When Prada Beauty launched its Infusion de Rhubarbe Eau de Parfum ($180) the first week of January, it introduced a delicious fragrance with some undeniable personality and, in the process, sparked one of the year's first scent trends. From the pink pops of color to the luxurious bottle adorned with a Saffiano leather cap, the release was decidedly Prada, topped with a playful nod to its star ingredient: the paradox of rhubarb.
What Is a Rhubarb Fragrance?
Technically a vegetable, yet known for its fruity tones, rhubarb traditionally falls under the floral-fruity category (a common fragrance family, yes, but it's not that straightforward). "Rhubarb fragrances are classified as green and tart. They can sometimes also be sharp fragrances, playing in the same world as citrus," says Walter Johnsen, InterParfums VP of Product Development. "Rhubarb notes are most commonly found in woody, green and citrus fragrances because of the multifaceted notes and textures the vegetable offers for the perfumer to choose from."
As Johnsen explains, some rhubarb fragrances can go more fruity, and some are sharper. Formulators often use different elements of the rhubarb to present a different experience. "It can be soft when it imitates the texture of rhubarb that has been stewed or baked into pies," he says. "It can also have a sweet, mouthwatering zing, or it can have a sharp, bracing quality, which can function in a similar role to citrus in a scent—giving that initial blast of joyful happiness that is known to bring a smile to our face."
Franco Wright of Lucky Scent favors the note for capturing a fruity quality with a twist. "A rhubarb note usually gives a fragrance a certain juicy, tart, sour, mouthwatering element," he says. "It's bright and fruity without being too sweet."
Rhubarb Fragrances to Try Now
Rhubarb Fragrances Are the Unexpectedly Tart Trend Taking Over
1 / 10
The team over at Lucky Scent and Scent Bar loves this tart rhubarb. Touched by tangy citrus and naturalistic, dry herbs, the scent also has a surprisingly sour quality. "It's an unexpected, dimensional take on rhubarb that doesn't shy away from the vegetable's sour facets," Wright says.
BUY NOW - $92
2 / 10
Daniela Andrier, master perfumer, Prada Les Infusions Fragrances describes this new release best: "It’s juicy, sparkling, colorful, and intensely red. A vegetable that is as natural as it is delicious, creating an intensely fresh and addictive trail."
BUY ON PRADA - $180
BUY ON SEPHORA - $180
3 / 10
Often sold-out, this purple-juicy rhubarb scent screams of intense richness via notes of amber woods and vanilla bean. "The standout feature is its versatility," shares one happy Ulta reviewer. "This perfume feels equally appropriate for daytime wear as it does for evenings. It seamlessly transitions from casual outings to special events."
BUY ON SEPHORA - $129
BUY ON ULTA - $129
6 / 10
Pairing black tea with sweet notes of rhubarb, carrot and pear, this warm and earthy fragrance feels like a warm breeze at sunset.
BUY NOW - $160
7 / 10
Sweet and sensual, this modern floral bouquet relishes its floral accords. Dominated by the damascena rose, lily of the valley and peony, tangy notes of lychee, rhubarb, bergamot and nutmeg round out the charming fragrance. Vanilla accentuates the sensuality of the composition at the base.
BUY ON NORDSTROM - $220
BUY ON AMAZON - $220
9 / 10
Exploring concepts within mindfulness, self-healing and neuroscience, this brand never disappoints. With a fruity opener that combines top notes of tart rhubarb, pink pepper, cinnamon and tangerine, the unique essence dries down with woodsy vanilla accords.
BUY NOW - $188
10 / 10
It may forever be associated with the Big Apple for its famous crisp green-sour quince, but this ode to New York opens with pink pepper and rhubarb, both of which give the scent its "zing."
BUY ON AMAZON - $58
BUY ON ULTA - $58
