Zen

Zen, inspired by Shiseido Zen (2007)

Citrus starts it off, with grapefruit and bergamot lending a clear, tangy note. Blue rose is a fantasy accord, since no rose is truly blue, and here it suggests a cool, airy rose. Freesia, violet and lotus give the heart a transparent, watery floral feel. Then the mood darkens slightly as incense, patchouli, amber and musk settle in, adding a faint smokiness beneath the flowers.

About the original

The 2007 Zen is the third Shiseido fragrance with that name, following versions from 1964 and 2000, and it is usually credited to Michel Almairac. Shiseido US describes it as floral freshness layered with amber and wood. In 2026 the brand launched Zen Essence, a different composition by Florian Gallo, and its UK site now marks the 2007 Zen as a 'Last Chance' item.

Our version

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

Who it suits

It works for someone who wants a floral that stays fresh but has a little shadow underneath. The incense and patchouli are discreet, yet buyers who want a purely clean or sweet floral might notice a slightly austere quality in the base.

Related scents

• Shiseido Ever Bloom
• Shiseido Ginza

Notes of the original fragrance, as published by the brand.

Top notes: Grapefruit, Bergamot, Blue Rose

Heart notes: Freesia, Violet, Lotus Flower, Rose

Base notes: Incense, Patchouli, Musk, Amber

Grapefruit and bergamot open it with a zesty clarity, while the blue rose accord adds a cool floral edge.

Freesia, violet, lotus and rose form a light, airy heart.

Incense brings a dry, slightly smoky depth to the base, with patchouli, amber and musk keeping it smooth.

Which Zen is this based on?

The 2007 Zen eau de parfum, the third Shiseido scent of that name. It is not the 1964 or 2000 Zen, nor the 2026 Zen Essence.

How is it different from Zen Essence?

Zen Essence (2026) is a new composition by Florian Gallo. The 2007 Zen is a floral woody scent with citrus, blue rose, freesia, violet and incense.

Does Zen smell smoky?

Only slightly. Incense in the base gives a quiet resinous smokiness under the flowers rather than a dominant smoky note.

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.

Shiseido and Zen are trademarks of their respective owners, and all rights remain with them. Parfumour is not affiliated with, endorsed by, sponsored by, or connected to Shiseido 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.