by Le Labo
Bergamote 22 by Le Labo presents a radiant, authentic citrus experience rooted in bergamot and grapefruit, delivered with a clean, natural character. The opening bursts with a zesty, effervescent freshness that feels like freshly squeezed citrus rind — vibrant, juicy, and alive. It transitions into a balanced, softly woody base of vetiver, cedar, and a hint of musk, creating a clean, aromatic, and subtly sweet drydown. The fragrance is universally considered unisex and carries a warm, approachable energy, ideal for spring and summer days. While praised for its authenticity and natural aroma quality, the scent is often described as being very linear and lacks complexity in the dry-down. It is particularly noted for its persistent presence on clothing, where it lingers for days, but on skin, it fades quickly, resulting in a close-kin scent within one to two hours. This performance shortcoming is widely experienced across different skin types and is highlighted as a major drawback. Despite strong praise for its initial freshness and impeccable scent development, the price is consistently regarded as significantly higher than what the longevity and projection justify.