Van Cleef & Arpels 2009 EDC

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Cologne Noire

by Mark Buxton

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Van Cleef & Arpels Cologne Noire is a Cologne launched in 2009, created by Mark Buxton. Van Cleef & Arpels's Cologne Noire carries a Favourite verdict, a fresh-led wear.

A fresh-spicy-woody scent that divides opinion: some find it elegantly unique, others a touch too generic for the price point. Expect moderate performance, so don't be shy with the sprays.
What our verdicts mean →
  • Sophisticated
  • Fresh
  • Modern
  • Clean
  • Elegant
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Cologne Noire 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 Fall

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

Best Occasions

Best For:
Office Casual
Also Works:
Date Sport

Its moderate longevity and versatile fresh-spicy profile make it suitable for daily wear, leaning casual or office. While elegant, its lack of standout projection might make it less ideal for formal events or high-energy sports, though it's still pleasant.

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.

Declarable under EU Annex III

  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bergamot Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Peel Oil from Bergamot
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Bitter Orange
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Neroli
  • Bitter orange peel Citrus Aurantium Amara Peel Oil from Bitter Orange
  • Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Flower Oil from Neroli
  • Neroli Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Oil from Neroli

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

Opening with a fizzy burst of bergamot and bitter orange, Cologne Noire quickly introduces a vibrant, spicy heart. Zesty ginger and piquant pepper intertwine with the warm, aromatic embrace of cardamom, creating a clean yet intriguing scent. As it settles, a clean, almost soapy neroli softens the edges before drying down to a subtle woody base, grounding the zesty spices.

Similar

Compare & Pair

Layer

Wear two at once: the blends worth trying, how each one scores and where to spray See what layers well

Complement

Two people, two scents: what sits well beside it when you each wear your own See what pairs well

Where to buy

Prices for the United States ·

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