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What does Explosive smell like?

Explosive by Aigner is a powerful time capsule from 1986 that lives up to its name with a "bombastic" profile. It opens with a sharp, cold blast of aldehydes paired with coriander and bergamot, creating a metallic and spicy introduction that some describe as a punch to the senses. This isn’t a shy fragrance; it’s an unapologetic statement piece that demands attention from the moment it leaves the bottle. As the initial sharpness settles, a dark, "purple" rose takes center stage, supported by the herbaceous bite of geranium and the powdery elegance of iris. While the heart features lily of the valley, the floral experience is far from delicate—it is thick and earthy. The base grounds the floral explosion in a heavy, vintage-style chypre foundation of moss, patchouli, and vetiver. Wearing it feels like donning a velvet blazer in a dimly lit room; it’s moody, sophisticated, and carries a distinct "hippie-ish" earthiness that straddles the line between masculine and feminine.

Details

House: Aigner
Concentration: Eau De Toilette
Gender: feminine
Year: 1986
Longevity: 8.3 / 10 · 213 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 8.2 / 10 · 200 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (128 votes), Winter (128 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Night Out (123 votes), Evening (122 votes)
Scent Profile: Spicy, Floral, Woody, Oriental, Chypre

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

Performance is the defining characteristic of this scent; enthusiasts note it has "nuclear" longevity and projection that can last through a shower or a laundry cycle.
Many collectors compare its rose-patchouli profile to modern niche scents like Portrait of a Lady, though others liken its sharp aldehyde structure to 80s icons like Knowing or Diva.
It is considered a highly polarizing "love-it-or-hate-it" fragrance, often sparking debates between those who admire its retro glamour and those who find the aldehyde and moss combination too harsh.
Given its heavy, earthy projection, the consensus is to reserve this for cold weather (fall and winter) and evening wear, as heat can make the intensity overwhelming.
It is widely praised as an exceptional value, often found at budget-friendly prices while delivering the performance and complexity of a high-end powerhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this fragrance still smell "dirty" like the original 1980s bottles?+

Long-time fans suggest that while the modern version retains its signature intensity, it lacks some of the "80s dirtiness" found in vintage batches, leaning a bit cleaner in its moss and patchouli execution.

Is this suitable for men to wear?+

Although marketed for women, the fragrance community frequently identifies Explosive as a unisex or even masculine-leaning scent due to its heavy woods, moss, and spicy geranium-rose profile.

How many sprays should I use?+

Because of its "gigaton" projection, most users recommend a "less is more" approach. One or two sprays are usually sufficient for the entire day, as the scent is known for being difficult to remove once applied.

Is it safe for the office or daily wear?+

Generally, no. Its potency and divisive nature make it better suited for nights out or leisure activities in open spaces rather than close-quarter business environments.

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Classic Perfumes944 Eau de Toilette Fragrances915 Feminine Fragrances2169 Fragrances Starting With E361

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No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

No tracked prices yet

We are not tracking a current retailer offer for this fragrance yet.

View price details

What does Explosive smell like?

Explosive by Aigner is a powerful time capsule from 1986 that lives up to its name with a "bombastic" profile. It opens with a sharp, cold blast of aldehydes paired with coriander and bergamot, creating a metallic and spicy introduction that some describe as a punch to the senses. This isn’t a shy fragrance; it’s an unapologetic statement piece that demands attention from the moment it leaves the bottle. As the initial sharpness settles, a dark, "purple" rose takes center stage, supported by the herbaceous bite of geranium and the powdery elegance of iris. While the heart features lily of the valley, the floral experience is far from delicate—it is thick and earthy. The base grounds the floral explosion in a heavy, vintage-style chypre foundation of moss, patchouli, and vetiver. Wearing it feels like donning a velvet blazer in a dimly lit room; it’s moody, sophisticated, and carries a distinct "hippie-ish" earthiness that straddles the line between masculine and feminine.

Details

House: Aigner
Concentration: Eau De Toilette
Gender: feminine
Year: 1986
Longevity: 8.3 / 10 · 213 Parfumo ratings
Sillage: 8.2 / 10 · 200 Parfumo ratings
Season votes on Parfumo: Fall (128 votes), Winter (128 votes)
Occasion votes on Parfumo: Night Out (123 votes), Evening (122 votes)
Scent Profile: Spicy, Floral, Woody, Oriental, Chypre

Historical community ratings and votes imported from Parfumo. Values may have changed since import; the observation date is unavailable. Ratings reflect community opinions, not measured wear tests. Categories show up to two leading vote counts; votes are category selections and may overlap.

Community Insights

Performance is the defining characteristic of this scent; enthusiasts note it has "nuclear" longevity and projection that can last through a shower or a laundry cycle.
Many collectors compare its rose-patchouli profile to modern niche scents like Portrait of a Lady, though others liken its sharp aldehyde structure to 80s icons like Knowing or Diva.
It is considered a highly polarizing "love-it-or-hate-it" fragrance, often sparking debates between those who admire its retro glamour and those who find the aldehyde and moss combination too harsh.
Given its heavy, earthy projection, the consensus is to reserve this for cold weather (fall and winter) and evening wear, as heat can make the intensity overwhelming.
It is widely praised as an exceptional value, often found at budget-friendly prices while delivering the performance and complexity of a high-end powerhouse.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this fragrance still smell "dirty" like the original 1980s bottles?+

Long-time fans suggest that while the modern version retains its signature intensity, it lacks some of the "80s dirtiness" found in vintage batches, leaning a bit cleaner in its moss and patchouli execution.

Is this suitable for men to wear?+

Although marketed for women, the fragrance community frequently identifies Explosive as a unisex or even masculine-leaning scent due to its heavy woods, moss, and spicy geranium-rose profile.

How many sprays should I use?+

Because of its "gigaton" projection, most users recommend a "less is more" approach. One or two sprays are usually sufficient for the entire day, as the scent is known for being difficult to remove once applied.

Is it safe for the office or daily wear?+

Generally, no. Its potency and divisive nature make it better suited for nights out or leisure activities in open spaces rather than close-quarter business environments.

How does it perform in the summer?+

It is not recommended for high heat. The aldehydes and mossy base can become cloying and "vinegar-like" in humid conditions; it performs much better in the crisp air of fall and winter.

Accords

Notes

TopAldehydes//Coriander//Bergamot

HeartRose//Geranium//Lily of the valley//Iris

BasePatchouli//Moss//Sandalwood//Vetiver//Ambergris

Appears in Collections

Date Night Fragrances1836 Evening Fragrances2333 Classic Perfumes944 Eau de Toilette Fragrances915 Feminine Fragrances2169 Fragrances Starting With E361

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Aigner

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Aigner

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Where to buy Explosive

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Fragrance Fragrance is an independent price-comparison service, not a retailer or marketplace. We do not sell, stock, ship, or accept payment for products. Purchases are completed on third-party retailer sites. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by fragrance brands. How buying works.

Prices are collected from third-party retailers and updated periodically. Always verify the price on the retailer's site before purchasing. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our links.