Citron 28, Seoul

Citron 28 by Le Labo presents a subtle yet elegant fusion of citrus, floral, and musky accords, veiling the expected freshness of citron under a more nuanced interpretation. The opening features a crisp, green lemon and ginger, but this initial vivacity quickly gives way to a prominent jasmine core, described by many as lush, natural, and slightly indolic — evoking a bouquet of fresh white flowers leaning toward a delicate, slightly imperfect bloom rather than a sterile clean floral. The dry down is dominated by a soft musk and woody undertone, creating a dry, transparent, and slightly creamy impression reminiscent of clean laundry or a quiet spring afternoon. While this fragrance shares lineage with Bergamote 22 and Another 13, it diverges by prioritizing floral depth over citrus intensity, making it more of a refined jasmine-forward composition than a citrus-centric one. It performs subtly across the day, projecting modestly with moderate longevity, and suits warm seasons and daytime wear most gracefully. Despite being marketed as a Seoul exclusive, the scent bears little resemblance to the city’s atmosphere — a common point of critique — yet stands out for its transparency, balance, and sophisticated, unfussy elegance.