Feb 9, 2025
Gone are the days when people had to live with unpleasant smells. Our ancestors were quite skilled at creating beautiful fragrances, many of which are still celebrated today. Here are some of the oldest perfumes in the world that continue to be available for sale:
First created in 1533 by Dominican friars at the Santa Maria Novella pharmacy in Florence, Acqua di S.M. Novella, also known as Acqua della Regina, was a wedding gift for Catherine de’ Medici, intended for her marriage to King Henry II of France. It was one of the first alcohol-based perfumes, featuring notes of lavender, rosemary, sweet oriental herbs, and fresh citrus.
Produced since 1792, this iconic scent was named after the address of creator Wilhelm Mülhens’ home in Cologne, Germany—Glockengasse No. 4711. It features bright and fresh notes of lemon, orange, bergamot, lavender, and rosemary, offering a refreshing and uplifting fragrance.
Created in 1727 by Cologne apothecary Gian Paolo Feminis, this fragrance was originally called Eau de Cologne. After being rebranded in 1862, it became known as Extra Vieille, keeping its legacy intact with a signature blend of citrus and floral notes.
Introduced in 1808 in New York, Florida Water combines citrusy lemon and sweet orange with lavender and cloves. Its name refers to the legend of explorer Ponce de León, who is said to have searched for the Fountain of Youth. Instead, Florida Water encapsulates the fragrance of Spring itself.
This fragrance was created in 1853 for Empress Eugénie, the wife of France’s last monarch, Napoleon III, to alleviate her migraines. After receiving the Empress’s approval, the perfume was released for sale and is known for its delicate scent, which includes honey from 69 bees.
A milestone in the history of perfumery, Fougère Royale was introduced in 1882 and is recognized as the first fragrance to feature a combination of mossy, woody notes and Mediterranean herbs. It contains lavender, sage, amber, patchouli, and tonka beans, making it a classic, timeless scent.
Created by perfumer Ernest Daltroff in 1911, Narcisse Noir presents a bold and intricate blend of bright orange blossom and musky sandalwood. Its fragrance explores the balance between contrasting elements, making it a fascinating and memorable scent.
Originally launched in 1919, Tabac Blond was designed with men in mind, offering smoky and leathery notes. However, it was soon re-released as a floral scent for women, and became associated with chic and liberated femininity. Its composition includes smoke, leather, cedar, cloves, vanilla, and Turkish rose.
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