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.

What does Eau d'Hermès smell like?

Eau d’Hermès is often described by enthusiasts as "the Devil’s cologne," a title earned by its stark contrast between refined French perfumery and raw, human intimacy. Created by the legendary Edmond...

Details

House: Hermès
Gender: unisex
Year: 1951
Longevity: 7.2 / 10
Sillage: 6.5 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Woody, Citrus, Leathery, Animal
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring
Best Occasions: Leisure, Evening
Perfumer: Edmond Roudnitska

Community Insights

Based on 4 discussions

The fragrance is famously polarizing, with the community divided between those who find it an elegant "human" scent and those who compare it to the smell of body odor, morning breath, or stables.
Performance is generally regarded as moderate; while it has a powerful and provocative opening, it transitions into an intimate skin scent that doesn't project heavily but lasts for several hours.
Enthusiasts frequently categorize this as a "must-smell" historical artifact, though some report that boutiques occasionally hide the testers because the scent is too challenging for the average consumer.
It is widely considered a year-round fragrance, though it receives the most praise during spring and fall when the cooler air helps balance the warmth of the spices and leather.
Common comparisons are made to old-school animalic leathers like Bandit or the powdery leather finish of Cuir de Lancôme, rather than modern, "clean" Hermes offerings like Terre d'Hermès.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a safe blind buy for someone who likes fresh citrus scents?+

No. Despite the "Eau" in the name and the citrus top notes, this is a spicy, animalic leather fragrance. It is much earthier and "dirtier" than typical fresh colognes.

How has the scent changed through reformulations?+

Long-time fans note that modern versions are smoother and slightly less "raunchy" or "filthy" than the vintage bottles, though it still retains its characteristic cumin-like spice and leather profile.

Can this fragrance be worn in a professional business setting?+

It is risky for the office. While some find it sophisticated, the animalic and "sweaty" accords can be misinterpreted as poor hygiene by those who aren't familiar with this style of perfumery. It is more suited for leisure or intimate evenings.

Is Eau d'Hermès truly unisex?+

Yes. It avoids the sugary sweetness of many feminine scents and the aggressive woods of many masculine scents, instead focusing on spices and leather which sit comfortably on any gender.

Appears in Collections

Casual & Leisure Fragrances2484 Unisex Fragrances3693 Fragrances Starting With E361

Similar Fragrances

Hermès

Parfum d'Hermès

Eau De Toilette

Hermès

Voyage d'Hermès

Parfum

Hermès

Voyage d'Hermès

Parfum

Hermès

24, Faubourg

Eau De Toilette

Hermès

24, Faubourg

Eau De Parfum

Hermès

Terre d'Hermès

Eau De Parfum

Hermès

Terre d'Hermès

Eau De Toilette

Hermès

Equipage

Eau De Toilette

What does Eau d'Hermès smell like?

Eau d’Hermès is often described by enthusiasts as "the Devil’s cologne," a title earned by its stark contrast between refined French perfumery and raw, human intimacy. Created by the legendary Edmond...

Details

House: Hermès
Gender: unisex
Year: 1951
Longevity: 7.2 / 10
Sillage: 6.5 / 10
Scent Profile: Spicy, Woody, Citrus, Leathery, Animal
Best Seasons: Fall, Spring
Best Occasions: Leisure, Evening
Perfumer: Edmond Roudnitska

Community Insights

Based on 4 discussions

The fragrance is famously polarizing, with the community divided between those who find it an elegant "human" scent and those who compare it to the smell of body odor, morning breath, or stables.
Performance is generally regarded as moderate; while it has a powerful and provocative opening, it transitions into an intimate skin scent that doesn't project heavily but lasts for several hours.
Enthusiasts frequently categorize this as a "must-smell" historical artifact, though some report that boutiques occasionally hide the testers because the scent is too challenging for the average consumer.
It is widely considered a year-round fragrance, though it receives the most praise during spring and fall when the cooler air helps balance the warmth of the spices and leather.
Common comparisons are made to old-school animalic leathers like Bandit or the powdery leather finish of Cuir de Lancôme, rather than modern, "clean" Hermes offerings like Terre d'Hermès.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a safe blind buy for someone who likes fresh citrus scents?+

No. Despite the "Eau" in the name and the citrus top notes, this is a spicy, animalic leather fragrance. It is much earthier and "dirtier" than typical fresh colognes.

How has the scent changed through reformulations?+

Long-time fans note that modern versions are smoother and slightly less "raunchy" or "filthy" than the vintage bottles, though it still retains its characteristic cumin-like spice and leather profile.

Can this fragrance be worn in a professional business setting?+

It is risky for the office. While some find it sophisticated, the animalic and "sweaty" accords can be misinterpreted as poor hygiene by those who aren't familiar with this style of perfumery. It is more suited for leisure or intimate evenings.

Is Eau d'Hermès truly unisex?+

Yes. It avoids the sugary sweetness of many feminine scents and the aggressive woods of many masculine scents, instead focusing on spices and leather which sit comfortably on any gender.

Does this fragrance smell like sweat?+

Many community members point out that the combination of spices like cardamom and cinnamon can mimic a "human" scent or light perspiration, which is a signature element of Roudnitska’s style.

What is the best way to wear this if I find the opening too strong?+

Many users suggest applying it 30 minutes before leaving the house, as the "skanky" or sour opening fades into a much softer, powdery leather drydown that is significantly more approachable.

from $119.69· Checked Jul 10 Compare

$119.69

Typical priceChecked Jul 10

FragranceNetTrusted

Buy now Compare all 2 prices Compare 2 prices

We may earn a commission.

$119.69

Typical priceChecked Jul 10

FragranceNetTrusted

Buy now Compare all 2 prices Compare 2 prices

We may earn a commission.

Accords

Notes

TopBergamot//Cinnamon//Cardamom//Lavender//Clover

HeartGeranium//Tonka bean//Vanilla//Jasmine

BaseLeather//Birch//Sandalwood//Cedar

Where to buy Eau d'Hermès

from $119.69 (100ml) · 2 retailers

Every retailer shown here is a seller we’ve vetted.

100ml

Checked Jul 10

FragranceNet

$119.69Buy

eCosmetics

$129.00Buy

Today's best price of $119.69 is about the typical price for this size, based on 25 days of tracking.

Price history

100ml price trendAt tracked low of $119.69

Amazon

Price not trackedBuy

Get on the early list. We'll email you as this rolls out.

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.

Similar Fragrances

Hermès

Parfum d'Hermès

Eau De Toilette

Hermès

Voyage d'Hermès

Parfum

Hermès

Voyage d'Hermès

Parfum

Hermès

24, Faubourg

Eau De Toilette

Hermès

24, Faubourg

Eau De Parfum

Hermès

Terre d'Hermès

Eau De Parfum

Hermès

Terre d'Hermès

Eau De Toilette

Hermès

Equipage

Eau De Toilette

Appears in Collections

Casual & Leisure Fragrances2484 Unisex Fragrances3693 Fragrances Starting With E361