The Word’s Most Popular Aldehydic Floral

Chanel No. 5 is one of the most iconic fragrances in luxury fragrance history, with a bottle being sold worldwide every 30 seconds. Its alluring effects conjure up images of elegance, chic, power, and high fashion — perfect for women of exceptional beauty and style.

One could argue that the perfume’s claim to fame is its meticulously hand-sealed glass bottles, upending much of what we thought we knew about perfume packaging. Or perhaps one would attribute its popularity to the countless Chanel No. 5 commercials and endorsements by celebrities such as Marilyn Monroe, who once famously said that "a few drops of Chanel No. 5" were all she wore to bed.

And you won’t be wrong. In their own way, these factors were undoubtedly important to the fragrance’s success. But as far as we’re concerned, what makes Chanel No. 5 so extraordinary is its innovative formulation. This is a concoction that uses more than 80 ingredients in a multi-layered, complex formulation process, including aldehydes (one of the first to do so). The resulting fragrance is something of an enigma — a one-of-a-kind amalgam of both natural and synthetic elements. It’s a scent that has completely enthralled the fragrance world and compelled women all over to get their hands on a perfume that, as Coco Chanel herself put it so plainly, "smells like nothing else".

The unmistakable aldehydic quality of Chanel No 5, coupled with a complex blend of notes, makes it difficult to pinpoint the exact scent. But if we had to try, we’d say it’s somewhat citrusy, distinctly floral, and exceedingly feminine.

This fragrance opens with a burst of freshness and sparkle thanks to the heavy dose of aldehydes combined with more familiar notes such as zingy bergamot, lemon, and delicious neroli. However, the effervescent top notes are quickly lost in the presence of the glorious middle notes of rose, jasmine heart, and lily-of-the-valley. Underneath this floral whirlwind lies a vibrant sensuality: captivating notes of vetiver, vanilla, amber, and sandalwood. Combined with a sultry musk, Chanel No. 5 uses its base notes to enfold you in its powerful embrace. A touch of earthy oakmoss and patchouli completes the aroma.

The first Chanel No. 5 came in three concentrations: Parfum, Eau de Toilette, and Eau de Cologne. The perfume has also spawned many other flankers that share its iconic scent, perhaps too many to mention. But our favorites are Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere, Chanel No. 5 Parfum Grand Extrait, and Chanel No. 5 L’Eau. Additionally, Chanel No. 5 is available in a gift set, or as a hair fragrance, body lotion, body cream, and bath soap.

Dossier draws a page from the French luxury house’s century-old recipe to create a Chanel No. 5 dupe with an exquisite scent, reminiscent of the original fragrance. Floral Aldehydes is a floral scent you can wear with confidence, panache, and poise — qualities that befit a woman who knows exactly what she wants in life and will do whatever it takes to get there.