waxy texture. The base lingers with a classic chypre foundation of earthy oakmoss, warm sandalwood, musk, and a touch of amber, delivering a captivating and complex dry-down.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

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

Complement

Round out the rotation. See what complements Ormolu Eau de Toilette - 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.