by Clean
Acqua Neroli by Clean is a bright, clean, and well-balanced fragrance that captures the essence of a sun-drenched summer day. It opens with a crisp, zesty citrus burst—bergamot and mandarin orange—that gives it a fresh, almost medicinal coolness. This quickly melds into a delicate white floral heart dominated by neroli and orange blossom, softened by hints of jasmine and a subtle musky amber base. The overall impression is one of luxurious laundry—freshly washed, sun-dried, and folded with a hint of warmth and softness. Its clean, airy presence makes it ideal for warm weather and daytime wear, seamlessly blending into skin without overwhelming. Though it’s often compared to Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino, it stands out with longer performance, especially for a fragrance of this profile. Many appreciate its unisex quality, practical application (perfect for the office or post-workout), and its ability to layer well with other scents. It’s particularly praised for its longevity on skin and fabric—a rare trait among Clean’s offerings. A few note, however, that the scent can feel synthetic or overly detergent-like for some, especially in colder months or on sensitive skin. The dry-down leans toward a soapy, slightly artificial impression, with an unfortunate herbal or chemical undertone that some liken to Windex, laundry soap, or even industrial cleaners. While not offensive to all, it’s not a deeply complex or memorable fragrance—it’s refreshingly simple and predictably linear.