Iris 39

Iris 39, inspired by Le Labo Iris 39 (2006)

The iris in Iris 39 is woody and creamy rather than lipstick-powdery, and patchouli gives it a damp, earthy quality from the outset. Ginger, cardamom and lime cut across the top, adding spice and a green citrus flash. Rose, violet and ylang-ylang sit quietly behind the iris. Underneath, a musky base with a touch of civet, a historically animal-derived note now usually recreated, lends a faintly warm, skin-like quality without sweetening the scent.

About the original

Frank Voelkl created Iris 39 for Le Labo in 2006. Le Labo describes creamy, woody iris given sensual depth by patchouli, over a proprietary musky base it does not disclose. An early review called it rich, earthy and chypre-like, spicy and modern, noting that it holds steady on skin without turning sweet.

Our version

Ours is an independent eau de parfum made to evoke the same character. It is not Le Labo stock, not an official relaunch and not the original formula.

Who it suits

Iris fans who want something grounded and slightly austere, not a sugared powder, are the natural audience. The patchouli and spice give it a grown-up, earthy character. Those expecting a pale, cosmetic iris may find the rooty, musky side heavier than they want.

Related scents

• Frederic Malle Iris Poudre
• Prada Infusion d'Iris
• Le Labo Rose 31

Notes of the original fragrance, as listed in fragrance references.

Notes: Iris, Lime, Patchouli, Rose, Ylang-ylang, Musk, Violet, Ginger, Cardamom, Civet

Lime, ginger and cardamom open it with a spiced, slightly green zing over the iris.

In the heart, iris takes centre stage, woody and creamy, with rose, violet and ylang-ylang adding floral shading and patchouli an earthy undertone.

The base turns musky, and a little civet gives the drydown its faintly animalic depth.

Is Iris 39 powdery?

Not in a cosmetic way. Le Labo describes the iris as woody and creamy, and patchouli and spice keep it earthy rather than cosmetic.

Is Iris 39 sweet?

Not especially. An early review found that it stays earthy and spicy on skin, with patchouli and ginger, and never turns sweet.

Inside the EU, delivery is free on orders of €49 or more. Below that it is a flat €4.99. Outside the EU, delivery is a flat €4.99 on every order. We send every order in 1 to 2 working days. It arrives in 3 to 7 days across the EU and in 7 to 14 days outside the EU. You have 14 days to return an unopened bottle.

Le Labo and Iris 39 are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Le Labo in any way, and no business relationship of any kind is implied. Our product is an original interpretation created to evoke a similar scent profile, and the trademark names are used purely for honest, descriptive comparison, so that you can quickly identify the style and fragrance family you are looking for. We make no claim to sell the original product, and we do not use the same ingredients or formula. Any similarity lies in the overall impression of the scent as interpreted by our own perfumers, not in the source materials.