Fragrance shopping can be tough—that’s definitely no secret. There are so many factors to consider when selecting a scent, including the notes, lasting power, and how it reacts to your body chemistry. What you shouldn’t have to worry about as a consumer, however, is if the ingredients used in your perfume are toxic or disruptive to the environment. Sadly, there are still plenty of fragrances out there that do contain these elements, but I’ve fallen in love with a brand that doesn’t and holds itself to extremely high standards.
Meet Henry Rose, the beautifully crafted brainchild of iconic actress Michelle Pfeiffer. Each perfume from the brand aims to peel back the mysterious layers surrounding unidentified ingredients often used in fragrances. All Henry Rose perfumes are both Environmental Working Group– and Cradle to Cradle–certified, meaning they meet the highest standards of ingredient safety and sustainability. Pfeiffer believes you don’t have to sacrifice safety for sophistication, a sentiment I really resonate with and also champion. If you’re curious about which of the brand’s offerings could be right for you, read on below for Pfeiffer’s favorite and a few I can’t get enough of myself.
Key notes: neroli, grapefruit, bergamot, orange flower, jasmine absolut sambac LMR, moss, guaiac wood, musk. This fragrance is so zesty, fresh, and warm. It gives me an instant burst of energy the minute I spritz it on in the morning. It calls to mind the smell of freshly grown fruit on a farm in the morning. Not that I actually know what that smells like on a daily basis, but with this perfume, I can at least pretend.
Key notes: pink peppercorn LMR, rose essential for life LMR, Egyptian orange flower LMR, Turkish rose absolute LMR, orris LMR, amber woods, ambrette absolute LMR, musk. Sheep’s Clothing is Henry Rose’s newest offering and, I have to say, one of my all-time favorites from the brand. It’s so well balanced in its organic and earthy glory. Pfeiffer said of this latest offering, “I’m usually less drawn to overly floral fragrances and instead tend to prefer warmer or spicier scents. But Sheep’s Clothing has the best of both worlds—it’s a Turkish rose juxtaposed with a soft dusting of pink peppercorn.”
Key notes: rhubarb, cardamom, pink peppercorn, rose petals, Turkish rose absolute, raspberry blossom, papyrus, agarwood, sandalwood
Key notes: fresh marine, neroli, peony, jasmine, phenyl ethyl alcohol, Ambroxan, musk. I’ve never smelled anything like Jake’s House—honestly. It may not be for everyone, as it’s almost tough to pinpoint exactly what you’re smelling, but it’s ultra clean with a heady finish. It’s a great offering for those who like something light and unique that doesn’t smell too strongly floral.
Key notes: aquatic accord, coriander, red seaweed essence
Key notes: violet leaf, neroli, freesia, jasmine, vanilla, coco musk, sandalwood. Queens & Monsters is another personal Henry Rose favorite. It’s a harmonious union of sweeter elements like vanilla, coco musk, and neroli with woody sandalwood. It does wear on the sweeter side but has this beautiful, almost spicy undertone. It’s a gorgeous scent that will definitely grab the attention of others, and it has landed a spot in my (much more exclusive) signature scent rotation.
Key notes: orangeflower water absolute Tunisia, neroli blanc, jasmine absolute sambac LMR, tuberose accord, cedarwood Texas, vetiver oil Haiti LMR for life, opulent musks, amber. Flora Carnivora is exactly what you think it is—a truly lush, floral-heavy aroma. Once former New York Times scent critic Chandler Burr told me it’s a favorite of his, I knew I had to try. There’s a brightness to it that blends seamlessly with grounding vetiver and amber.
Key notes: freesia, muguet, rose, violet, jasmine, sandalwood, musk, patchouli, vanilla bean, praline. If Pfeiffer herself had to choose one Henry Rose perfume to rule them all, she would pick this one. “I love them all, but Torn is the first one I developed, and it’s my favorite,” she says. “It reminds me of how my father smelled growing up—it’s a warm, familiar scent.”
Key notes: galbanum, hyacinth, bergamot, neroli, iris, orris root, rose, lily of the valley, narcissus, jasmine ylang-ylang, oakmoss, vetiver, leather, cedar, sandalwood, musk
Key notes: Granny Smith apple, watery notes, melon-pineapple sorbet, apricot nectar, star jasmine, white tea, sheer white woods, sandalwood, layered musks, amber. This is another crisp, bright, and refreshing Henry Rose perfume. It may be light, but it’s still long-lasting and envelopes you in a delicious sweetness that never smells of candy or other desserts (something I personally don’t care for at all in a perfume).
